When I was 13, I told Henry Winkler I wanted to act. He said, Do it and don't let anyone stand in your way. His validation just made it all the more true. I haven't stopped thanking him since.

I'm not broke. Like everybody else, I owe money.

When it comes down to it, it's about who you know, and who's a fan. It's about whether you're the right age, whether you're hot or not, whether the studio is into you or not.

When you're up for an award at the Oscars, try as you might, it's hard to concentrate on the show.

Why are people so interested in other people's relationships? It's like stealing.

I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.

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