5 Shocking Revelations About Marlee Matlin And William Hurt’s Tumultuous Relationship, Decades Later

The tragic and complex relationship between Oscar-winning actors Marlee Matlin and William Hurt remains one of Hollywood's most discussed and painful chapters, gaining renewed public attention in recent years. As of late 2025, the conversation has been reignited not by new events, but by a deeper focus on Marlee Matlin's decade-old allegations, which were brought back into the spotlight following Hurt’s passing in 2022 and her subsequent appearances discussing the trauma.

The two stars, who met and fell in love on the set of the 1986 film Children of a Lesser God, shared a brief but intense two-year relationship that quickly devolved into what Matlin later described as a cycle of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Her candid revelations, first published in her 2009 memoir, continue to serve as a powerful testament to survival and a critical examination of power dynamics in Hollywood.

Marlee Matlin and William Hurt: A Dual Profile and Biography

The relationship between Matlin and Hurt was a collision of two vastly different, yet equally intense, artistic personalities, both at pivotal moments in their careers.

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Marlee Beth Matlin (Born August 24, 1965)

• Birth Place: Morton Grove, Illinois, U.S.
• Key Profession: Actress, Producer, Activist.
• Career Highlights: Made history as the youngest recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actress for her debut role in Children of a Lesser God (1986). She is the only deaf performer to ever win the award. Later starred in TV series like The L Word and earned critical acclaim for the film CODA (2021).
• Deafness: Lost her hearing at 18 months old due to illness.

William McChord Hurt (March 20, 1950 – March 13, 2022)

• Birth Place: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Key Profession: Actor.
• Career Highlights: A prominent stage and screen actor known for roles in films like Body Heat (1981), Broadcast News (1987), and The Big Chill (1983). Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985). He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Children of a Lesser God (1986).
• Death: Died on March 13, 2022, at the age of 71.

The Dark Side of a Hollywood Romance: Abuse Allegations and Matlin’s Memoir

The public narrative of their romance, which began in 1986, was initially framed as a passionate, on-screen love affair that spilled over into real life. They were the golden couple of the moment, with their film, Children of a Lesser God, earning multiple Oscar nominations and wins. However, behind the scenes, Marlee Matlin was enduring a private hell.

In her 2009 autobiography, I'll Scream Later, Matlin detailed the devastating reality of their two-year relationship. The book served as her first comprehensive public disclosure of the physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of Hurt.

The Age Gap and Power Imbalance

A crucial element of the relationship was the significant age gap and inherent power imbalance. Matlin was only 19 years old when she met Hurt, who was 35 at the time. This 16-year difference, coupled with Hurt's established star status and Matlin's youth and inexperience, created an environment where the alleged abuse could flourish. Matlin described Hurt as subjecting her to repeated emotional, physical, and sexual abuse throughout their time together.

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Allegations of Rape and Physical Violence

The memoir contains several deeply disturbing passages. Matlin alleged that Hurt was often possessive and volatile, fueled by substance abuse. In one particularly harrowing account, she claimed Hurt once threw her on a bed and sexually assaulted her, a claim of rape. She also recounted instances of physical violence, including being hit and thrown around.

The intense nature of their relationship was also noted by others who worked on Children of a Lesser God, with some sources indicating that their volatile emotions on set seemed to be absorbed by each other, which worked well for the film but was destructive in reality.

The Aftermath: Backlash, Recovery, and the Role of Henry Winkler

Marlee Matlin’s decision to speak out, both in her memoir and in subsequent interviews, was a courageous act that came with a difficult public response. The discourse surrounding her allegations intensified significantly following William Hurt’s death in March 2022.

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The Post-2022 Backlash

Following Hurt's death, Matlin faced unexpected backlash on social media for her previous disclosures. Some critics accused her of speaking ill of the dead, while others questioned the timing of her continued discussion of the trauma. Matlin, however, has consistently maintained her truth, emphasizing that the trauma she endured was a significant part of her life story and not something that could be erased by his passing. The backlash only increased the social media discourse about the abusive relationship.

Hurt's Non-Denial and Public Statements

While William Hurt never publicly confirmed the specific allegations of sexual assault, he did not deny the general claims of abuse. In a 2009 statement following the memoir’s release, Hurt issued a vague apology, saying: "I have taken a long time to mend. I hope she has too. I wish Marlee and her family nothing but the very best."

The Lifeline: Henry Winkler’s Mentorship

A recent and critical piece of the story involves the role of actor Henry Winkler, best known as "The Fonz" from Happy Days. In a recent documentary about her life, Matlin credited Winkler as a pivotal mentor who helped her survive the abusive relationship. She described Winkler as a constant source of support, saying he was "always available" and provided her with an "open door" to talk and seek refuge. This mentorship was a crucial lifeline during her darkest period, illustrating the importance of allies in the face of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse.

Marlee Matlin’s story is a powerful narrative of resilience. From her historic Oscar win for Children of a Lesser God, which was inextricably linked to the beginning of her relationship with William Hurt, to her later triumph with CODA and her ongoing advocacy work, she has transformed a painful chapter into a platform for awareness. Her detailed accounts in I'll Scream Later and her recent discussions about Hurt’s "habit of abuse" ensure that her experience remains a vital, ongoing conversation about accountability and survival in the entertainment industry.