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TECHNOTE: Mon 9/8/25 Radio broadcast interruptions during tower work 10am-5pm

How Henry Winkler helped Marlee Matlin through a turbulent time in her life

Season 39 Episode 7 | 4m 12s

Marlee Matlin was struggling with drug addiction and domestic abuse from her partner at the time, William Hurt. After she completed rehab, her friend Henry Winkler took her in for two years while she continued to recover. “That family took me in as if I were one of their own,” said Matlin. “I’ll never forget that.”

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Extras
Learn about Marlee Matlin, Oscar-winning actress and champion of the Deaf community.
Marlee Matlin refused to allow a hearing actor to play her Deaf husband in the 2021 film “CODA.”
Marlee Matlin visits the house she grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois.
Harvey Fierstein talks to director Michael Kantor backstage during the production of "Hairspray."
Actress Natasha Rothwell on her creative process in "The White Lotus."
Ringo Starr describes his friendship with Mae West.
Actor Daniel Dae Kim on his groundbreaking career and new project, "Butterfly."
Discover this portrait of the Cuban-American graphic artist and graphic novelist Edel Rodriguez.
Discover this portrait of the Cuban-American graphic artist and graphic novelist Edel Rodriguez.
Discover this portrait of the Cuban-American graphic artist and graphic novelist Edel Rodriguez.