Marlee Matlin is no stranger to North Texas. The movie star has made a couple of appearances in the past year. Well known for winning an Academy Award for her film debut in “Children of a Lesser God” and having lost her hearing at the age of 18 months, she has overcome another challenge – childhood abuse.
In her book, “I’ll Scream Later” she told how she realized that being abused by a babysitter at the age of 11, and later by a high school teacher, had resulted in her adulthood of drug and boyfriend abuse.
It would have been easy for her to have just coasted on her awards and communication disorders, but her decision to go public was largely due to her daughter — “I have a daughter who’s 13, and as I saw her growing up I remember all those thing that happened.”
Regarding her abusive relationship, it has been acknowledged by both Marlee and William Hurt that it was a tempestuous relationship involving drugs and violence. But both agreed that it resulted in their seeking help to overcome the issues. Marlee told “Good Morning America,” “In all honesty, if it wasn’t for William Hurt, I wouldn’t be in rehab. And I wouldn’t be here. In some way he was the one who encouraged me to go and help myself. And I guess that was a big turning point in my life.”
Hurt said in a statement, “My own recollection is that we both apologized and both did a great deal to heal our lives. Of course, I did and do apologize for any pain I caused. And I know we have both grown. I wish Marlee and her family nothing but good.”
Marlee will bring her story of meeting challenges and adversity to the 22nd Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon benefiting Rainbow Days on Friday, May 3, at the Hilton Anatole.
According to Luncheon Chair Nikki Chriesman-Green, “Rainbow Days is an organization that is near and dear to my heart. The services provided by Rainbow Days transcend race and socioeconomic boundaries and unite us all in hope, determination and love. I look forward to supporting the Pot of Gold Luncheon, furthering the mission of Rainbow Days and reminding our attendees that there is a rainbow at the end of every storm.”
Following the luncheon, Rainbow Days CEO Sherri Ansley has arranged for a book signing by Marlee at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets and sponsorships are available here.
* Graphic courtesy of Rainbow Days