Marlo Thomas’s 2024 Fortune: Actress and Philanthropist’s Net Worth Revealed
Marlo Thomas is an iconic American entertainment and philanthropy figure with a career spanning over six decades.
Born Margaret Julia Thomas in 1937, she rose to fame as the star of the groundbreaking sitcom “That Girl” in the 1960s and became an award-winning actress, producer, author, and social activist. Thomas has been a pioneer for women on and off screen, advocating for gender equality and children’s rights throughout her career.
She’s also dedicated much of her life to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded by her father, Danny Thomas. With her multifaceted talents and passionate commitment to important causes, Marlo Thomas has left an indelible mark on American culture.
Who is Marlo Thomas?
Marlo Thomas is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist born in Detroit, Michigan on November 21, 1937. She is the eldest daughter of comedian Danny Thomas and his wife, Rose Marie.
Thomas got her start in television in the 1960s, appearing on popular shows like “Bonanza” and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis” before landing her star-making role as Ann Marie on “That Girl” in 1966.
“That Girl” was groundbreaking for portraying a single, career-minded woman living alone in New York City. Thomas starred in and produced the show, making her one of the first women to deliver her TV series. The show ran for five successful seasons and cemented Thomas’ status as a feminist icon.
After “That Girl” ended in 1971, Thomas continued acting in television, film, and theater while expanding into producing, writing, and activism. She has won numerous awards, including four Emmys, a Golden Globe, a Grammy, and a Peabody Award.
In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work in entertainment and philanthropy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margaret Julia Thomas |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1937 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 86 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Author, Social Activist |
Personal Life and Relationships
Marlo Thomas married talk show host Phil Donahue in 1980 after meeting him when she was a guest on his show in 1977. It was Thomas’ first marriage and the second for Donahue, who had five children from his previous marriage.
Thomas embraced her role as stepmother to Donahue’s children, once saying, “From the very first day, I decided that I was not going to try to be a ‘mother’ to Phil’s children in the traditional sense – they already had a mom – but, instead, to be their friend.”
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Thomas and Donahue have been married for over 40 years, making them one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. They have homes in New York and Connecticut and continue to work on projects together, including co-authoring the book “What Makes a Marriage Last” in 2020.
Before meeting Donahue, Thomas had a long-term relationship with playwright Herb Gardner in the 1970s. She has never had biological children of her own by choice, saying in interviews that she felt fulfilled by her career and her role as a stepmother.
Professional Career and Achievements
Marlo Thomas’ acting career took off in the mid-1960s when she was cast as the lead in “That Girl.” The show was revolutionary for its time, depicting an independent, career-focused woman pursuing her dreams in the big city.
Thomas fought to ensure the series ended without her character getting married, wanting to show that a woman’s “happily ever after” didn’t have to include a wedding.
After “That Girl” ended, Thomas continued to act in television movies and series, earning Emmy nominations for her dramatic work. Some of her notable TV roles include appearances on “Friends” as Rachel Green’s mother and a recurring role as a judge on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
On the big screen, Thomas has appeared in films like “Jenny” (1970), “Thieves” (1977), and “In the Spirit” (1990). She’s also had a successful stage career, performing in Broadway productions like “Social Security” and “Relatively Speaking.”
Beyond acting, Thomas has made her mark as a producer and author. In the 1970s, she produced the influential children’s project “Free to Be… You and Me,” which promoted gender neutrality and inclusivity through books, music, and television. She’s also authored several bestselling books for children and adults.
For her wide-ranging work in entertainment, Thomas has received numerous accolades. She’s won four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a Grammy, and a Peabody Award. In 1996, she was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award for her work enhancing the perception of women through television.
Age and Physical Appearance
Marlo Thomas was born on November 21, 1937; as of 2024, she was 86. Despite her age, she remains active in her career and philanthropic work.’
Thomas stands at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) tall. Throughout her career, she’s been known for her petite frame, bright smile, and signature brunette hair (though she’s embraced a blonde look in recent years). In her youth, Thomas was considered a style icon, with her fashionable wardrobe on “That Girl” influencing trends of the late 1960s.
Net Worth and Financial Details
Marlo Thomas has had a long and successful entertainment career, contributing to her net worth. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $150 million, including her combined assets with her husband, Phil Donahue.
Thomas’ wealth comes from various sources, including her acting career, producing work, book sales, and other business ventures. While specific salary details for her acting roles aren’t publicly available, it’s known that she was one of the highest-paid television actresses during the run of “That Girl” in the late 1960s.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2024) | Approximately $150 million |
| Income Sources | Acting, producing, book sales, smart investments |
| Real Estate | Formerly owned a mansion in Westport, CT; sold for $20 million in 2013 |
| Notable Sales | 17-room mansion on 7 acres sold for $25 million (2006) |
In addition to her entertainment earnings, Thomas has likely benefited from intelligent investments. She and Donahue have owned valuable real estate, including a mansion in Westport, Connecticut, that they sold for $20 million in 2013.
It’s worth noting that Thomas is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While this doesn’t directly contribute to her net worth, it speaks to her commitment to using her wealth and influence for good causes.
Company and Investment Details
While Marlo Thomas is primarily known for her work in entertainment and philanthropy rather than business ventures, she has been involved in some entrepreneurial and investment activities over the years.
Thomas has served on the National Women’s Political Caucus board of directors and has been involved with various women’s empowerment organizations. In 1973, she was one of the founding members of the Ms. Foundation for Women, the first women’s fund in the United States.
Regarding real estate investments, Thomas and her husband, Phil Donahue, have owned several valuable properties. They famously owned a 17-room mansion on 7 acres in Westport, Connecticut, which they sold in 2006 for $25 million. They then purchased another property nearby for an undisclosed amount, which they sold in 2013 for $20 million.
Thank you to my biggest fan, my hubby Phil, for these beautiful posies to celebrate tonight’s premiere of #AMagicalChristmasVillage on the @hallmarkchannel. #CountdownToChristmas pic.twitter.com/OpLY1zRDiU
— Marlo Thomas (@MarloThomas) November 4, 2022
While specific details about Thomas’ investment portfolio aren’t public knowledge, someone of her wealth and stature would likely have a diversified investment strategy, including stocks, bonds, and possibly other business ventures.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work
Marlo Thomas is perhaps best known for her extensive philanthropic work, particularly her involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital was founded by her father, Danny Thomas, in 1962, and Marlo has been a passionate advocate for its mission throughout her life.
Thomas serves as St. Jude’s National Outreach Director, helping to raise awareness and funds for the hospital’s groundbreaking work in treating childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. She created the hospital’s annual Thanks and Giving campaign, which has raised over $1 billion since its inception in 2004.
Beyond her work with St. Jude, Thomas has been involved in various charitable causes. She’s long advocated for women’s rights and has supported organizations like the Ms. Foundation for Women. While not strictly charitable, her “Free to Be… You and Me” project aimed to promote gender equality and inclusivity for children.
Thomas’ philanthropic efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Helen Caldicott Leadership Award and the Jefferson Award for Public Service.
Contact Details and Social Media Presence
Marlo Thomas maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with fans and promoting her various projects and causes. As of 2024, you can find her on:
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| @MarloThomas | |
| @MarloThomas | |
| @officialmarlothomas |
Thomas is represented by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for professional inquiries. However, direct contact information is not publicly available for privacy reasons.
Thomas also frequently updates her official website, marlothomas.com, where fans can find information about her latest projects, books, and philanthropic work.
Conclusion
Marlo Thomas has lived a life marked by trailblazing achievements in entertainment, unwavering commitment to social causes, and dedication to philanthropy.
From her groundbreaking role in “That Girl” to her tireless work for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Thomas has consistently used her platform to impact the world positively.
Now in her 80s, she is an active and influential figure, proving there’s no age limit on making a difference. Marlo Thomas’ legacy as an actress, producer, author, and humanitarian will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.