Marlee Matlin Talks New Doc on TODAY Show

The Today Show Spotlight

This week, Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin teamed with director Shoshannah Stern on NBC’s TODAY Show to give viewers an inside look at their documentary “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore.” The pair appeared live to chat about the film’s journey, its personal revelations and its importance to the Deaf community. As Matlin thanked the program—“Thank you @todayshow for giving @shoshannah7 and me a chance to talk about our documentary…,” she reminded fans to visit the network’s website for a full replay of the segment.

Documentary Overview

“Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” directed by Stern, follows Matlin’s life from her childhood hearing loss to her groundbreaking career in Hollywood and her ongoing activism. The film premiered earlier this summer at the Tribeca Film Festival, opening to critical praise for its candid approach. It explores Matlin’s early breakthrough as the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award—for her role in “Children of a Lesser God” in 1986—and documents her work as a bestselling author and advocate for Deaf rights.

In their TODAY Show appearance, Matlin and Stern discussed key moments featured in the documentary, including Matlin’s first experiences on set, her challenges navigating Hollywood as a Deaf woman and her efforts to elevate representation. Stern, who is also Deaf, spoke about the importance of telling this story from within the community. “We wanted to capture her resilience and her voice—literally and figuratively,” she told hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.

From Tribeca To Nationwide Rollout

Following its festival debut, “Not Alone Anymore” is now in theaters nationwide. A recent Instagram update confirmed a rollout in more than 25 venues, with additional theaters added weekly. Fans eager to catch Q&A screenings can find tickets on sale for opening weekend events at New York’s IFC Center, where Matlin and Stern will appear in person. Detailed listings and ticket links are available at knlor.com/matlin.

A Trailblazing Career

Matlin’s journey is a testament to perseverance. Surviving hearing loss at just 18 months old, she went on to study at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C., before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Her Oscar win at age 21 made her the youngest recipient in the Best Actress category and the first Deaf performer honored by the Academy. Beyond acting, she has written several memoirs, including “I’ll Scream Later” and “What Are You Lookin’ At?,” and has been a vocal advocate for accessibility in media.

Stern’s own story adds layers to the film. An accomplished actor known for roles on shows such as “Supernatural” and “Switched at Birth,” she transitioned to filmmaking to highlight Deaf narratives behind the camera. Their collaboration bridges two generations of Deaf talent, offering audiences an inside perspective on both the challenges and triumphs of living and working in a hearing-dominated industry.

As the documentary continues its theatrical run, Matlin and Stern are planning further appearances and panel discussions. With audiences seeking authentic representation, “Not Alone Anymore” is positioned to spark conversations about inclusion, community and the ways storytelling can change perceptions. Whether longtime fans of Matlin or newcomers to her story, viewers now have a path to experience her life’s work on the big screen—and to see firsthand why she says she’s “not alone anymore.”

Reporter

Reshmi Das

 

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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