Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin revealed details of her past relationship with the late actor William Hurt in a new documentary, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
In the film, Matlin, now 59, discusses her personal experiences, including allegations of abuse during her time with Hurt, her co-star in the 1986 film Children of a Lesser God.
Matlin alleges that she endured a “habit of abuse” from Hurt during their relationship, adding complexity to the late actor’s legacy.
Hurt, who passed away in March 2022, was a well-known actor, best recognized for his role in Kiss of the Spider Woman, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1986.
His personal life had been scrutinized over the years, with similar abuse allegations raised by others, including Matlin.
The allegations were first made public in Matlin’s 2009 autobiography, I’ll Scream Later, in which she described both physical and emotional abuse in her relationship with Hurt.
Not Alone Anymore, directed by Shoshannah Stern, offers an in-depth look at Matlin’s life, focusing on her groundbreaking career as a deaf actress and the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry.
Matlin, who made history as the first deaf performer to win an Academy Award, continues to advocate for greater representation of the deaf community in Hollywood.
The release of the documentary has reignited conversations about abuse within the entertainment industry and the power dynamics at play in high-profile relationships.
Matlin’s decision to share her experiences publicly provides a platform for discussing the broader issues of abuse, resilience, and the impact of personal struggles on professional lives.
The Sundance premiere of Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore has drawn significant attention to Matlin’s story and career, offering further insight into her life and continued advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities.
