Matlin on Dancing with the Stars

Marlee Matlin got the third most points of the women contestants on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars last night. The 42-year-old deaf actress has an Oscar to her credit but has never danced professionally. She’s been working seven hours a day with partner and show newcomer Fabian Sanchez. The professional dancer says Matlin is great to work with because she is very sensitive to his lead, since she is not trying to follow the rhythm herself. One of Matlin’s daughter (she has four) is a devoted fan of the show and encouraged her mom to become a contestant. Matlin is competing against radio host Adam Carolla, magician Penn Jillette, pro football player Jason Taylor, tennis champ Monica Seles, Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi, singer Mario and actors Steve Guttenberg, Shannon Elizabeth, Christian de la Fuente, Priscilla Presley and Marissa Jaret Winokur.