An American actress, born to an American family of Polish origins. She suffered from hearing problems as a child, but this did not prevent her from participating in children's theater performances when she was seven years old. In her youth, she majored in forensic science at Harper College, but she could not resist her passion for acting. She resumed her artistic activity immediately after graduating from university, and participated in many theatrical works, such as the show Children of a Lesser God. Then she was chosen to play the same character in the film version of the film in 1986, which represented her cinematic debut. It was nominated for five Academy Awards but won only one, the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, which Marley won. She won the Golden Globe Award in 1987 for the same role.