Marlo Thomas is one of the most enduring figures in American entertainment, a woman whose career spans more than sixty years across television, film, books, and activism. Known to millions for her groundbreaking role in That Girl and beloved for her decades of advocacy work, Thomas has built both a legacy and a fortune. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $150 million, a figure that includes her own career earnings and assets inherited from her late husband, broadcasting icon Phil Donahue.
Early Life and Education
Born Margaret Julia Thomas on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Marlo grew up in a family deeply tied to the world of entertainment. Her father, the legendary comedian Danny Thomas, not only became a household name in his own right but also founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the world’s leading institutions for pediatric care and research. Her mother, Rose Marie Cassaniti, was of Italian descent, while her father was of Lebanese heritage, giving Marlo a strong multicultural background.
Raised in Beverly Hills, she graduated from Marymount High School before attending the University of Southern California, where she earned a teaching degree. Though she initially considered a traditional career path, the pull of performance proved too strong.
Career Breakthrough with That Girl
Marlo Thomas’s breakthrough arrived in 1966 with the ABC sitcom That Girl. Playing Ann Marie, an aspiring actress living independently in New York, Thomas became a pioneer for women on television. The show was one of the first to portray a female character focused on career ambitions rather than marriage, and it aired for five seasons until 1971.
The success of That Girl turned Thomas into a household name and earned her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy nominations. Her portrayal of a strong, independent woman resonated with viewers and helped open doors for future female-led sitcoms.
Expanding into Film, Theater, and Books
While That Girl made her a star, Thomas expanded her work well beyond television. She appeared in films such as Jenny (1970) and Thieves (1977), and she continued performing in theater productions throughout her career.
In 1972, she launched the groundbreaking project Free to Be… You and Me, which included a book, album, and television special. The project championed gender equality, diversity, and acceptance, themes far ahead of their time. It became a cultural touchstone and won her a Grammy Award.
Thomas also authored several books, including children’s titles and works on empowerment, further adding to her influence and financial success.
Awards and Recognition
Over her six-decade career, Marlo Thomas has won five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy. In recognition of her cultural and philanthropic contributions, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by President Barack Obama.
Her commitment to shaping how women are represented on screen earned her a Women in Film Lucy Award, while her philanthropy was recognized with a Peabody Award. These honors cement her as not only an entertainer but also a changemaker.
Philanthropy and St. Jude
Perhaps Thomas’s greatest impact has been her tireless philanthropy. As the daughter of Danny Thomas, she inherited a lifelong commitment to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She serves as the National Outreach Director, working without pay to support the hospital’s mission.
Her efforts have helped raise over $1 billion through initiatives such as the Thanks and Giving campaign. She often emphasizes that her work with St. Jude is her proudest achievement, continuing her father’s vision that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
Alongside her work with St. Jude, Thomas co-founded the Ms. Foundation for Women in 1973, one of the first women’s funds in the United States, focused on advancing women’s rights and leadership.
Personal Life and Marriage to Phil Donahue
In 1977, Thomas appeared on Phil Donahue’s talk show as a guest, and the two quickly fell in love. They married in 1980 and remained together until Donahue’s death in 2024 at the age of 88. Though the couple did not have children together, Marlo became stepmother to Donahue’s five children from a previous marriage.
The couple shared a strong bond for over four decades, often appearing publicly together and collaborating on philanthropic projects. Their marriage became one of Hollywood’s rare examples of long-term stability.
Real Estate and Financial Standing
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue invested heavily in real estate, contributing to their combined net worth of $150 million. In the 1980s, they purchased a large estate in Westport, Connecticut, which they later sold in 2006 for $25 million. They also sold another waterfront property in 2013 for $20 million after initially listing it for $27.5 million.
Currently, Thomas resides in New York City, where she and Donahue shared a luxurious penthouse duplex on the Upper East Side. These properties, along with her career earnings from television, books, and production, helped secure her financial stability.
While her exact annual earnings are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest she may earn between $1 million and $2 million annually, with some reports suggesting up to $7.5 million depending on projects and investments.
Age, Family, and Net Worth
As of 2025, Marlo Thomas is 87 years old. She continues to live in New York City while maintaining strong ties to St. Jude and other philanthropic causes. With a net worth of $150 million, Thomas remains one of the wealthiest actresses of her generation. Her fortune is the result of acting, producing, book sales, strategic investments, and inheritance from her late husband Phil Donahue.
Legacy
Marlo Thomas’s life is an inspiring story of talent, persistence, and giving back. From redefining women’s roles on television in That Girl to raising over a billion dollars for children’s healthcare, her achievements go far beyond Hollywood.
At 87, Thomas shows no signs of slowing down. Her career and philanthropy highlight the rare combination of stardom and selflessness, ensuring her legacy will be remembered not just for what she achieved on screen but for the lives she touched off it.