Marlee Matlin

Marlee Matlin is an American actress who is almost completely deaf. Born Morton Grove, Illinois, Matlin lost most of her hearing at the age of 18 months, following a bout of Roseola infantum. She lost all hearing in her right ear, and 80% of hearing in her left ear. She is actively involved with a number of charitable organizations, including the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Starlight Children's Foundation, and the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet.Matlin is married and has two daughters and two sons. In 2002, she published her first novel, Deaf Child Crossing, which is loosely based on her own childhood.