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November 20, 2002

‘West Wing,’ deaf actress discusses struggles

From: 49er Online
Nov. 20, 2002

By Jill Thomsen
On-line Forty-Niner

Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin will be on campus today to sign copies of her debut novel, “Deaf Child Crossing” — a fictional story of two friends, one of whom happens to be deaf.

Deaf since the age of 7, Matlin drew from her own experiences and emotions growing up in a “hearing” society to bring “intimate insights into being American, female and deaf, infusing the character of Megan, a charming, dynamic, and cantankerous girl,” according to Kirkus Reviews.

Barnes and Noble says the novel “teaches us about friendship, differences, and patience.”

Campus bookstore tradebook buyer Cheryl Langdon says the actress decided to come to Cal State Long Beach after hearing about the active Disabled Students Services department on campus.

Today’s event will include a brief talk about Matlin’s experiences writing her first novel and will include a question and answer session. The book-signing event will take place at The Pointe convention space in The Pyramid and will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Matlin, who earned the 1986 Best Actress Oscar for her role in “Children of a Lesser God”, has also earned three Emmy nominations for guest roles on various television shows including “Seinfeld.”

She currently plays pollster Joey Lucas on NBC’s “The West Wing.”

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