Last year, Marlee Matlin, dazzled audiences with her ability to dance to music on Dancing With The Stars. This year, she's flying from city to city to promote her autobiography, I'll Scream Later. The L-Word star stopped in Oak Brook, Illinois last week to sign books at the local Borders. Approximately 250 fans stood in line to get their books signed and pictures taken.
(Photo above: Marlee Matlin, Karen Putz, Steven Putz, Lauren Putz)
The hubby and I brought our three kids with us that night and we were in the second group for the book signing. I brought my Z-340 videophone with me so that Tim Rarus (VP of Sales) and Sean Belanger (CEO of CSDVRS) could connect with Marlee for a few minutes. I have met Marlee a few times over the years and my husband stood up in a wedding where she was one of the bridesmaids. I've always had great admiration for Marlee-- she has matured into a multi-faceted actress who has proven herself time and time again with a variety of acting roles. She will be getting her own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame on May 6th.
I started reading the book on the way home that night and didn't put it down until a few hours later. From her early beginning as Dorothy on stage to her recent stint with Dancing with the Stars, Marlee chronicles her life story, dropping name after famous name everywhere in the book. It's hard not to be impressed by the many famous people she's encountered, until you realize that the majority of stars take the same path: they start out as a niave unknown and then Hollywood channels them into recognized names. Marlee is undoubtly the most famous deaf actress that tinsel-town has ever had.
As I closed the book on the last chapter, I spotted a quote by Marlee-- something that I hope my own deaf and hard of hearing children come to recognize someday:
My life is rich, I am blessed and I am grateful. That I am Deaf is just a footnote. It is part of who I am, but far from all of who I am.
More on Marlee:
Marlee Matlin Signs Her Book
Marlee Matlin on Facebook
Marlee Matlin on Disaboom
Marlee Matlin Official Website
