Last night, Marlee Matlin appeared in Family Guy Presents Seth & Alex's Almost Live Sketch Comedy Show (see video after jump) who played his voice speaking to laugh. In an interview conducted via email with electronic warfare, the hearing-impaired actress explained why she participated in the skit - and how it fits into a series of new cables is developing.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How did you participate in this special?
Marlee Matlin: I had been in contact with the office of Seth MacFarlane asking him to let me use my own voice in segments where they had a cartoon character based on me. After all, I have an Oscar and Alex [Borstein], who shared with me, does not. God knows I have done a much better job of playing me than her.
Were you aware of being mocked on the previous Family Guy episodes?
Mocked is not the right word. I was just part of the joke. I learned long ago from Seinfeld when I never take anything seriously and to be part of the joke is the best way to show what a good sport I was.
Were you offended by these jokes, or do you still think they were funny?
Personally, I dealt with all the adversity in my life with humor. That's why I told America to "Read my hips!" On Dancing With The Stars, was happy to play with Jason Alexander and Jerry Seinfeld in the scene of large restaurant on Seinfeld. I know that many deaf people may have been offended when they made fun of my voice, but remember that it was MY voice they mocked. I was more than happy to come and show them that I could dish and that I could take and that is the attack works on both sides.
What about this skit - funny or offensive? (Or both / either?)
It was sick. It was twisted. It was tough. And he was very Family Guy. People like [MacFarlane] stuff. They do not pay for him big money for nothing and I was happy to be part of it. I want to do it again and be the voice. BTW, it would only have been offensive if I did not laugh and I liked that you could fully understand if I was seriously angry or not Alex!
As a highly visible member of the hearing impaired community, have you hesitated to participate in a skit like that?
No, if I were, I never would have done Seinfeld, The Larry Sanders Show, show hidden camera Howie Mandel's, My Name is Earl and the show. And so I developed a very politically incorrect and very funny show for Showtime starring Mario Cantone and Carol Leifer (which, BTW, I wrote episode of Seinfeld).
Were you aware that Microsoft has withdrawn its advertising this special because of its controversial content?
Yep. It is their right. But I had trouble believing they knew what they were getting themselves into when they said they would sponsor a show written by Seth MacFarlane. What did they expect? Sesame Street?
Have you found a controversial jokes in this special to be offensive?
Offensive. No patient, very. But it's Seth and Alex. Humor comes in all shapes and all have their cup of tea on what makes them laugh. But when we censor humor is very sad for you. All I have to say is "Lighten up, people."
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