Marlo Thomas Net Worth: A Look at Her Career, Philanthropy, and Legacy

Marlo Thomas is an American actress, producer, and social activist. Her net worth is $150 million, which includes the combined wealth of her late husband, Phil Donahue, a famous talk show host. They were married from 1980 until his passing in 2024.

She became well-known for her role as Ann Marie in the TV series “That Girl” (1966-1971). In this show, she played an aspiring actress in New York City. “That Girl” was one of the first shows to feature an independent, career-focused woman as the main character.

Apart from acting, Marlo Thomas has made important contributions to children’s entertainment and education. In 1972, she produced the “Free to Be… You and Me” project. This included a TV special, book, and album that promoted gender neutrality and diversity.

Throughout her career, Thomas has appeared in many TV shows, films, and Broadway productions. She has won four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for her work. Besides her entertainment career, she is also known for her philanthropy, especially her long-term involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded by her father, Danny Thomas.

The Success Behind Marlo Thomas Net Worth: A Career in Entertainment

Early Life

Marlo Thomas was born on November 21st, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry. Her father, Danny Thomas, was a well-known comedian. Marlo even starred with him in an episode of Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre. Her brother later became a film producer.

Marlo has Italian and Lebanese roots. She was raised in Beverly Hills, California, and attended the University of Southern California. There, she earned a teaching degree before pursuing her career in entertainment.

Career

Marlo Thomas started her acting career at a young age and quickly gained attention for her roles in various TV series. She appeared in shows like Ben Casey, My Favorite Martian, and Bonanza. However, her big break came in 1965 when she was cast in the popular play Barefoot in the Park. She performed the play in London, which led to more Broadway opportunities and helped establish her as a rising star in the entertainment world.

Another major milestone in Marlo Thomas’ career was landing the leading role in That Girl. The show, which aired from 1966 to 1971, was groundbreaking for its portrayal of an independent female lead who didn’t live with her parents. It followed the life of a young actress trying to succeed in New York City, and it became a huge success.

In 1972, Thomas wrote the children’s book Free to Be… You and Me, which was later adapted into several television specials. She also released a children’s music album titled Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks and Giving All Year Long. After That Girl ended, Thomas continued to build her career by starring in various TV shows and movies. In 2015, she appeared in the Broadway play Clever Little Lies.

The Influence of Marlo Thomas’ Personal Life on Her Net Worth

Marlo Thomas had a significant relationship with playwright, screenwriter, and cartoonist Herb Gardner, and became a stepmother to his five children from a previous marriage. In 1977, she appeared as a guest on Donahue, a daytime talk show hosted by Phil Donahue. They fell in love at first sight and married in May 1980. Marlo became a stepmother to Phil’s five children from his previous marriage, and they remained married until his death in 2024 at the age of 88.

Philanthropy
A significant part of Marlo Thomas’ life has been dedicated to philanthropy. In 1973, she co-founded the first women’s fund in the U.S., the Ms. Foundation for Women. Additionally, she served as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founded by her father. Marlo also donated royalties from several children’s books and albums to the hospital.

Awards
Throughout her career, Marlo Thomas has received numerous awards. She has won five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for her children’s album. She was also recognized for her impact on changing the portrayal of women in film and television, earning a Women in Film Lucy Award. For her philanthropy, she received a Peabody Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Real Estate
In 1986, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue purchased a 17-room home in Westport, Connecticut, though the price was not disclosed. Two years later, in 1988, they acquired an additional 7-acre property for nearly $7 million, which they later combined with their original estate. In 2006, they sold this large property to a financier for $25 million.

That same year, they bought two side-by-side parcels adjacent to their former estate for an undisclosed price. In 2012, they listed the approximately 6.5-acre property for $27.5 million, but ultimately sold it for $20 million in 2013.

In addition to their Connecticut properties, Marlo and Phil also owned an apartment in Manhattan. Here’s a video tour of their former Westport estate:

FAQs

1. How rich is Phil Donahue?
Phil Donahue’s net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. This includes his career earnings as a talk show host, author, and his partnership with his wife, Marlo Thomas.

2. Does Marlo Thomas own St. Jude’s?
No, Marlo Thomas does not own St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. However, she has played a significant role in its support. She has been deeply involved with the hospital through her work as the National Outreach Director and through donations, including royalties from her books and albums.

3. What is the net worth of Marlo and Phil?
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s combined net worth is estimated to be $150 million. This wealth is accumulated from Marlo’s acting career, her philanthropic work, and Phil’s success as a talk show host and author.

4. How many kids does Marlo Thomas have?
Marlo Thomas does not have any biological children. However, she became a stepmother to five children from Phil Donahue’s previous marriage.