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.