Marlee Matlin Plays Deaf Lesbian on “The L Word”
Marlee Matlin has joined the cast of the “The L Word”. She plays the character of Jodi Lerner, a Deaf Lesbian artist who is passionate about art and women. Jodi and Bette (played by Jennifer Beals) hook up and there are some hot scenes between the two.
According to Showtime, Jodi’s character is “an intensely talented and free-spirited sculptor. She may be deaf but that doesn’t stop her from speaking her mind, especially in the halls of the art school where Bette is the new dean and Jodi the new artist-in-residence. Indeed, Jodi is the first woman to challenge Bette, professionally and then emotionally as they fall into a fiery relationship outside of the university.”
“Audiences have never seen a Deaf woman and a hearing women in a relationship; it’s never been done on television before,” said Marlee Matlin in a statement. “This is a very interesting storyline because this happens out there but it’s never been highlighted.”
Season four of “The L Word” premieres tonight on Showtime.
Tell us what you think. The message boards are now open!
on January 7th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
When I first heard the news, I was thrilled. I love this show and what could be better than adding a Deaf Lesbian character? Kudos to Showtime and to Marlee Matlin for braving taking on the role.
on January 7th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Wish I had Showtime!
on January 7th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Loved that show! It sure touch various social issues but keep true to core issue of relationship.
Thanks to SHOWTIME for taking this show to the next level with deaf issues. Marlee Matlin opened up the world to see what it is like to be deaf and lesbian! Way to go, girl!
on January 7th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
yea!!! BUt I dont have cable. I want to see that damn show. ::::sniff:: waaah!! Someday I’ll buy new fourth season DVD will come out later….. grrr
on January 7th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
To be honest with you, I rolled my eyes when I heard it would be MM. Why didn’t they pick a deaf lesbian for the role? MM is straight, married with children. We have many sexy deaf lesbians who could do great in the role and make it more real-life-like.
on January 7th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
I hate how the media shows all deafies to be gay and lesbian. Everyone who heres about gally is like oh they aare bunch of gays. Bad for reputation.
on January 7th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
Deaf lesbian and gay people are rarely in the media and being gay isn’t bad for anyone’s reputation, it’s a blessing.
on January 7th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Does anyone know which episode Marlee will make her entrance in?
on January 7th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Jomas
It is nothing wrong with that I am proud of that. It nice to see more deaf gay involving in films. I loved Brokeback Mountain and Queer as Folks and now L word. Great show!
on January 8th, 2007 at 12:17 am
Who is your favorite L Word character? Mine is Bette. She is sooooooo hot!
on January 8th, 2007 at 2:17 am
I’m looking forward to seeing how Marlee handles the role. I hope she does us proud.
My favorite character is Shane. Oh so cute!
on January 8th, 2007 at 3:11 am
Hand Wave to Marlee! I proud of her as play Deaf Lesbian… I have disagee with Jomas about bad reputation because Gay and Lesbian is not alway bad repuation the reason is that No two Gay are Alike and No two Lesbian are alike… Some Gay good people and some Lesbian good people… depend how their attitute toward you. If they good attitute to me then I can respect them. If they bad attitute to me then FORGET IT! As Far As Gay and Lesbian is such BLESSING to me! Hand Wave to Marlee Matlin!
on January 8th, 2007 at 5:50 am
Jomas, I appreciate your honest response but check your internalized homophobia. What’s so wrong or negative about LGBTQQI or MM being a lesbian? It’s terrific! If people sterotype gally as queer folk- well great for them! It will show that we are everywhere, capable, and active in life (including protest!).
MM is very respected, in and out of the QD/D/LGBTQQI world, so why would this hurt gally?
I don’t think so.
Any attention can bring about positive changes.
on January 8th, 2007 at 10:35 am
Wow…MM is still one hot woman, I hope she will do the Lesbian Deaf community proud. There are a lot of hearing, straight actors playing gay parts these days… I guess we need to continue to encourage our deaf GLBT actors to continue to audition AND be out and proud. MM has a well known name in both hearing and deaf communities, so I can see why she would have an edge on other actors. All I can say for MM is…wooohooo, go for it!!!
on January 8th, 2007 at 11:25 am
That’s cool. About time for deaf actoress, I want to see deaf gay and lebso family in program. that great and great. Yea yea
on January 8th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Goodness, I had Showtime when QAF used to be on for the series then now the L word is here, dangit, I am gay not a lesbian! But wished I still had it so I could watch Marlee on the show, never thought she would do this but I am proud that someone who is deaf would let others in the world that there deaf gays and lesbians in the world and that there are relationships that does involve a deaf and a hearing person. I hope to somehow see this eventually. I didnt even know about this til I got the email from the PDRS group, Thanks!
on January 8th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I asked my Lesbo friend who I know here at my office to record it for me and she said she would and she told me that she knew that Marlee will be in it soon, she said she would record it when she begins to be on the show, YAY!!! Can’t wait to see it!
on January 8th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I was surprised that Marlee accepted the role to be in
L Word.
You go girl, Marlee!!
(Hands waving)
on January 8th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Hey folks! Can you guys just mind your own. if you like or dislike about Marlee.. she is doing her job to act on show and she deserves the role model.. I’d give her big APPLAUSE. matters of facts! She is beautiful and many things happen, you have no idea who is Marlee, beside being mother, wife, Actress. Enough with all negatives. Thanks
~M~
on January 8th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
what negative? all seems positive.
on January 8th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I think negative opinions are fine as long as they are constructive. Personally, I’m not a Marlee Matlin fan. I’m having a hard time visualizing her as a lesbian knowing she’s married and has kids. But hey, that’s my opinion. Maybe after I see the show, she’ll knock my socks off and win me over as a fan.
on January 9th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Marlee Matlin is my fan I always enjoy to watch her acting.
I hope to see the show someday.
Unfortunately I don’t have showtime
on January 9th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
vicki
on january 9th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
wish I has showtime I’mlooking forward to seeing I’m closed minded waht it is a deaf and lesbian!! that there deaf gays and lesbians I like a queer as folks I hope to see the show someday
on January 13th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
sadly, showtime is beyond my budget. I will have to wait for it to come out on Netflix.
on January 16th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
She’s pretty in that picture. wonder how much photoshopping was needed to get into that state of perfection
on January 22nd, 2007 at 12:31 pm
omg! I Love Marlee Matlin! She’s an amazing actress. I’ve seen her in a few films and I’ve always admired her. Now she’s all about the ladies on the L-Word! as someone who is hard of hearing and a lesbian, I gotta give props to her. way to go Marlee!
on January 22nd, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Bravo,Bravo,Bravo,Marlee…Keep the good works.
on January 24th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Marlee Matlin will debut for first time on Sunday, Jan 28th as Jodi on Showtime… Check that show out! DEAF POWER!!
on January 25th, 2007 at 2:20 pm
Nancy said,
Way to go, Marlee!! Need more deaf lesbians actress in L Word. I l0ve to watch it. I can’t wait to see L word 4th season in rent movie.
on January 25th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Oh boy, I love to see deaf lesbians actress this show L-word season part seanson part 4 wooooooo ….. so cant wait to watch more action in L-word movie make me thriller wooooooo.. Hey Marlee, Pls dont give up on this show so Keep cool and more relaxing see what happens wink .. I cant wait yuppie ..
on January 25th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
THANKFUL I AM GLAD I DONT HAVE SHOWTIME WHEWWWW BEC I AM VERY AGAINST Â GAY AND LESBIAN Â DID GOD SAY OK ???
on January 25th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
OH I love L Words and never miss the show.. been recording from my Showtime since the begining … I cant beleive MM is gonna be in L WORD eventho she is married to a man and a mom to kids .. but lets we wait and see how the movie go with her in.
OH Please DEAFGRANDMA you are very narrow mind..
GOD loves everyone.. God wants to see everyone to be love and respect to everyoone all kinds of people thats all nothing more.
My 80 years old parents acceept me as lesbian.. I asked them why they just want to see me happy that is more important than anything in your life. LIfe is short! Thats what my Mom always say that to me… it is so true so dont be so harsh to others.. just be kind and respect thats all.
on January 25th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Who cares about anyone’s sexual orientation…. as as William Petersen of CSI was asked by a female employee if he thought a certain type of sexual activity was abnormal, his reply was “what’s normal?”.
on January 26th, 2007 at 5:54 am
I disagreed with an actress who is mother of 4 children to act as a lesbian. It’s okay for singles not motherhoods because of it may show bad influence to children who look up to their mothers as a good mother to raise children. I m sorry for saying this. I guess I am following my tradition.
on January 26th, 2007 at 6:28 am
To Cheri and Grandma: Why are you visiting this web page? Are you a secret lesbian? Do you need some help coming out of the closet?
Nothing is wrong with being a lesbian. And nothing is wrong with Marlee portraying one. She’s an actress. That’s her job. Many well known actresses have portrayed lesbians. Good for them.
There are many, many well known deaf gays and lesbians and transgenders. Nothing is wrong with them. You need to get over your homophobia. All people have a right to be who they are and live peacefully. If you’re not comfortable with gays and lesbians then don’t visit this web page. This web page is not for you. It’s for us. You are invading our space by posting these homophobic comments. Please stop.
on January 26th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I am sorry read all this but I disgree most of this I think MM is FOOL come in L word We not pleasure for this I think should other elese not MM cuz she really XXX I dislike this i think should get other ladies deaf lesbian or straight instead MM .. that’s all I say this
on January 27th, 2007 at 5:44 am
We are privileged to be able to share in a glimpse of what life is like in another culture regardless of the differences. Hopefully these experiences will promote understanding and acceptance in future generations, if not in ourselves.
on January 29th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
thats bad repuation for marlee to play as lesbo…media is going to insult deafies in future…marlee is married and have children and thats a very bad example on children to see their mommy play as lesbo….lesbo and gay are NOT blessings!!!….it is DEVIL
on January 30th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
for allthose who are against gay/lesbian just because of “god says ok” or because of YOUR religious… remember the bible says, you are NOT to judge other people but only god can… if you judge us, god will judge you! yes right… open your mind and love anyone just like jesus does…. just bec of your opioion, it is yours… love and respect anyone.. accept for who they are…. so for who say those negative things like that… what if your children become gay or lesbian will you reject them as well??!!
nothing wrong being lesbian or gay.. it is the choice of the person and it is their life.. mind your own busniness and life is short… be happy and be welcome
on February 1st, 2007 at 10:24 am
im glad that Marlee Matlin is on L word but i dont have showtime
but will order DVD later..so Deafgrandma then why u are type this website if u are against it u shouldnt be in there gosh u are very closed minded..so please be open abt .. Lesbian power is number one!!!!! God loves us no matter what. Cheri u do the same then why u type this website then u shouldnt be say anything.. its Marlee Matlin chose to want to play this part its only acting period..
on February 3rd, 2007 at 2:13 am
Hi all of you!
The Director offered to Marlee Matlin a new movie of name is “The L word”, but She was accpeted by the director gave her a different new movie, but she had to job for that was kind of new movie is The L Word ,also she may never lesbian or may did taken a woman , because She was a straight also focus with her family all time also most time she work and home for see her family. What she did? I applause that Marlee Martin show everyone about new movie.
on February 3rd, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Ding! We don’t have Showtime available. We can wait to see “The L” coming out DVD when season’s over.
on February 7th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I m proud of MM is challenage for good job for any roles and any charcters in word L No matter to general sterotypes of deaf people for cultures for sub cultures Deaf people need jobs for movies and tv programs for deaf viewers and hearing people understand any deaf sterotypes ok smile
on February 8th, 2007 at 8:10 am
Hey Everyone,
I have showtime and I never miss “The L Word”. I was surprised when I heard that Marlee Matlin (and Cybill Shephard) will be playing on the show. So far MM has done a great job along with her personal interpreter Jack (I think) who is also on the show. This coming Sunday (Feb. 11) will be probably be hot scene between Jodi (MM) and Bette (Jennifer Beals) so I can’t wait to see that show!!! Usually I’m not a fan of MM but now I am since she is on “The L Word”. Hand Wave to MM & proud of her for taking on such a huge challenging role as a Lesbian Artist on the show. I know that she is married w/ kids & very supportive of the GLBTQQI communities. Thanks MM for being so open minded!!!
on February 10th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
I AM ENJOYING WATCH THE L WORD AND I AM SO HAPPY THAT DEAF LADY NAME IS MM ON THE L WORD AND HOPE SHE WILL STAY ON THE L WORD AS ACTRESS BUT I UNDERSTAND THAT SHE IS MARRIED AND HAVE FOUR KIDS BUT I WAS SURPRISED THAT SHE ACCEPTED TO BE ON THE L WORD AND PLEASE STAY ON THE L WORD TILL SEASON IS OVER THANKS AND HAND WAVE TO MM
on February 11th, 2007 at 2:50 am
I’m currently watching last seaon’s L Word on DVD. I enjoy it, but let’s be honest, it’s not real life. Maybe that is how Lesbians are in Los Angeles, but in the rest of the country, it’s different. For example, in L.A., butch lesbians are looked down on. There is a lot of pressure to be femme and physically fit. But in other parts of the country, butch women are considered HOT and nothing to be ashamed of.
When you are watching L Word… remember it is just the hollywood version of Lesbian life, it’s not real life.
on February 18th, 2007 at 11:53 am
To DeafGrandma,
I’m sorry you feel that way about homosexuality. Before you jump into conclusion about the disapproval of same-sex as stated in the Bible, I encourage you to study m0re in the Bible about the slavery which was highly recognized and accepted back then. Does that mean God approve this? Think about it
on March 7th, 2007 at 3:13 am
I WAS AT THE HOSPIAL SO I MISS THAT MOVIE OF MARTEE MATLIN ON SHOWTIME…CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN THE NEXT SHOWTIME WILL SOW IT AGAIN..LOTS OF DEAFIES DIDNT WATCH IT BECAUSE THEY DIDNT ANNOUNCED IT AT ALL…PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHTS WHAT..THANKS…EVELYN GAMSU (FLORIDA)
on March 19th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I’m so happy the L Word is introducing a deaf character and exposing the complexities of forming a new relationship between a deaf and hearing individual. I’m not too happy about the choice of actress for the deaf character. Marlee is already a recognizable deaf actress in the hearing world. While her entrance on the L Word is really helpful for the image of lesbians (anyone can be a lesbian, you may be surprised) not so helpful for gally. It may seem to the hearing world that the only deaf woman on TV is Marlee, we need to see a variety of faces representing gally.
on March 19th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I don’t have Showtime. I’m wondering how well she is performing in the role. I have a hard time imaging Marlee as a Lesbian. I agree with the last comment that it would have been best to choose someone else, a lesser known face, for the role. It would be more believable.
on March 20th, 2007 at 9:00 am
tht true wht you say alots deaf lesiban get in to hearing and it sometime verry hard and it ok im myself deaf,
on July 27th, 2007 at 8:38 am
Dont good Idea to influence about homosexual example to world they think permit to OK but look influence to childrens , someday showtimes will cancel or lose business future ! watch me !
on July 28th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Congratulations to Marlee for winning the RAD Women of the Year Award!
on July 28th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
To Lionheart — You need to get used to it and accept it. Gay and Lesbian people are not going anywhere. You need to open your mind and get over yourself.
on September 21st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Congratulations to Beauitiful Marlee who playing deaf lesbian, I am so happy! I love to watch the L Words . Cannot wait to watch Marlee .. She is beauitful actor . I likes her ! sh sh
on October 2nd, 2007 at 9:14 am
Man… yall hadn’t responded to what ESPIODES that MM appears in..
soo… WHICH ESPIODES DAMNIT!?
on October 2nd, 2007 at 9:17 am
Man… yall hadn’t responded to what ESPIODES that MM appears in..
soo… WHICH ESPIODES DAMNIT!?
ps: enough about the biases on negativity, if they don’t like MM acting as deaf lesbain.. at least MM is making some money for herself, kudos to her! its real tough role for her to take.
& again…. its called… what’s the wrong I was thinking of? hmm.. oh yes! ACTING! hellloooo.
on October 2nd, 2007 at 9:17 am
Man… yall hadn’t responded to what ESPIODES that MM appears in..
soo… WHICH ESPIODES DAMNIT!?
ps: enough about the biases on negativity, if they don’t like MM acting as deaf lesbain.. at least MM is making some money for herself, kudos to her! its real tough role for her to take.
& again…. its called… what’s the word I was thinking of? hmm.. oh yes! ACTING! hellloooo.
on December 5th, 2007 at 10:52 am
Marlee is sooooo wrong for this role. What a joke.
on December 21st, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Hey folks - this is acting. MM is HOT as is Bette. If you’re lesbian, you probably want to think of this as entertainment. If youu’re not a lesbian, get a clue and take your lessons in diversity.
on February 10th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
People-do you judge people? I don’t judge people , it is not your place to judge because it is God’s job to judge knowing if you judge people then God will judge you!
on March 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
wow… I gotta say that im a bit awed. im just as thrilled as anyone about MM being on L-Word. Hell its friggin awesome! oh man i cannot wait to see the eposides! especially with BETTE! whoo… This show is totally rad, i can tell you that! its totally about time, showing that to the world. i bet it is just as hot as it is. *winks*
on March 19th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I don’t watch the show. I am not crazy having a deaf woman playing Lesbian on any show like Marlee Martin playing a Lesbian on this show on T.V. I never understood why there are some deaf women choose to be Lesbians, even though I know some of them. Of course, I don’t share the same values and lifestyle. I guess, the deaf Lesbians don’t get many good actresses representing them as the straight fans get theirs all the time, and for once in a while, the Lesbians get a good actress like Marlee Martin though,not a real lesbian play on L-word show on T.V
on March 25th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Hi Marlee
Wow!! There was soo awesome u were on show dance & The L word & etc.. I wish were just the same as u are on show.. Supz me u have a beauitful kids & family & friends for on show or whatever out there… Tell u what it was so great!! I wish meet u in person one day.. I would love to chatting what it look like style of life that u were on show etc.. Pls email me. Nice meet u!! Keep it up ur shows.. Dont give up ur life.. Have a good day!!
on April 23rd, 2008 at 10:53 pm
hi MM,
congratulations MM,
wow…i m proud of first time you the plays deaf lesbian… I like to watch the L Words. Pls do you not quit in The L words…can i hug you cause i support you…
pls reply email me and nice 2 meet you…thks
from,lib live in malaysia (kk_kjg@hotmail.com)
on August 3rd, 2008 at 2:04 am
Hey yall
Marlee Matin is a beautiful lady, but I know she had a really enjoy fun to show her actress in the name” the L World” movie because she needed to make her money and rich because she is a good actress show to be some people if they would like to watch show “The L Word… Well, so the bible- god will be able uspet if you guys would like to date a lesbian women or gay men in the world because it is not right and god only say man to woman are right because they have a right to make her pregant and have childern from the sex by a only man, anyway. The movie or show because an men or women teach and learn are make their lesbian actress because they had a JOBS and make a money, too.
on September 6th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
would be nice if the l word used real deaf lesbians. would be more believable.
on December 5th, 2008 at 1:49 am
Dios!!!The L Word me han dejado sin palabras!!!!es muy buena serie menos mal que desde España puedo bajar desde internet todas las series de todas las temporadas y ahora estoy esperand la 6º!!!ESTOY ANSIOSA!!!!!!
Asà que Marlee es igual que yo DEAF AND LESBIAN!!!!!!!
Enhorabuena por el buen papel que has actuado en Showtime, te mereces un premio!!!!
muaaaaaaak desde SPAIN!!!
on December 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Darn, I do not have a showtime to watch Marlee Matlin played deaf lesbain on “The L word”. I will like to buy a DVD to share with my new hearing girlfriend who never been with deaf lesbain before. It will be very exciting for her to explore me as her first deaf lesbain lover. Marlee Matlin is my fan as I always enjoy to watch her acting. It was about the time to see Marlee playing deaf lesbain role! I am very happy to hear that Marlee won award for this. I’m sure she had lot of new experience how to act a real lesbain woman for the playing role.
on March 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Marlee Matin is a beautiful lady, but I know she had a really enjoy fun to show her actress in the name†the L World†movie because she needed to make her money and rich because she is a good actress show to be some people if they would like to watch show “The L Word… I would like meet her and I”m deaf and It hard on my family understand ??? I would to find Lesiban deaf in the world I think she really a becauiful women to understand to you I like go out deaf lesiban it were lovely women like to you and It hard meet the hearing women to explain and I love in hollywood. I hate the boy or man but i like talk them only where. XXXX