Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Marlee Matlin cherished Sundays, the only day off for her father. This family tradition encompassed breakfast gatherings at a local deli, seasonal activities like apple picking, and the special ‘takeout Sundays’ that solidified their bond.
Matlin, who made history as the first deaf actor to win an Oscar at the age of 21, reminisced about those meaningful moments during a recent Zoom interview facilitated through an interpreter.
Now, with her latest project, “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” she provides fans with a more profound understanding of her life. The documentary, directed by her longtime friend and fellow deaf actor Shoshannah Stern, is currently screening in select theaters nationwide and is set to be available on-demand starting August 22.
Matlin describes her decision to create this documentary as an obvious choice, noting, “What better way to have two deaf women who have similar shared life experiences to tell my story?” She is also recognized for her advocacy work in the 1980s that led to lawmakers adding closed captioning to television programming.
Though Matlin has lived in California for nearly four decades, she proudly identifies as a “Chicago girl” at heart, even tattooing the skyline of Morton Grove, her childhood neighborhood, on her forearm. Today, she enjoys an empty-nester lifestyle with her husband, Kevin Grandalski, often embracing her family time with her 14-month-old granddaughter on Sundays.
An ideal Sunday now for Matlin includes visits to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, leisurely walks at the Rose Bowl, and slices of pizza in Eagle Rock, where she also finds joy in spending quality time with her granddaughter.
Her morning routine kicks off at 6 a.m., when she attends to her pets, a cat and a dog, the latter known for barking at every passing dog, much to Matlin’s embarrassment. Breakfast is non-negotiable for Matlin, who favors oatmeal with brown sugar and blueberries, occasionally pairing it with crispy turkey bacon and a sugar-free Red Bull, which she acknowledges might raise eyebrows.
“I know I’m going to get a lot of flack because I drink a Red Bull in the morning,” she said. “But that’s what I drink. I like my drink, and it’s as simple as that.”
With breakfast completed, Matlin insists on making her bed before leaving the house. “I can’t even leave the house with an unmade bed,” she emphasizes.
By 10 a.m., she often heads to the Rose Bowl for a power walk or the monthly flea market. Power walking had been a staple for Matlin before her foot surgery, during which she would typically cover six miles.
Later, she enjoys shopping at local boutiques, favoring female-owned businesses such as Tuck in Pasadena and Everson Clare in La Cañada Flintridge, where she has witnessed the hard work the owners have put into building their stores. Matlin also frequents popular retail chains like Sephora, Nordstrom, and HomeGoods in Studio City.
By early afternoon, around 2 p.m., Matlin seeks out favorite local activities, often choosing between Descanso Gardens or a Dodgers game. She recently enjoyed an event called Shot of Art, which allows participants to create artwork on spinning canvases. Being a governor of the Academy Museum, she appreciates how the institution supports her community and several underrepresented groups.
“Everyone who has a love for film or history and how films are made should go to the museum,” she encourages.
Returning home around 4 p.m., Matlin devotes her time to her granddaughter. Together, they engage in playtime, where they explore the house and the outdoors.
“The cat runs away, the baby chases her, and I’m the one having to run after both,” Matlin laughs, expressing her delight in watching her grandchild grow and discover the world.
As evening approaches, Matlin shifts gears to prepare for dinner. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, often referring to her collection of cookbooks and printed recipes. “I just pick one and then go for it,” she says.
Whether barbecuing or baking desserts, the passion for cooking is evident in her routine. “I have a whole raft of cookbooks and recipes that I’ve printed out,” she added, sharing that she has set up a candy bar at her home, albeit a dangerous temptation for when her granddaughter grows old enough to realize its purpose.
If cooking feels overwhelming, Matlin enjoys takeout from Casa Bianca in Eagle Rock, known for its exceptional pizza and welcoming atmosphere.
After dinner, around 8 p.m., Matlin spends quality time with her husband, tidying up and checking their schedule for the week. She often unwinds playing backgammon on her phone and enjoys an evening stroll with her dog before calling it a night.
Typically, Matlin winds down and is in bed by 9:30 p.m., adhering to her structured yet enjoyable lifestyle filled with cherished family moments and engaging local activities.
image source from：latimes
