Margaret Julia “Marlo” Thomas (born November 21, 1937) is an American actress, producer, author, television presenter, and social advocate. She has been a distinguished persona in the realms of entertainment and philanthropy for more than six decades. Marlo rose to prominence in the 1960s as both the star and producer of the sitcom That Girl (1966–1971), where she portrayed Ann Marie, a young woman pursuing her acting passion in New York City while navigating relationships and her quest for independence.
The series is recognized for transforming the portrayal of single women on television, making it simpler for subsequent programs to showcase independent female protagonists. Additionally, Marlo developed and starred in the children’s initiative Free to Be… You and Me (1972 book, 1974 TV special, and associated recordings), which advocated for gender equality, self-acceptance, and individuality. The project featured songs, stories, and sketches with notable personalities like Alan Alda, Michael Jackson, and Roberta Flack.
Here are some essential details about Marlo Thomas:
| Full Name | Margaret Julia Thomas |
| Nickname / Stage Name | Marlo Thomas |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1937 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 88 years |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) |
| Spouse | Phil Donahue (married May 21, 1980 – his death August 18, 2024) |
| Children | None (stepmother to Phil Donahue’s five children from his previous marriage) |
| Net Worth (2026 estimate) | Approximately $150–$200 million (from acting, producing, book sales, speaking engagements, St. Jude fundraising initiatives, and long-term investments) |
Marlo Thomas age: bio
Marlo Thomas, born Margaret Julia Thomas on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, is the eldest child of Rose Marie Cassaniti and comedian and actor Danny Thomas. She has a sibling named Terre and a brother, Tony Thomas, a television producer. Her father, who was a Lebanese-American Catholic, gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s, while her mother was of Sicilian ancestry. The family relocated to Beverly Hills, California, to support her father’s career. Marlo attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles and subsequently graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in education. She opted for teaching as a fallback option, expressing her desire for “a document that verified I was qualified to accomplish something in the world.” While in college, Marlo joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
From an early age, Marlo had a keen interest in performing. Surrounded by her father’s show-business career, she began acting in school plays and local performances. During the 1950s and 1960s, she made appearances on television programs like Bonanza, McHale’s Navy, Ben Casey, Arrest and Trial, The Joey Bishop Show, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, My Favourite Martian, 77 Sunset Strip, and The Donna Reed Show. In 1965, she starred in a pilot titled Two’s Company, which caught the attention of ABC. This opportunity led her to create and star in That Girl, which aired from 1966 to 1971 for five seasons. The series highlighted Ann Marie, a single actress residing in New York City, and was significant for depicting an independent woman who lived alone, dated, and prioritized her career over marriage. Marlo insisted that the series not conclude with a wedding, as she believed it would convey a misleading message to young women.
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Following That Girl, Marlo ventured into producing, writing, and engaging in activism. In 1972, she launched the children’s book and TV special Free to Be… You and Me, which championed gender equality and self-acceptance through songs, stories, and celebrity participants. This initiative earned numerous awards and held significant meaning for many individuals growing up during that period. In 1973, she co-founded the Ms Foundation for Women alongside Gloria Steinem and others, marking one of the first women’s funding organizations in the U.S.
Marlo has continued acting in TV movies, guest appearances, and stage performances. Some of her latter roles include Nobody’s Child (1986, which earned her an Emmy), recurring roles on Friends (as Rachel Green’s mother, Sandra Green), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, and Ballers. She has also graced Broadway in Social Security (1986) and off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues and other productions. Recently, she has shifted her focus toward writing, public speaking, and charitable activities rather than on-screen acting.
Marlo wed TV host and producer Phil Donahue on May 21, 1980, in Winnetka, Illinois. Although they did not have children together, Marlo took on the role of stepmother to Phil’s five children from his previous marriage. Their union lasted 44 years until Phil passed away due to natural causes on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88. Marlo has spoken candidly about their profound love, mutual values, and unwavering support for one another.
Update
As of January 2026, Marlo Thomas is 88 years of age and remains engaged in charitable work, public speaking, and occasionally makes media appearances:
- She continues to champion and fundraise for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where her annual Thanks & Giving initiative (launched in 2004) has gathered hundreds of millions of dollars for childhood cancer research and treatment.
- In 2025, Marlo was involved in several interviews and virtual events celebrating That Girl’s 60th anniversary (premiered in 1966) and its impact on contemporary television shows featuring independent women.
- She has openly discussed her sorrow following Phil Donahue’s passing in August 2024, referring to him as her “closest friend and partner in every aspect.” She indicates that she is currently concentrating on family, writing, and her endeavors with St. Jude.
- Free to Be… You and Me continues to be utilized in updated educational programs that emphasize diversity, inclusion, and self-worth.
- No significant new acting projects, publications, or health news have been announced for 2025–2026. She lives a private life but attends St. Jude functions and select public events.
Face
Marlo Thomas has long been recognized for her distinctive and timeless appearance. During her younger years (1960s–1980s), she was admired for her large brown eyes, radiant smile, clear complexion, and dark brown hair, often styled in a bob or soft waves. Her visage conveyed warmth, intelligence, determination, and approachability, making her ideal for modern, relatable female roles. As she aged, Marlo maintained a natural and sophisticated style, embracing her silver hair and opting for minimal makeup to enhance her features.
In recent images and public appearances (2024–2025), Marlo, now 88, continues to exude poise, vitality, and the same warmth she displayed on screen. She has candidly expressed her views on aging with self-assurance, resisting societal pressure to undergo surgery, and encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty. Her face is regarded as a lasting emblem of grace, activism, and timeless beauty in American entertainment.
Movies
Marlo Thomas has performed in numerous films, TV movies, and specials throughout her extensive career. Here are some of her most noteworthy film roles:
- Jenny (1970) — Lead performance; garnered a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actress.
- Thieves (1977) — Starred as Sally Cramer.
- In the Spirit (1990) — Portrayed Reva Prosky.
- The
- Real Blonde (1997) — Supporting character.
- Starstruck (1998) — Portrayed Linda Phaeffle.
- Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999) — Cameo appearance as Margaret.
- Playing Mona Lisa (2000) — Played the role of Sheila Goldstein.
- LOL (2012) — Portrayed Gran alongside Demi Moore and Miley Cyrus.
- Ocean’s 8 (2018) — Minor part as Rene.
- Bella! (2023) — Featured as herself in this documentary-style movie.
In recent times, Marlo has allocated more of her attention to television, production, and activism than to films, yet she still engages in significant acting opportunities when she opts to work.
Wikipedia
Marlo Thomas possesses a thorough Wikipedia entry that outlines her life, profession, activism, and accolades. The article includes her early years in Detroit and Beverly Hills, her breakthrough with That Girl, the creation of Free to Be… You and Me, her enduring marriage to Phil Donahue, her contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014). It features sections on her filmography, personal life, and legacy.
The page is well-cited with references to interviews, obituaries, award announcements, and official biographies. As of January 2026, the Wikipedia entry is frequently updated to include Phil Donahue’s passing in 2024, recent milestones for St. Jude, and the ongoing recognition of That Girl and Free to Be… You and Me. It remains one of the most trustworthy and detailed online resources for her life and work.
net worth
As of January 2026, Marlo Thomas’s net worth is approximated to be around $150–$200 million (USD). This substantial figure arises from:
- Significant earnings from her leading role and ownership share in That Girl (1966–1971), one of the pioneering programs where an artist maintained considerable creative and financial authority.
- Decades of revenue from producing, acting in made-for-TV movies and specials, and royalties from Free to Be… You and Me (book, album, and TV special).
- Ongoing residuals from reruns of That Girl, streaming deals, and merchandise.
- Book sales, including bestsellers like Free to Be… You and Me, The Right Words at the Right Time series, and Growing Up Laughing.
- Speaking fees, public engagements, and endorsements accrued over six decades.
- Smart investments and real estate assets amassed during her marriage to Phil Donahue and her own career.
Marlo has lived comfortably but not extravagantly, dedicating a significant portion of her energy to charitable endeavors. A considerable share of her income and royalties from several projects has been directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the Thanks & Giving campaign she initiated in 2004. There have been no major financial disputes or changes in 2025–2026. Her net worth reflects a lifetime of achievement in entertainment, production, writing, and philanthropic leadership.
