Marlee Matlin on Celebrity Apprentice, NeNe Leakes, John Rich, Meat Loaf, and Star Jones

Marlee Matlin said it plainly: "He's like a tornado on crack. But when I saw him sobbing in the van — it was only out of his heart, only out of his comp…" — and Premier Guide Miami was in the room when it happened.

Academy Award-winning actress and former Dancing with the Stars contestant Marlee Matlin emerged as one of two finalists on Celebrity Apprentice Season 11. For Marlee it was not about the entertainment or the drama — it was about the charity. She was part of a record-breaking season that raised over $3 million for various charities. In a recent interview with Premier Guide Miami, Marlee discussed her worthy opponent John Rich and her overall experience on the show.

PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: How capable do you think your opponent John Rich is?

MARLEE MATLIN: I would have to say that when I first heard John Rich was on the show, as a person who's deaf, I have to admit I didn't know who he was as a musician. But as soon as I heard that he represented country music — and naturally Nashville, and the hat he wore when he came in, and the charity he was playing for — I understood the very important position he held. There was an instant and immediate sense of respect. It was just about eye contact. I'm good at reading people's faces, and the moment I looked at his eyes I knew he was a formidable competitor. In addition, he couldn't have been a more polite and gentlemanly presence. What impressed me most was that he was there for the same reason I was — it wasn't about the drama, it was about the charity. His passion for St. Jude's is so incredible that I finally saw we both shared a passion for our charities in a way that nobody else could. He kept to himself as a good game player would. He was mature — well, most of the time. No, I'm kidding. But his sense of humor — he got me, and I got him. And I didn't at any time with him feel as if somehow, just because I'm deaf, I'm somehow different. I really have the utmost respect for John Rich — not only as a country singer but as a gentleman and a person who has good intentions for people and for those in situations where they have to struggle.

PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: Looking back, is there a lesson to be learned from Star Jones and NeNe Leakes and how their relationship impacted the team?

MARLEE MATLIN: I don't know if it's necessarily a lesson one learned, but I knew myself that whatever the hoopla surrounding the relationship they had — whatever drama came — was not something I chose to involve myself in, in terms of the way I played the game. It's just not who I'm about. It's not the kind of person that I am. I don't find it entertaining to get involved in people's arguments like that. Again, it was about the two of them. And I know a lot of America — as well as internationally — probably enjoyed it, because of course it's interesting to see two women go at it. But that's not how I've ever appreciated or approached life. Whatever clash occurred, for me it got too old too quick. And I just decided to focus on the task. Sometimes it overshadowed the purpose and my aim for being there, which was to raise money for charity. But I would never let it get in the way. They are both women whom I respect. They're both very vocal, and that's what's great about them. That's why they are game players.

PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: Meat Loaf is the cry baby of the group — how did you deal with his emotions on your challenge?

MARLEE MATLIN: When he joined our team, I knew he was experienced and seasoned — he assured me he knew what he was doing in film and television, 30 years in front of audiences. But I really didn't get a clue into how he worked until I tried to keep an open mind about how he dealt with stress, how he made decisions, how he listened. And all I can say is that he's extremely passionate. He's like a tornado on crack. When it was his turn and he took over the comedy routine task, I understood that he was very upset one morning. We couldn't even find him. He was there in the van waiting — and he was sobbing. That threw me for a loop, because I just never knew he was this kind of guy. But I learned that it was only out of his heart, only out of his compassion for the Painted Turtle charity he was playing for. All I saw was a guy who was so compassionate about raising money and how concerned he was that the money would be taken away — because it was all about the kids, not about him. He is completely selfless. He is completely giving. And yet he can go off track — but at the same time, who doesn't when they're that compassionate about charity? All I can say is I'd love to do a movie with him. He's really fantastic. And I'm really glad to have him as my friend.

PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: What was one of the biggest surprises you saw on the show this season?

MARLEE MATLIN: I think the fact that when we got together the night before to sit down and talk about the show, it was about who was on the show that really caught me by surprise. I really understood what their true colors were when we sat down. I'd had no idea that some of these people had the personalities they brought to the table. I knew about them in terms of their careers, but to know these people on a personal level — like Dionne Warwick. I knew clearly that she was a music legend, but I was surprised at the way she chose to play as a team member and how she wasn't familiar with people like myself who happen to be deaf. And yet I took it in stride. I think it was just a matter of how each person reacted in high-stress situations after working 18-hour days. I have to say I was surprised how people reacted.

PREMIER GUIDE MIAMI: Everyone on the show has talked about the strict schedule for Celebrity Apprentice and how difficult it was to cope — how did you manage?

MARLEE MATLIN: I think it's all about the charity and Red Bull. I was drinking Red Bulls, and I have to say at the end of the day, the hardest thing about the show is that you don't realize you have to eat. You really have to take care of yourself. There's no assistance, there's nobody treating you any differently. You're there on your own. It was really tough. But you stick it out for the charity.

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