Marlee Matlin says Henry Winkler “saved” her after abusive relationship with William Hurt in new documentary
Share and Follow


Marlee Matlin is opening up about the darkest chapter of her life — and the Hollywood icon who helped her through it.

In the upcoming documentary Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, premiering June 20, the Children of a Lesser God star revisits her tumultuous relationship with late actor William Hurt, whom she claims had a “habit of abuse,” and the deep friendship she formed with her longtime mentor, Henry Winkler, during her recovery.

Matlin, the first deaf actor to win an Oscar, met Hurt on the set of their 1986 film when she was just 19 and he was 35. While she says Hurt encouraged her to enter rehab, the actress revealed that post-rehab, she knew she couldn’t return. “I walked out of that house and never went back,” Matlin says in the film.

That’s when she leaned on Winkler.

“He didn’t make it hard for me to reach out to him,” Matlin told Fox News Digital. “He was always available. It was like an open door – an open door to his heart and my heart.”

Winkler recalled the moment Matlin appeared at his door: “‘I just broke up with my boyfriend. Can I stay with you just for the weekend?’ … Two years later, she finally moved out!” he laughed.

Matlin says Winkler and his wife Stacey Weitzman welcomed her like family. “If I didn’t have Henry in my life, I don’t think I would be here,” she shared. “He provided a place for me to feel safe.”

Their friendship came full circle in 1993, when Matlin married police officer Kevin Grandalski — in Winkler’s backyard. “There was no other place for her to get married, except in our yard, in her home away from home,” Winkler said.

The documentary also delves into Matlin’s past trauma and her bravery in coming forward before the #MeToo movement. “I didn’t know that you could ask for help,” Matlin said. “While I was screaming… no one came.”

Director Shoshannah Stern, who is also deaf, noted Matlin’s courage in speaking up despite the backlash. “She didn’t know that abuse was abuse at the time,” Stern said. “And that’s what happens to so many deaf people in the world.”

Now 59, Matlin says she’s still driven by the same fire that fueled her as a young actress breaking into Hollywood. “It was a dream come true. So why shouldn’t I be able to do another film?” she said. “But if it happened today, I would’ve made a lot of noise back then.”

Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore premieres June 20.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Liverpool Shines at Anfield with Impressive Victory Over Real Madrid

In a thrilling display at Anfield on Tuesday, Liverpool showcased their formidable…

Stream ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Tonight: Top Alternatives to YouTube TV Revealed

As Dancing With The Stars Season 34 approaches the final stretch, only…

Unveiling the Impact of Strictly’s New Format on the ‘Vulnerable Four’ Contestants

The revamped ‘bottom four’ format of Strictly Come Dancing has stirred a…

Royal Tradition: Why Prince William and King Charles Choose to Skip Their Wedding Rings

The Princess of Wales, formerly known as Kate Middleton, possesses one of…

Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba Issues Apology to Danielle Fishel Over Controversial Body Remarks

‘DWTS’ Fans Notice Tension Between Danielle Fishel and Whitney Leavitt Post-Elimination Note:…

Theresa Responds to Gerry Turner’s Book Allegations on ‘Golden Bachelor

Theresa Nist is stepping into the spotlight to present her perspective following…

Men’s Biological Clock: The Surprising Age Limit That Ignites Online Debate

A young Nigerian woman has ignited a lively discussion online by asserting…

Dick Cheney Passes at 84: Discover Where to Stream Christian Bale’s ‘Vice’ Film

Former Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney, has died at…