Marlee Matlin - Deaf Actress, Cultural Icon
Perry Miles
Professor Parker
English 1010 Composition 1
24 June 2009
Paper I: Marlee Matlin - Deaf Actress, Cultural Icon Marlee Beth Matlin was born on August 24, 1965 in Morton Grove, Illinois to Libby and Donald Matlin. She is the youngest and the only female of three children. She is an Academy Award winning actress and a world renowned spokesperson for various organizations. Marlee lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her husband, law enforcement officer Kevin Grandalski, and their four children, Sarah, Brandon, Tyler and Isabelle. These facts are not very different from millions of other Americans across the country. The one fact about Marlee that makes me admire her is that at the tender age of 18 months, she had a bout with Roseola, a form of German measles, which left her totally deaf in her right ear and 80% deaf in her left ear. In spite of this fact, Marlee has become an inspiration to members of the Deaf and hearing communities alike. She is an example of strength and determination, rising above adversity to accomplish her dreams and exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit. Inspiring millions with her dedication to connecting the Deaf and hearing communities, Marlee Matlin is truly a cultural icon. It is, however, necessary for you to know about Marlee’s background and upbringing in order to really understand what has made her such an extraordinary individual. Growing up is not easy for the average child, just ask one of my children and they will go on about their woes for hours. But for Marlee it was even more complicated and confusing. She was the youngest member of her family and the only person in her Morton Grove home that was deaf. I can only imagine the feelings of loneliness and isolation that she must have felt in her silent world. But there is a point in every child’s life where the unyielding support of parents or lack thereof will determine the path in which said child will take. Marlee was one of the lucky
Professor Parker
English 1010 Composition 1
24 June 2009
Paper I: Marlee Matlin - Deaf Actress, Cultural Icon Marlee Beth Matlin was born on August 24, 1965 in Morton Grove, Illinois to Libby and Donald Matlin. She is the youngest and the only female of three children. She is an Academy Award winning actress and a world renowned spokesperson for various organizations. Marlee lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her husband, law enforcement officer Kevin Grandalski, and their four children, Sarah, Brandon, Tyler and Isabelle. These facts are not very different from millions of other Americans across the country. The one fact about Marlee that makes me admire her is that at the tender age of 18 months, she had a bout with Roseola, a form of German measles, which left her totally deaf in her right ear and 80% deaf in her left ear. In spite of this fact, Marlee has become an inspiration to members of the Deaf and hearing communities alike. She is an example of strength and determination, rising above adversity to accomplish her dreams and exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit. Inspiring millions with her dedication to connecting the Deaf and hearing communities, Marlee Matlin is truly a cultural icon. It is, however, necessary for you to know about Marlee’s background and upbringing in order to really understand what has made her such an extraordinary individual. Growing up is not easy for the average child, just ask one of my children and they will go on about their woes for hours. But for Marlee it was even more complicated and confusing. She was the youngest member of her family and the only person in her Morton Grove home that was deaf. I can only imagine the feelings of loneliness and isolation that she must have felt in her silent world. But there is a point in every child’s life where the unyielding support of parents or lack thereof will determine the path in which said child will take. Marlee was one of the lucky