Marlo Thomas
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1937-11-21
    • Born Place: Detroit, Michigan, United States

Marlo Thomas

Marlo Thomas is an award-winning American actress, producer, author, and social activist best known for her pioneering role as Ann Marie in the groundbreaking sitcom That Girl (1966–1971), which she also conceived and produced, making her one of the first women to ever produce her own television series. Born Margaret Julia Thomas on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, she is the daughter of legendary entertainer and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital founder, Danny Thomas. Her dedication to children's well-being and social change continued with her creation of the highly influential 1972 children's franchise Free to Be... You and Me, which became a platinum album, best-selling book, and Emmy-winning TV special, promoting individuality and gender neutrality. Throughout her extensive career, which includes a successful return to stage work and memorable guest roles on TV shows like Friends, she has been honored with four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a Peabody Award, a Grammy Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. Thomas is the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, continuing her father's philanthropic work, and was married to legendary talk show host Phil Donahue from 1980 until his death in 2024, becoming a stepmother to his five children from a previous marriage.

Person History