We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the incomparable Marlee Matlin. We were shocked to discover that she was even more fabulous than we thought she’d be, seeing as we’ve had a crush on her since 1986’s “Children of a Lesser God” (for which she won an Oscar). Her most recent film, “CODA,” on Apple TV+ is poised to collect several statuettes at the Academy Awards this Sunday, so we were able to share a very reflective moment with the actress. During our interview, the actress told us everything from how far Deaf actors have come — to why she always speaks her truth. Marlee, we are virtually sending you the “I love you” sign today and every day.

The Bare Magazine: Please share how your CODA journey has been. How soon will you be scheduling a vacation? You must be seriously tired!!!

Marlee Matlin: The journey we have been on ever since CODA was released during the Sundance Film Festival is like a year-long journey in your favorite amusement park. Every time you get off a wonderful ride, there's another one waiting in the wings, and you jump on board and have the best time. But like a long day at an amusement park, you get very tired and I am looking forward to a week with my best girlfriends after the Oscars, and a visit to my son in college in Wisconsin. 

Bare: In casting the film, were they considering actors who are not Deaf to play the Deaf characters?

MM: In preparing for the film when it was based at a studio, there was some discussion of using hearing actors to play the role of Frank Rossi, the Deaf father. At some point the director, Sian Heder, said that wouldn't work and the producers realized the same thing. When I came on board, I echoed that sentiment and said "deafness is not a costume" any longer for hearing actors to play; we've come too far in terms of representation and authenticity to do that. When the film was dropped by the studio and became an independent film, the people financing it knew our feelings about authenticity, and eventually we were able to get it made with each Deaf role played by a Deaf actor. Thank goodness. Can you imagine if the film were cast differently, with hearing actors? We wouldn't be having this discussion about CODA  being honored with so many awards and adored by the public!

Bare: At Bare, we love your open, candid, sincere ways. Have you always been a tell-it-like-it-is gal?

MM: I've always been open about speaking my truth. It's just who I am. It probably is as a result of my parents who never took no for an answer and who always encouraged me to be independent and to speak my mind. Listen, if you spent your life trying to understand people who didn't sign, who thought you could lipread perfectly, you'd speak up a great deal too about that injustice. My grandmother would've called it chutzpah. 

Bare: You often convey love through American sign language and wear a necklace with the hand symbol. Can you tell us more about the necklace and how this symbol unifies and lifts people?

MM: You often see me wearing a pendant with the American Sign Language sign for "I Love You." I think it's the most beautiful universal sign there is out there. When I won the Academy Award back in 1987, I ended my speech with the sign and apparently it stuck. Even Deaf people in Italy who saw the worldwide broadcast of me signing "I Love You" gave that sign to me as my "name sign," the sign one uses as a person's name. As a call back to that very important moment in my life, I made sure that at the recent Screen Actors Guild Awards when CODA won Best Ensemble, I taught the whole audience the sign for "I Love You." it was such a thrill to see the entire room all signing at once. I'll never forget it.

Bare: Your long-time interpreter, Jack Jason, has been with you since 1985. On our shoot we could feel the great bond and love between you. Can you share more about this special man?

MM: We’ve worked together for 37 years. How is that possible? I’m only 26! Jack is a CODA and also runs my production company. He and I work and are like family so that means we laugh, cry, and even bicker. But it’s a great relationship!

Bare: You have the most beautiful tattoo on the back of your neck of a compass. Who is your favorite tattoo artist? 

MM: My favorite tattoo artist is Luke Wessman. He has done tattoos for me (on the back of my neck, my arm, my finger, behind my ear, on my foot, etc.) and my family, and we are lining up for more!

Bare: Can you describe a recent moment when a light bulb went off reminding you why you began? Have you learned a great deal about yourself through acting and storytelling? 

MM: Walking onto the set of CODA and seeing the enthusiasm in the eyes of Troy Kotsur and Daniel Durant being on their first film set reminded me of the moment when I was first asked to step on a stage and sign a song in front of my family and friends. I was just a pre-teen. Acting and storytelling has allowed me to explore all kinds of characters I used to dream about in front of the bathroom mirror where I used to sign with characters who, not so mysteriously, signed back to me! I love the freedom of acting and telling stories and it was so wonderful to watch both Troy and Daniel, first hand, being able to do it for the first time in a film in CODA. It was like coming back full circle for me!

Bare: Next up you will be one of the first female directors for a television project ... can you give us any scoop about that?

MM: My next project is directing an episode of an anthology series for Fox Television called “The Accused.” It's from the same producers who produced Homeland and I'm so excited to stretch my wings and do something challenging and scary. That's the kind of challenge I live for!

Bare: Can you share two qualities you like about yourself and two that you don’t so much?

MM: There are two qualities that I like about myself and they are that I'm fierce in my convictions and that I'm very loyal. The two things I don't like so much about myself is that I'm insecure and hard on myself, and that I make everyone crazy when it comes to traveling and constantly reminding them that I have to have a window seat. Each time I say it, they say, "We know!!! We know!!"

Bare: And finally, what are your top five Bare essentials?

MM: Daily moisturizer, Chapstick, hand lotion (in my bag…it’s a must), hearing aids (and the batteries!), and my pillow from home wherever I travel.

Photos/Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Ogee

Hair: Craig Gangi

Hats: Gladys Tamez Millinery

Necklace: Rose by Ander

Editor: Didi Gluck

Shot in Los Angeles CA