Former Deaf 'DWTS' Contestant Marlee Matlin Congratulates Winner Nyle DiMarco

ByNICOLE PELLETIERE ABCNews logo
Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Marlee Matlin was all about Nyle DiMarco last night as he danced his way to winning the Mirror Ball trophy for season 22 of "Dancing With the Stars."

The Oscar-winning actress took to Twitter to send the deaf model her support last night during the finale of this year's competition.

"Wow @DancingABC!!" Matlin tweeted, with a heart emoji. "The moment when @NyleDiMarco won. He proves Deaf people can do ANYTHING, include DANCE! Nyle!"

Matlin, who is also deaf, competed on season 6 of "DWTS" and showed solidarity toward DiMarco by attending the finale -- sporting a Nyle T-shirt and all.

Matlin was among the slew of celebs to witness DiMarco's winning performance to Disturbed's "The Sound of Silence" with dance partner Peta Murgatroyd.

Thanks to Matlin and her interpreter, "DWTS" judge Carrie Ann Inaba delivered her remarks to DiMarco in sign language after his final dance.

DiMarco, who was the first deaf contestant and deaf winner of "America's Next Top Model," also made history Tuesday as the first deaf winner of "DWTS" -- beating out UFC fighter Paige VanZant and "GMA" meteorologist Ginger Zee.

Following his win, Matlin tweeted congratulations to DiMarco.

"Nothing better than tears of joy," she wrote. "@NyleDiMarco you deserve nothing but 10 10 10 FOREVER! @DancingABC loves you!"

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