Shelley Beattie documentary explores life of Deaf athlete and star

The HBO documentary “Siren: The Voices of Shelley Beattie,” directed by Irene Taylor, explores the life and legacy of Deaf bodybuilder and “American Gladiators” star Shelley Beattie. The film follows Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin, who discovered Beattie’s story online and identified parallels between their lives, including experiences with fame, discrimination, abuse, and addiction within a hearing world.

Through archival footage, home videos, interviews, and Beattie’s personal artwork, the documentary examines the barriers Beattie faced as a Deaf woman in sports and media. It highlights her rise to international recognition in bodybuilding during the 1990s and her role as “Siren,” while also addressing her activism regarding mental health issues prior to her death at age 39.

The film aims to illuminate the isolation and cruelty Deaf individuals can face in society. An American Sign Language version of the documentary will also be available for streaming on HBO Max.