Marlo Thomas net worth in 2024 is a topic many fans are curious about. She has had a long and successful career in Hollywood. Marlo is best known for her role in the classic TV show That Girl, but she has also made a name for herself as a producer, author, and philanthropist.
Let’s explore how Marlo Thomas earned her wealth and the different ways she continues to thrive.
Marlo Thomas in Brief
| Full Name | Margaret Julia “Marlo” Thomas |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, producer, author, social activist |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) |
| Spouse | Phil Donahue |
| Children | Michael, Kevin, Daniel Mary Rose, James Patrick |
| Net Worth | $150 million |
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What is Marlo Thomas Net Worth in 2024?
Marlo Thomas is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist who has an estimated net worth of $150 million as of 2024, according to sources like Distractify. Her wealth reflects decades of success in entertainment, from her iconic role in That Girl to her philanthropic work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which she co-founded with her father, Danny Thomas.
Marlo Thomas’s main source of wealth comes from her work in acting and producing. She earned a lot of money from her TV show That Girl, which ran from 1966 to 1971. She not only starred in the show but also helped produce it, which gave her extra income. She also acted in many other TV shows, movies, and plays over the years.
Besides acting, Marlo Thomas wrote books and earned money from them. Her book Free to Be… You and Me became very popular and made her well-known for her work in promoting equal rights for children and women.
Marlo also married Phil Donahue, a famous TV host, who has his wealth. Together, their combined wealth is estimated to be around $150 million. However, most of Marlo’s money comes from her successful career in entertainment and writing.
Marlo Thomas’ Early Life
Marlo Thomas was born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit and grew up in Beverly Hills, California. She is the oldest child of Rose Marie Cassaniti and comedian Danny Thomas. Marlo has a sister, Terre, and a brother, Tony Thomas, a producer. Her dad was a Catholic Lebanese American, and her mom was Sicilian American. Actress Loretta Young was her godmother. The name “Marlo” came from how she mispronounced “Margo” as a child.
Marlo attended Marymount High School and the University of Southern California. She earned a teaching degree because she wanted proof that she could do something important. While in college, she joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Marlo Thomas’ Career
Early Career
Marlo Thomas began her career in many TV shows like Bonanza, McHale’s Navy, Ben Casey, and 77 Sunset Strip. Her big break came in 1965 when she was cast in the play Barefoot in the Park in London. The director was Mike Nichols, and she worked with actors like Daniel Massey and Kurt Kasznar. She later worked with Nichols again in Social Security on Broadway in 1986.
Marlo also worked with her father, Danny Thomas, on the show Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre in 1961. They played a father and daughter in the episode “Honor Bright.”
That Girl
In 1966, Marlo starred in That Girl, a TV show where she played Ann Marie, an aspiring actress in New York City. The show was different because it focused on a single woman trying to make it in the world. It became popular and ran for 136 episodes. Marlo was also one of the first women to produce her TV series.
At the end of the show in 1971, Marlo chose not to have the characters get married, even though the sponsor wanted it. She felt it would send the wrong message that marriage was the only happy ending for women.
Achievements
After That Girl, Marlo studied at the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg. She later won an Emmy for her role in Nobody’s Child in 1986. Marlo also created a children’s book and specials called Free to Be…You and Me and Free to Be…A Family.
Marlo was active in politics and women’s rights. She helped found the Ms. Foundation for Women in 1973. She also made guest appearances in shows like Friends, playing Rachel Green’s mom, and in movies like Jenny and Thieves.
Marlo appeared on Broadway in shows like Social Security and The Shadow Box. She also performed in off-Broadway plays and national tours, such as Six Degrees of Separation.
She has written seven best-selling books, including Free to Be…A Family and her memoir Growing Up Laughing. Marlo has worked as a producer and voice actress in several projects, including the Grammy-winning Thanks & Giving All Year Long CD.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Marlo is deeply involved in charity work, especially for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which her father founded. She donates all royalties from her books and music to the hospital.
In 2010, she created MarloThomas.com, a website for women over 35, which is linked to AOL and the Huffington Post.
Marlo Thomas’ Personal Life
Relationship
Marlo Thomas was in a long relationship with playwright Herb Gardner. Later, her life changed when she met Phil Donahue.
In 1977, Marlo appeared on Donahue, a talk show hosted by Phil Donahue. They quickly fell in love. The couple married on May 21, 1980. After their wedding, Phil moved from Chicago to New York City with some of his sons and his daughter to live with Marlo.
Family
Marlo became the stepmother to Phil’s four sons and one daughter from his first marriage. She shared her feelings about this role with AARP Magazine. She decided not to act like their mother but instead became their friend. She said their bond has grown stronger over the years.
Phil Donahue passed away on August 18, 2024.
Marlo Thomas’ Awards
Thomas has won many important awards. She has received four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, a Grammy Award, a Jefferson Award, and the Peabody Award. These awards show her success and talent.
In 1979, the Supersisters trading card set was created. One of the cards had Thomas’ name and picture on it. This was a special moment in her career.
In 1996, Thomas received the Women in Film Lucy Award. This award recognized her for her work in TV that helped improve how women are seen in the media.
On November 20, 2014, the Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration opened. This center is part of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Hillary Clinton helped cut the ribbon at the opening.
On November 24, 2014, President Barack Obama gave Thomas the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest honor for a civilian in the United States. She received it in a ceremony at the White House.
Marlo Thomas’ Real Estate
Connecticut Estates
In 1986, Phil and Marlo bought a 17-room house in Westport, Connecticut. The price they paid for it was never revealed. Two years later, they added a 7-acre property to their estate. They spent just under $7 million on it.
In 2006, they sold the entire estate for $25 million to a financier. That same year, they bought two nearby parcels next to their old property. The purchase price was not disclosed.
Selling Their New Property
In 2012, they listed this 6.5-acre estate for $27.5 million. A year later, they sold it for $20 million.
City Life in Manhattan
Phil and Marlo also own an apartment in Manhattan.
