Every week, on Dancing with the Stars, Marlee Matlin does everything that Fabian Sanchez does—only she does it just like Ginger Rogers used to do:  backwards and in high heels.   But unlike Fabian, Marlee Matlin is deaf, which just makes dancing to the music a bit more challenging.

Marlee took some time out of her busy schedule to chat and answer a few questions:

KP: What has this experience been like so far, the several weeks that you've been involved with
Dancing with the Stars? 

MM: It's been great. I love the change of pace. It's the hardest work I've ever done and so satisfying.  I work with wonderful people and it’s so much  like a big extended family.

KP: Is this the most challenging thing you've ever done in your life, if not-- what is? 

MM: It's tough physically, it's tough mentally, but it's all good.  I love the challenge. It's just a part of who I am.

KP: Tell me what a typical day is like-- what is the process like to learn each dance sequence?  

MM: I get the day started with the kids lunches-- make sure they're fed and then I drive to rehearsal to be there usually by 8:30 a.m.  We work all day until 2:30 pm with several breaks in between (I have to snack because you just burn so many  calories).  Fabian maps out the dance, and teaches it to me step by step and we work until we have all the steps down.  Then we do it to the music and do it over and over again, perfecting each step, each hand move, each head turn.  By the time 2:30 comes around, I'm exhausted but I run home to get the kids from school,  go home and make dinner, put them to bed and fall asleep knowing  that I'll be starting all over again the next morning!

KP: I have heard that you practice six or seven hours a day-- I can't imagine what your feet feel
like in those heels!  Do you wear the heels all day? 

MM: I've gotten very used to the heels but they're not red-carpet- style heels. They're ballroom shoes and Latin dance shoes-- and they are not meant to be worn on the street.  But my feet were very sore at first; the balls of my feet ached when I got out of bed!  Now I'm used to wearing them after weeks of rehearsing, but I still change out of them at times during rehearsal just to give  my feet a break!

KP: In the few moments before you begin dancing in front of the audience, what goes through your mind?

MM: Follow Fabian. Follow Fabian. Smile. Hold up my arms. Turn my head right.  Don't trip.  And then it starts and it all becomes a blur until we're  done. The next thing I know, I'm there in front of the judges and I'm thinking, "Did I just dance?"

KP: Your career has spanned more than 20 years-- of all of the projects that you've done, which one stands out in your mind as a major accomplishment and a source of pride?

MM: My first film, Children Of  A Lesser God is my favorite and source of pride for me. I began that film knowing nothing about film making, about acting  for the camera, and I came away with the honor of receiving the Academy Award  for Best Actress. It was humbling to know that I was being recognized for my work in my very first film. I will never forget that.

KP: What do you hope to get involved with or accomplish in the upcoming years?

MM: I want people to be able to say "Wow, she works all the time." I love doing what I'm doing now and want to keep on going forward.

KP: My daughter has enjoyed your books and keeps asking me if you plan to write more.  Are there more books in the works?  What about a memoir?

MM: In order for me to write a memoir, I think some people would have to retire, move out of the country or pass away! Ha! Just kidding.  I think I'm not ready for a memoir yet, but I might write a book about my time just up until I  received my Oscar. I don't know and I'm not sure what the benefit would be right now in my career. As for fiction, I loved writing my children's books and I would like to write more, but right now this dancing is keeping me very  busy.

KP: Have you found it hard to juggle parenthood and your career?  What are some things that you do to strike a balance between both? 

MM: I have a great husband and family who support me. They fill in when I can't be there.  And I have a very detailed agenda that I am looking  at constantly and revising!  Otherwise, I'd have to be Samantha Stevens from Bewitched and wiggle my nose so I could turn myself into two people and do it  all.

KP: Here's a question from a mom with a deaf daughter: My daughter sometimes tells me that she can't do something because she's deaf.  How do I help her get beyond that attitude?  What did your own parents do to instill your "can do" attitude in you?  What would you tell my daughter if you were sitting down with her?

MM: I would say “just look into your heart and just follow what it tells you to do.  Don't let anyone tell you can't do something.  And if you really find it hard, just find another way to do it. People can sometimes be mean but they don't know you like I know you and what I know is that you are deserving of  everything life has to offer.  Make sure to give people your biggest smile and introduce yourself to everyone you meet.  In the end, your dreams are right there waiting for you to follow them so do it with pride.”

These are the words my parents gave me when I was growing up. They always made sure that the front door to the world was wide open and they encouraged me to explore.  In the end, no one should ever be denied the opportunity to go through that door.

KP: Many people with disabilities have faced discrimination-- have you encountered that over the years?  What suggestions do you have for Disaboom readers who have faced discrimination?

MM: Face it head on (even with a smile) and show that what you've got goes way beyond the negative thoughts and words that people use to cover their ignorance. And if they put up a wall to block your path, just walk around  it  any way you can.  Remember that the only "handicap" of being Deaf is the one that's in your head and not the one that people think is in your  ears.

Fans can interact directly with Marlee on her blog:  Marlee Matlin MySpace.

Read more:
For more information about Marlee Matlin, see Marlee Matlin: What My Parents Understood.

See The Reality of Disability for more about television shows that feature people with disabilities.

For more information about primetime television shows that portray people with disabilities, see Prime Time Disability.