"CODA" actress Marlee Matlin on making noise

The Academy Award-winner, whose latest film features an ensemble of deaf actors, talks with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz about how "playing deaf is not a costume," and about the importance of representation of the deaf and hearing-impaired in front of and behind the camera.
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.
Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" KZbin channel: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook: bit.ly/3sRgLPG
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@thescowlingschnauzer]

"34 years later she remains the only deaf person to win an Academy Award in any category." But not 35 years later! Congrats to Troy Kotsur on Best Support Actor in CODA!

[@elizaheathen]

this might not have any relation, but THANK YOU for showing all of Marlee's signs in full and not cutting them out of frame. I commented on a previous CBS interview with Millicent Simmonds that regularly cut off her signs, and I just want to say this was SUCH an enjoyable watch :) ASL is a beautiful language.

[@gregXxo]

I've seen interviews where the interviewers were looking at her interpertor most if the time instead of her

[@robyndismon394]

@@gregXxo Damned shame. Imho!

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I am hard of hearing. My eardrum perforated when I was 4 years old on a flight from Guam to California. When I watch CBS Sunday morning on KZbin, there are no closed captions and I do not see any names for the people being interviewed or interviewing. It is a shame that so many shows are Closed Captioned and this one will not use closed captions for KZbin. I thought Pogue was Poe.

[@LaLeeRu]

What a fabulous comment. Thank you for noting this!

[@RaymondHng]

@@CharlotteFairchild This video has Closed Captioning.

[@MFM230]

This movie was extremely enhanced by having three actors who are deaf: Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin, who play Ruby's parents, and Daniel Durant, who plays her older brother. This movie is a must-see for anyone who enjoys movies. On Rotten Tomatoes it rated 96/95 (critics/audience). Bring a handkerchief; you'll need it. I needed one and did not have it.

[@suzannadannaTARDIS]

Absolutely. I keep watching it, and I'm glad I purchased it. Hoping CODA paves the way for many more movies starring deaf actors.

[@rr7firefly]

You can always tell what a person is like when they have children. Listening to her son Tyler you see a well-adjusted son who has a great love of life.

[@dido.the.side.h0646]

rly?? My brothers and I are all so different - I would say they're very well adjusted and I'm defo not. I don't think parents have that much influence on kids' personality tbh... But yh Marlee is lovely and here son seems cool too

[@PrettyGuardian]

@@dido.the.side.h0646 Well, you're wrong.

[@RaymondHng]

@@dido.the.side.h0646 You certainly do. Over time, you learn how your parents are able to push your buttons.That knowledge you gained from experience is something you apply when you interact with other people in your life.

[@edithlazenby5839]

My grandma was deaf...she met my grandfather at a dance....he was the fiddle player, she danced, the rest is history...

[@massabielle2821]

Awwwww! This is soooo sweet! You brought happy tears to my eyes and joy in my heart………❤️

[@mililaniman]

This is a beautiful story. I was born with a physical disability, and I have acted in several plays over the years. This motivates me to continue for more opportunities to get involved in the performing arts

[@moisemensah8233]

Very proud of you. Wish you nothing but utter happiness!

[@r27kristo21]

🙌🙌🙌🎉

[@bellewether4534]

Agreed. I have a couple of neurological disabilities but always loved acting. Sadly, I gave it up after college because I only ever got roles if I didn't mention my disability status (i can just about "pass" as non-disabled with a lot of effort but choose not to any more because I'm proud of who I am). However, folks like Marlee Matlin give me hope. I actually auditioned (as my authentic self) for a local theatre group after watching CODA and I got in! I'll be in a lead role for a Shakespeare performance in the summer and I can't wait :)

[@donnavannostrand2378]

She was blessed to have Henry Winkler - he is a saint. Love him and her.

[@jefrossman7546]

How are you?

[@pamklein4320]

I totally agree! Amazing! All choked up! Love her and Henry Winkler (and his wife)!!!!! 🤟🏼💖🤩

[@MelissaThompson432]

I didn't realize somebody came to her to ask her to be the only deaf actor on the project. I'm not surprised, but I am glad, that she held out for authenticity.

[@chrisfinch8637]

Marlee Matlin is such a sweet soul, along with her long life interpreter, Jack Jason. Her roles in film and on television, while deaf, really speak so much for others who are the same or different from those who actually can speak or hear. Praise Marlee! 🤟🏻❤️😊

[@Kim-lc3fv]

At least with the covid pandemic, the news conferences held by various international governments have all used sign interpreters. That has been progress and remarkable to see.

[@thecompanysingersph]

Such an intelligent, dignified and warm person. Wishing her continued success and breakthroughs for her and the community.

[@okamiwolf250]

I showed Coda to my family last night on a whim instead of watching the red carpet show, and everyone really liked it! When we got back to the Oscars it ended up winning a few awards! Pretty happy, the cast and crew really deserve the praise.

[@kokoken1]

I had the pleasure of meeting Marlee once. I was such a big fan of the '90s show "Reasonable Doubts," which she did with Mark Harmon. I was posting on the bulletin boards (OLD internet), and Jack Jason said Marlee had been invited to be the Walt Disney World "Celebrity of the Week." She invited me as her guest. It was a thrill. She thanked me for all the posts and wanted to know what I did for a living. I worked for The Orlando Sentinel in sports, and THAT opened a door of conversation. It was only about 15 minutes, but she is just a delightful woman.

[@sherrybrown5295]

Thank you. I thought I was the only one who remembered that show. I knew who the actors were but couldn't remember the name of it. I also watched and was bummed when it was canceled.

[@theorragames9729]

My Dad and I loved that show.

[@sarahnichols9639]

I love her. And she never disappoints in any project I see her in.

[@ysalvarita]

seen CODA a few hours ago and i loved it. the performances of the four leads are funny, heartwarming and inspiring. i cried ❤️

[@carmencouch9787]

What an inspiration Marlee is!! Sweet smile, kind words & definitely on a mission to help others in the world of hearing loss 🤗

[@rufiredup90]

She is so beautiful and her family is gorgeous! I’m so happy that she never stopped acting and that her role in CODA was given to her. She and her co-stars killed it in CODA! Brilliant actor!!

[@Voxann]

Jeez... finally CC on this Sunday Morning video because of Marlee Matlin. Please keep it up for all future Sunday Morning videos!! Comment on this to MAKE NOISE!!! The reason why I DON'T SUBSCRIBE is because of LACK OF CC. Deaf people skip videos that don't have CC and move on to other videos that are more accessible and enjoyable to watch. That's a FACT.

[@emilyb5557]

A channel this big should CC all it's uploads surely. Inclusion simple. I hope they realised after doing these that they can do it & do.

[@fernandabluntkrasinski9026]

The Guy who played the deaf son in CODA was Moritz in Deaf West's Spring Awakeming and he was amazing along with Marleen

[@gabriellastauffer]

I really wish this film was out beyond Apple TV because I want to show it to everyone!

[@AdrianApollo]

It's back in movie theaters now for one week! (until April 7, 2022)

[@mramirez5239]

People desperately underestimate the empowerment a healthy, mature, platonic mentor brings to an individual's life. Those mentors (I have one) truly ARE a God-send. Marlee had that 1000% correct! I am such a fan of her work and just feel such pride every time I see her, her work, and her representation appear onscreen.

[@spiderliliez]

I just finished watching CODA. Maaaannn, what an amazing film. It touches you deep! I'm so grateful to see it. What a great cast! I've always been a big fan of Matlin since "Reasonable Doubts" in the 90s. I was just this little kid who just started learning english and I was watching that series, but I was so in awe of her acting and what she can do even with her disability. She was such an inspiration!

[@Mehki227]

My sign language teacher was Hurt's sign language teacher. I recognized his style of signing in Hurt's signing and of course he's credited.

[@andreadaerice]

She is phenomenal and I have always respected her for her strength and courage. Thank you for showing her sign!

[@KL-sw5xi]

She's a talented actress and I wish her continued success!

[@hufflepuffwannabe]

I had no idea about what a role Henry Winkler played in her life. Amazing humans

[@dengarmuzikbukankritikartis]

I cried watching this video. my 1st introduction to Marlee was via Reasonable Doubts (which aired in my country a bit later after the show ended its run on American TV) and only after that I knew about her winning an Oscar for Children Of A Lesser God and a few days ago about her relationship with the late William Hurt. such a strong woman through and through and I'm genuinely happy knowing she has a beautiful family and CODA's success.

[@bakenumber4]

Marlee Marlin is an angel sent from God she is of course talented and beautiful but more importantly she helps people with disabilities feel excepted by society and main stream entertainment. And its because of Marlee I want to say someone extremely close to me is profoundly deaf too, so thank you Marlee for just being you.. please stay well

[@nmolinaro62]

I wanted to adopt Marlee when I first saw her in Children of a Lesser God. What a marvelous actress. What a treasure.

[@maggievp]

What a wonderful, interview! I love Marlee, and I can’t wait to watch CODA tonight!

[@Mehki227]

It's funny as all get out. It's playing on Apple TV.

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I majored in English/French and I was a hospital chaplain. I have always admired you, Marlee Matlin. I have always considered you to be a quality actress who is smart and who deserves every accolade. You are definitely a trailblazer. I took sign in grad school and never practiced it. I admire you and I cannot say enough that you are a beacon of light for women, hearing and deaf. Thank you for being so courageous.

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

Her voice when she talks is absolutely adorable.

[@chrisfinch8637]

Even though she doesn’t do that as often, it still does sound very much soothing. “You can still do it!” ❤️💯😊

[@scottacton1270]

I have always loved her acting!

[@ryanquesenberry44]

It would be nice if CBS Sunday Morning close captioned their uploads, I have a deaf friend who would enjoy a couple of today's stories.

[@claudine2000]

That!

[@CBSSundayMorning]

Hi Ryan, the closed captions are live.

[@ryanquesenberry44]

@@CBSSundayMorning any chance of other video's being CC'd?

[@JRoss-zxzx]

She should have been sent many more scripts, a fantastic actress.

[@strykertool]

It’s about damn time a movie like coda was made.

[@indowithbadenglish3775]

Sound of metal in last year is awesome

[@strykertool]

@@indowithbadenglish3775 totally agree. People say they want diversity on the screen .. this is how you do it.

[@ouroborosse2812]

« La famille belier » in 2014

[@bojackhorsingaround]

I would watch it for the performance alone. It's one of those movies that do well on so many parameters - editing, screen play, music, story, performances. Just wow!! Many beautiful moments.

[@carylosborn1808]

She’s awesome! And she has a lovely family!!

[@MrJimmy1953]

One of my favorite people and favorite movies.

[@suzannadannaTARDIS]

I look forward to seeing more deaf actors in film. Thank you so much to CBS for including Jack fully in this interview. It's funny, when she signs and I don't hear him, my brain fills in his voice as translator.

[@hillaryroberts3623]

Such a beautiful film.

[@tq2769]

I just.... this woman blows my mind every time I see her. Wow. And agree, so incredible to watch her sign which in itself is such a beautiful thing.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

The new film is absolutely lovely and MM is still beautiful.

[@HeatherValentineMsFoodie]

Marlee is one of my most favorite actresses love her love her love her and everything she does especially the L word

[@jefrossman7546]

How are you?

[@medicmandan]

It was lovely to hear from Marlee. I hope she continues to make noise!

[@catsmeow6848]

A good actress....happy to see she is doing well with a loving family!

[@yanange]

Just watched CODA. Loved it!

[@StephanieTips]

The first and only until Troy Kotsur. Their film together was a masterpiece!!

[@jaysartori9032]

I love her she is so great I loved her in the TV SyFy show Magicians.

[@melissanicole1969]

I am glad that she won she is a wonderful actor and she is 1 of my favorite actors to and a beautiful women thanks

[@shondaet]

I just watched Children of a Lesser God on the airplane. WOW! I was so impressed. And this new film looks amazing. And Marlee is beautiful. It also made me want to learn sign language again.

[@seizethedayandlive]

Fantastic. I had no idea Henry was such a saint!

[@jeanashchuchinov6593]

Love her

[@jefrossman7546]

How are you?

[@russellbibee4057]

what a beautiful and lovely lady I'm so jealous of her spirit and personality remarkable actress.....as well I loved the whole cast of the movie.......an instant favorite, thanks

[@melanieholstra4397]

She is so amazing to me!!

[@jefrossman7546]

How are you?

[@patsylvest]

'Diverse continuum' - thought-provoking phrase.

[@user-mt9in5ec8i]

Adore her! I hope she does more films.

[@shanecadden5303]

Loved M Matlin for years.

[@dragonfox2399]

Damn that women is good, I love her in Switch at Birth and she was phenomenal in CODA

[@angelablack7946]

I love this woman. She’s such an awesome woman.

[@katrine3445]

Always loved her. She was great in the L word as well.

[@TrillBelichick]

I’ve had a crush on Marlee for as long as I can remember.

[@georgelyden]

Wow! She made such beautiful children.Four beautiful people. My god, I’m hideous! :)

[@jasongibson3496]

My favorite movie by her is the 1989 made for tv CBS movie called Bridge To Silence.

[@bettyspaghetti4803]

I have a practice in my classroom that I hope helps my students who are hearing. Every time we watch something, I put the subtitles on. Subtitles should be in movies more often and I want them to not complain when they are included and they don’t need them.

[@ktwashere5637]

her entrance in the West Wing was the funniest moment in the entire series. Marlee has classic comedic timing.

[@jonaswunderkind4580]

I love her, always did!

[@su-rv2uq]

Have liked Marlee since "Children of a Lesser God." I also like "Reasonable Doubt" and wish it was on DVD. I remember she guested on "the Practice" as a woman who had killed the man who raped and murdered her young daughter. Ellanor, played by Camryn Manheim, is also fluent in sign, and this one scene where they are arguing in sign, not a word spoken aloud, over Marlee's refusal to be defended was so incredibly powerful.

[@ravenpicks]

She is the best. Her son is so cute. This is a good interview.

[@sfyoko]

I watched CODA on the Japanese Netflix, so had to read the sign language in Japanese subtitles, which was odd. Hope this fantastic movie will be available on US Netflix.

[@182prizinha]

There’s a French movie with similar plot if I remember well: deaf parents and their daughter who likes to sing (the belier family)

[@gregXxo]

I usually hate remakes but I heard this is actually better

[@namewithay]

It's telling that this video isn't captioned.

[@PaperTiger]

Don't know if they went up later than your comment, but you can turn on the captions in the settings.

[@patrickharrington1022]

She is so Blessed 😊-And Beautiful!

[@marryellenmonahan5585]

Go Ben!

[@TLForsberg]

Yes, please do! Keep making noise... xo

[@jaylerman7864]

Superb interview.

[@emilywong4064]

I am glad she had Henry Winkler as mentor.

[@Big-4]

Excellent movie, loved every minute of it

[@mikeydan]

LOVE to Marlee.

[@maxnewts]

She’s stunning 😍

[@laylaali5977]

Love marlee

[@themarquis336]

She's so beautiful...

[@Theshark15z]

I still remember her as "The Dancing Bandit" from Picket Fences.

[@inyoung2cho385]

Thank you for great interview.

[@cheri7054]

It's so sad cuz I loved Marlee in the role of Children of a Lesser G-d. She totally deserved that award. It's so sad to know how abusive William was towards Marlee as well. He abused her while they were filming the movie as well.

[@cheri7054]

I kinda wished she hadn't told us about the abuse and the car ride home. It ruins the movie. I understand Marlee was abused but I bet many people in movies and onset keep stories of actors behavior private. That part of the interview should have been deleted. She will be blackballed from Hollywood. If one is raping women then come forward but even then people will discredit you. Look how long some of these actors take before they have consequences

[@Mehki227]

@@cheri7054 She told that story many years ago. It's well-known already.

[@SubZerotheoneandonly2675]

I only know her from the TV series "Reasonable Doubts"

[@pamelaparker2352]

Interesting interview. It seemed to end very abruptly, though... as if they weren’t finished chatting. I haven’t seen the movie ( CODA) yet but I hope to.

[@joycechi5005]

QUEEN

[@kieferclarkf1674]

At 56, still so incredibly beautiful. Looks 40.

[@gerdabrinkerink3241]

Did not see it but the story sounds familiair. A film with simular story was already in Europe a couple of years ago. See La Famille Bélier a French film from 2014.

[@vincentmette3427]

After CODA, no longer the only deaf oscar winner!

[@marlalepp9037]

BRAVO

[@angelalarkin1151]

Marlee well done never give up. Please take ur time to sign for deaf sake, try not too fast

[@plnkfloydian7814]

The movie was brilliant

[@sallycasas4170]

Marley Matlin an Amazing Warrior Goddess!

[@phungmoe2302]

Inspiration! That is it!

[@kathleenkilpatrickdunn5574]

Beautiful

[@idnilu]

I wish I could learn sign language as I'm deaf. But I'm forced to speak and no one around me is interested enough in taking classes, so even if I know the basics, I still have nobody to practice with. And other deaf people around me don't really like socializing with me as I'm "oralized" and not a signer.

[@emilyb5557]

That sounds HARD! Maybe can you keep learning online eg KZbin videos and find online D/deaf community groups to learn practice with? Sounds hard being stick between two worlds :-( Would some CODA be friendly to you? Must be some signers who would be happy to chat n practice w you. Imagine you have lost confidence in yourself & people but maybe if you learn more some family or if not future people in your life will be motivated to learn or know it already! Look for them, ask on groups share your sense of exclusion, what do they say? You will find people ✨ Zoom means anywhere they speak your sign language is a potential source of a learning buddy right? I know a lot of hearing ppl like to practice with someone D/deaf so you might find someone locally that way too. It's your language - learn it for you & trust the people who can or will learn to share it will come along. I learnt as my bestie was deaf in school & I'm refreshing my bsl now w videos to start. Good luck! X

[@johntirado-glover3574]

An icon.

[@chriswlee7181]

great lady great interviewer

[@riverromo6268]

Why are there no captions??? Like how does that make sense? You’re talking w a deaf person about a deaf movie and there are no captions?