Marlo Thomas is well-recognized not only for her acting work but also for her tireless philanthropy efforts. Most people recognize her from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital commercial spots where she appears standing next to a child receiving care at its facility. Marlo Thomas continues the legacy her father, Danny Thomas, started when he founded St. Jude Hospital back in 1962 with her work as National Outreach Director of St. Jude.
As her dedication is unwavering in this position, Marlo continues to fulfill a noble role within St. Jude Hospital today. He held that no child should experience suffering early in life.
He has made this goal part of Marlo and her siblings’ ongoing work, just as their net worth reflects this dedication to service inside and outside the entertainment world. Her acting credits alone don’t account for half her efforts or success; her hard work extends outside this industry!
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Marlo Thomas Net Worth Overview
Marlo Thomas is an American actress, producer, and social activist renowned for her net worth, estimated to be $1501 million, which she shares equally with late talk show host Phil Donahue, who died.
Since their marriage in 1980, Donahue and Dodson shared an unbreakable connection – in terms of love and finances – which endures even today. Marlo first gained widespread fame through her groundbreaking role in “That Girl,” where she played Ann Marie – an aspiring actress living in New York.
This pioneering show marked one of the first to portray an independent, career-minded female protagonist as its central protagonist.
Marlo Thomas has made tremendous strides in children’s entertainment and education beyond her work on That Girl. In 1972, she produced “Free to Be… You and Me”, an impressive project featuring a TV special, book, and album to encourage gender neutrality and diversity in society.
Marlo has shown her talents across television series, films, and Broadway performances over her long career, earning four Emmy Awards, one Golden Globe, and one Grammy prize.
Her acting career stretches over decades, yet her charitable contributions–particularly her longstanding involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded by her late husband–have also played an instrumental part in shaping much of her life.
In her career, Donna Reed appeared on series like Bonanza, McHale’s Navy, and The Donna Reed Show. Still, it wasn’t until London produced Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park that her breakthrough occurred. Marlo decided not to end That Girl with marriage out of concern that this sent an inappropriate message to young women.
Her children’s book Free To Be… You and Me became an astounding success and an anthem for an entire generation, much like her work with St. Jude’s, one of the premier pediatric cancer hospitals that provides services to over 8,000 patients annually.
Early Life
Marlo Thomas was born November 21st, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, into an entertainment family that featured her famous Lebanese American comedian father, Danny Thomas; Rose Marie Cassaniti, being of Italian American heritage, was her mother.
Both parents worked professionally within their respective fields. Marlo was brought up alongside Tony, an award-winning producer, and Terre, an actress, both living in Beverly Hills, California.
Early exposure to show business came via Marlo’s father performing shows such as Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre gave Marlo her first glimpse at its world. Marlo attended Marymount High School in Beverly Hills before enrolling at the University of Southern California to obtain her teaching degree.
Marlo initially focused on studying education; however, as her family worked in entertainment, she followed in their footsteps and started acting.
Growing up surrounded by vibrant creativity and actors, it’s no wonder Marlo developed her love of acting, which would later shape a successful career path for herself.
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Career
Marlo Thomas began her acting career by landing roles on popular television series such as ‘Ben Casey,” My Favorite Martian,” and Bonanza.” Marlo began her acting career in 1965 with London’s Barefoot in the Park production, making an impressionful mark upon its release to New York audiences.
Her breakthrough, however, came through playing Ann Marie from 1966 to 1971 on the TV show “That Girl.” Through this iconic television role, she earned numerous Golden Globe and Emmy Awards; Marlo also made significant contributions outside acting, such as education for children through the book/TV special “Free to Be… You and Me”, released in 1972, which remains revered today as cultural touchstones.
Marlo Thomas produced a children’s music album entitled “Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks and Giving All Year Long,” while her career thrived, with roles in movies, television shows, and even an award-winning Broadway play in 2015 entitled Clever Little Lies (Clever Little Lies).
Marlo received various honors, such as Grammy’s, Jefferson Awards, and Women In Film Lucy Awards, recognizing her efforts within entertainment.
Personal Life
Marlo Thomas found true love later in life when she met Phil Donahue during a guest appearance on his show in 1977, eventually leading them down the path toward marriage in May 1980 and becoming stepparents to Phil’s five children; their devotion lasted until his passing in 2024; before meeting Phil, Marlo also enjoyed significant relationships with Herb Gardner who is an actor, playwright, screenwriter, cartoonist.
Even today, at age 88, Marlo still draws upon these connections between family and professional commitment seamlessly as she weaves both worlds with ease and warmth.
Philanthropy
Marlo Thomas has made a lasting impact through her charitable endeavors. In 1973, she co-founded the Ms. Foundation for Women, supporting women’s rights and equality throughout America.
Since becoming the National Outreach Director for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital after his passing in 1997, Marlo has dedicated both time and resources to this cause—even giving royalties from her children’s books/albums as donations so their important work in treating serious childhood illness may continue uninterrupted.
Awards
Marlo Thomas has earned numerous prestigious recognitions throughout her career, such as five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her incredible television work and winning a Grammy Award for a children’s album she created to demonstrate her talent across multiple mediums.
Additionally, for her contributions to film as an advocate for women, she received the Women in Film Lucy Award for philanthropy, the Peabody Award in 2014, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom honoring her long-term impactful work.
Real Estate
Marlo Thomas has invested extensively in real estate over her lifetime, reflecting both her net worth and taste for luxury properties.
Starting with purchasing an incredible 17-room manor located on 7 acres in Westport, Connecticut, in 1986 for $3 million (she later listed it for $7 million on the market), in 2006, purchasing another 6.5-acre estate for $25 million, which she listed for sale again as recently as 2012 for an astounding price of $27.5 million, then in 2013 investing an apartment which cost $20 million – Thomas has proven herself successful when investing in high-value real estate ventures that reflect both her success and eye for high-value real estate properties!