At some point we have to stop and say, There's Marlee, not, There's the deaf actress.

The quote "At some point we have to stop and say, There's Marlee, not, There's the deaf actress" by Marlee Matlin speaks to the importance of recognizing people for who they are, rather than reducing them to a single identity or characteristic. Matlin, who is an accomplished actress and activist for the deaf community, advocates for the idea that individuals should be seen as whole people, rather than defined by their disability. In this case, she is calling for society to shift its focus from her being a "deaf actress" to simply recognizing her as Marlee, a person with talents, experiences, and qualities beyond her hearing impairment.

This quote highlights a common issue faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly those in the public eye. Instead of being seen for their full potential, people like Matlin are often pigeonholed by their differences. She is emphasizing that identity should not be limited to one aspect, but rather seen in its entirety, with all of a person's dimensions recognized equally. Her plea for change in perception is a call for inclusivity and an end to the limitations placed on individuals based on a single trait.

Matlin’s career as an actress, particularly her Oscar-winning role in Children of a Lesser God, has been significant not only for her talent but for how she represents the deaf community in Hollywood. Her quote reflects her lifelong struggle to break out of stereotypes about disability and to show that people with disabilities can be multi-dimensional, complex individuals. It speaks to her desire to be known for her work and character, rather than being categorized by her hearing loss.

The origin of the quote lies in Matlin’s own personal experience and activism. As a deaf actress working in an industry where disabled actors are often marginalized, she has faced the challenge of being recognized as more than just her disability. Through her advocacy, she hopes to foster a broader understanding of diversity and encourage society to see people first as individuals, not as labels.