Marlo Thomas is a renowned actress, producer, and philanthropist, whose cultural icon status has been solidified over decades in entertainment. Beyond her work on screen, she has built a legacy in children’s entertainment and charitable causes.
Her unwavering dedication to both her craft and her philanthropy has earned her a place among the most impressive and famous figures in modern television.
Let’s explore Marlo Thomas net worth and her other fortune
Marlo Thomas Quick FActs
Category | Details |
Full Name | Margaret Julia “Marlo” Thomas |
Profession | Actress, Producer, Philanthropist, Cultural Icon |
Gender | Female |
Date of Birth | November 21, 1937 |
Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
Age | 87 |
Father | Danny Thomas (Lebanese-American comedian) |
Mother | Rose Marie Cassaniti (Sicilian-American) |
Siblings | Tony Thomas (Producer), Terre Thomas (Ex-Actress) |
Education | Marymount High School, University of Southern California |
Nationality | American |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Phil Donahue (married in 1980 until his death) |
Children | Stepchildren (from Phil Donahue’s previous marriage) |
Net Worth | $150 million (2025) |
Notable Awards | 5 Emmy Awards, Golden Globe, Grammy, Peabody Award, Lucy Award |
Major TV Shows | That Girl, Bonanza, Ben Casey, Law & Order: SVU, Ballers |
Books Published | Free to Be… You and Me, Growing Up Laughing, The Right Words at the Right Time |
Plastic Surgery | No verified information on plastic surgery |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
Weight | 134 pounds (61 kg) |
156K Followers | |
1.1 Million Followers | |
YouTube | 23K Subscribers |
TikTok | 41K Followers |
X (Twitter) | 66.1K Followers |
Website | MarloThomas.com |
What is Marlo Thomas’ Net Worth As of 2025?
Marlo Thomas net worth is currently valued at around $150 million as of 2025 . This wealth has come from a career spanning several decades, primarily in acting and production.
She became widely recognized in the 1960s for her starring role in That Girl, a sitcom that aired from 1966 to 1971.
As Ann Marie, an aspiring actress navigating life in New York City, Thomas portrayed an independent, career-minded woman, a character who broke many stereotypes of the time.
Marlo Thomas Salary and Annual Income and sources of income
Marlo Thomas’ annual income is estimated at $7.5 million. Her primary sources of income include
- Acting
- TV production
- Public Speaking
- Endorsement Deals
As a household name from That Girl, she continues to earn a significant amount from syndication rights of the show, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.
Marlo Thomas Early Life and Family Background
Born on November 21, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, Marlo Thomas was raised in a household steeped in entertainment.
Her father, Danny Thomas, was a famous Lebanese-American comedian known for founding St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Her mother, Rose Marie Cassaniti, was of Sicilian origin, and together, they created a dynamic, culturally rich environment for their children.
She was the eldest of three siblings, including Tony, a film producer, and Terre, a former actress known by the stage name “Margo.”
Marlo Thomas Education
Marlo attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles before pursuing higher education at the University of Southern California. She graduated with a degree in teaching but soon realized that her true passion was acting.
While she did write a humorous paper in college, it was her heart that ultimately led her to the stage. She believed that education helped her understand people and situations, both of which are key elements in acting. Though she had a formal education, it was her experiences outside the classroom that truly shaped her career.
Marlo Thomas Career
Marlo Thomas Early Career
Before landing the role that would make her a household name, Marlo Thomas appeared in various TV shows in the early 1960s. These included guest spots on popular programs such as Bonanza, Ben Casey, My Favorite Martian, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
She also worked on the Joey Bishop Show in 1961 and had a role in Neil Simon’s play Barefoot in the Park, which was a big breakthrough for her in 1965.
Her work during these early years was instrumental in building her acting credibility and gave her a platform to take on bigger roles in the future. It was clear early on that Marlo was destined for greater things, and the world would soon come to know her as much more than just another actress.
Marlo Thomas Breakthrough with That Girl (1966-1971)
In 1966, Marlo Thomas became a cultural icon when she was cast as the lead in the sitcom That Girl. Her portrayal of Ann Marie, a young woman chasing her dreams in New York City while dealing with temporary jobs, was revolutionary.
Ann was independent, career-driven, and defied traditional stereotypes of women on television at the time.
The show ran for five successful seasons, from 1966 to 1971, and was praised for its portrayal of a woman who wasn’t defined by a man or a family, but rather by her own career aspirations.
This role made Marlo Thomas a leading actress and also marked her as one of the first women to produce her own television series. The show not only solidified her place in TV history but also laid the foundation for women in media during that era.
Marlo Thomas Other Roles and Career Evolution
- After the success of That Girl, Marlo Thomas continued to shine in various television shows and films.
- She made notable guest appearances in series like Law & Order: SVU and Ballers, and she was also part of The New Normal, where she played the role of Rachel Green’s mother on Friends.
- Her theater career evolved as well, with performances in Broadway shows like Social Security and Thieves.
- She also took on Off-Broadway productions such as The Vagina Monologues and Clever Little Lies, showing her versatility as an actress.
- As an author, she continued to make waves with her books, including Growing Up Laughing and The Right Words at the Right Time. Through her work, she consistently empowered youths and worked towards social change.
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Awards and Recognition of Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas’ illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades. Over the years, she has earned
- five Emmy Awards, reflecting her excellence in television.
- Golden Globe for her role in That Girl, where she portrayed an independent woman breaking barriers on TV.
- Grammy Award for her children’s album Free to Be… You and Me, which remains a classic in children’s media.
- Peabody Award, also earned through philanthropic efforts.
- Women in Film Lucy Award, acknowledging how she changed the representation of women in the media.
Real Estate Investments of Marlo Thomas
Year | Property Description | Price | Details |
1986 | 17-room home in Westport, Connecticut | Undisclosed | Purchased by Marlo and Phil |
1988 | Westport home (including 7-acre connected property) | $7 million | Sold after 2 years |
2006 | Estate sale (unspecified location) | $25 million | Property sold |
2006 | Side-by-side parcels from former estate | Undisclosed | Sold in the same year |
2012 | 6.5-acre property | $27.5 million (accepted $20 million) | Sold after adjustment in accepted price |
2013 | Manhattan apartment | Undisclosed | Purchased, expanding their real estate holdings |
Philanthropy
Marlo Thomas has always been deeply committed to philanthropic work. In 1973, she became a key figure in founding the first women’s fund in the United States, the Ms. Foundation for Women, where she served as National Outreach Director.
She also played a major role in the growth and success of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the hospital founded by her father, Danny Thomas.
Marlo has used the royalties from her children’s books and albums to donate to the hospital, furthering its mission of providing treatment to children in need. Her dedication to philanthropy extends beyond her professional work, influencing many who follow her lead in supporting charitable causes.
Marlo Thomas Age, Height and Weight
Category | Details |
Age | 87 |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
Weight | 134 pounds (61 kg) |
Notable Books by Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas has made significant contributions to literature, especially in the realm of children’s books.
Her most famous works are
- Free to Be… You and Me, released in 1972, this book, accompanied by a musical album, emphasizes individuality and equality, resonating with generations of readers.
- The Right Words at the Right Time, released in 2002 which is a collection of inspirational stories from people who had a profound influence on her life.
- Growing Up Laughing, released in 2009 ,which reflects on her life’s experiences and the humor that helped her navigate through it.
Personal Life of Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas’ personal life has always been as dynamic and impactful as her professional career. In May 21 1980, she married Phil Donahue, a famous talk show host, after meeting him during a taping of his show in 1977.
Their relationship has flourished over more than 40 years due to their mutual respect and shared values, especially their commitment to philanthropy and activism.
Family and Children of Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas shares a blended family with her husband, Phil Donahue. While she has no biological children, Marlo has been a devoted stepmother to Phil’s 5 children: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and Gina. This family dynamic has been one of love and support, providing the foundation for a nurturing and close-knit environment.
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Marlo Thomas Movies and TV Shows
Marlo Thomas has built an impressive career in both movies and TV shows, captivating audiences with her diverse roles. Here’s a look at some of her most notable works:
Movies:
- That Girl (1966–1971) – Iconic sitcom where she played Ann Marie, a career-driven young woman.
- The Other Woman (2009) – A romantic comedy where she portrayed a supporting character.
- Free to Be… You and Me (1972) – A groundbreaking children’s special that Marlo produced and starred in.
TV Shows:
- Bonanza (1960s) – Appeared in a guest role early in her career.
- Ben Casey (1961) – Guest-starring role as a young nurse.
- My Favorite Martian (1963) – Guest appearance in a popular sci-fi sitcom.
- The Joey Bishop Show (1961-1965) – Regular appearance on the show.
- Law & Order: SVU (2007) – Guest appearance in a long-running crime drama.
- Ballers (2015) – Appeared in several episodes of this HBO series.
Marlo Thomas Health and Well-being
At 86, Marlo Thomas continues to go strong, showing that age is no barrier to living life fully. She remains an active and influential figure, often discussing how mental, physical health, and happiness contribute to a balanced life.
Marlo’s approach to aging with grit and maintaining her wellness is inspiring. She uses her platform to encourage others to focus on their own health and quality of life.
Marlo Thomas Plastic Surgery
There is no publicly available information confirming that Marlo Thomas has undergone plastic surgery. She has, however, openly discussed aging with grace and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Marlo’s appearance reflects her commitment to wellness, but specifics about surgical procedures remain unverified.
Interesting Facts About Marlo Thomas
- Marlo was the first female producer of a television series.
- She has won four Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe, Grammy, and Peabody Award.
- In 2014, Marlo was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian work.
- Her contributions to children’s media, particularly Free to Be… You and Me, have made a lasting impact.
- She has authored seven best-selling books, with three of them reaching the #1 spot on best-seller lists.
Marlo Thomas Social Media Presence
Platform | Followers/Subscribers |
156K Followers | |
1.1 Million Followers | |
YouTube | 23K Subscribers |
TikTok | 41K Followers |
X (Twitter) | 66.1K Followers |
Website | MarloThomas.com |
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FAQs
Does Marlo Thomas own St. Judes?
Marlo Thomas does not own St. Jude’s, but she is a prominent spokesperson and active supporter of the hospital founded by her father, Danny Thomas.
What was Phil Donahue’s net worth when he passed?
Phil Donahue’s net worth at the time of his passing in 2024 was estimated to be around $150 million.
How much older was Phil Donahue than Marlo Thomas?
Phil Donahue was 2 years older than Marlo Thomas, born in 1935, while she was born in 1937.
Does Marlo Thomas have any natural children?
Marlo Thomas does not have any biological children of her own but has stepchildren from her marriage to Phil Donahue.
Conclusion
Marlo Thomas net worth is estimated at $150 million in 2025, a testament to her successful career as an actress, producer, and philanthropist. Known for her iconic role in That Girl. Marlo has also made significant contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded by her father, Danny Thomas.
Married to Phil Donahue until his passing in 2024, she has stepchildren from his previous marriage. With numerous accolades, Marlo Thomas remains a cultural icon and a beloved public figure across multiple platforms and industries.
Nathan Henry is a researcher specializing in celebrity culture, net worth insights, and entertainment trends. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Nathan delivers accurate and engaging content that resonates with readers.