Marlee Matlin - Matlin Has No Problems With Cartoon Show Poking Fun At Her Deafness

Oscar winner MARLEE MATLIN has given the brains behind irreverent U.S. cartoon series FAMILY GUY the OK to make fun of her hearing disability - because it's humorous.

The deaf star has been the brunt of cruel gags on the comedy series and now she's come forward insisting she has no problems with writer/creator Seth MACFarlane's politically incorrect barbs - and she urges others to find humour in the jokes.

Matlin even appeared on MACFarlane's recent U.S. TV variety show, Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show, to prove she has no problems with the TV mogul's off-colour humour.

She walked onstage during a skit in which MACFarlane's sidekick Alex Borstein was impersonating the actress singing Lady GaGa's Poker Face and pretended to be furious. After berating the comedienne and poking fun at her, Matlin gave Borstein the finger, screamed "F**k off" and stormed off.

An she says she has no problems with Family Guy's mockery: "It was sick. It was twisted. It was rude. But the day we censor humour is a sad one, for sure. All I gotta say is, 'Lighten up, people!'"

The Children of a Lesser God star admits she has no idea what's being said when the characters on the show poke fun at her - because "I can't read their lips."