Marlo Thomas.

Margaret Julia Thomas

Born 21 Nov 1937 Detroit, United States

Citizenship United States

Age 88 yr Today

11 min read

Reading time

2,056

Words

Sep 29, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Marlo Thomas broke through as the independent Ann Marie on the groundbreaking sitcom That Girl from 1966 to 1971. She earned a Primetime Emmy for her dramatic performance in the TV movie Nobody’s Child in 1986 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014. Thomas also produced the children’s special Free to Be… You and Me, which won an Emmy, and continues to work on behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Identity & family.

KIN · 3

Names, aliases, and relatives of Marlo Thomas — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Margaret Julia Thomas

Nicknames Miss Independence, Mugsy

Aliases Margaret Thomas

Parents: Danny Thomas
Spouses: Phil Donahue
Siblings: Tony Thomas

At a glance.

STATS

Marlo Thomas by the numbers — life, work, and family.

88 Age

6 Awards

1 Marriage

Who is Marlo Thomas?

BIOGRAPHY

Marlo Thomas — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Margaret Julia Thomas arrived on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to entertainer Danny Thomas and Rose Marie Mantell Thomas. Growing up in Beverly Hills, she was initially steered away from acting and earned a teaching degree from the University of Southern California. Her father’s Lebanese heritage and her mother’s Italian roots shaped her childhood, and she later studied drama at HB Studio and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Career

Thomas’s first major break came in 1961 when she was cast as Joey Bishop’s sister on The Bob Newhart Show. She guest-starred on series including Bonanza and My Favorite Martian before landing the lead role of Ann Marie on That Girl in 1966. The show ran for five seasons and earned her four Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe. Cancelling the show in 1971, she pursued dramatic roles, starring in the film Jenny 1970 and the TV movie The Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck 1984. She won an Emmy for Nobody’s Child 1986 and produced the children’s special Free to Be… You and Me 1974, which also won an Emmy. Later roles included Sandra Green on Friends and Mary Clark on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Personal life

Thomas married talk show host Phil Donahue in 1980 after meeting him on his daytime TV program in 1977. They lived in Westport, Connecticut, before moving to a smaller property across town. She is the eldest of three children, with brother Tony Thomas and sister Terre Thomas. Her godmother is Loretta Young. She has a lifelong friendship with feminist leader Gloria Steinem and serves as national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Legacy

Marlo Thomas’s role as Ann Marie on That Girl created a blueprint for later television heroines. She inspired a generation of women, including Gloria Steinem, who remains a friend. Thomas received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992. Her work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital extends her father’s legacy. Audiences remember her as Ann Marie, the girl who wanted to make it on her own.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 6

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Marlo Thomas — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Presidential Medal of Freedom
Michigan Women's Hall of Fame
Lucy Award
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

A wall of memorable lines from Marlo Thomas — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

My Father Said There Were Two Kinds of People in the World: Givers and Takers. the Takers May Eat Better, but the Givers Sleep Better.

Did you know?

FACTS · 18

Little-known facts about Marlo Thomas — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

After That Girl ended, Thomas remained close friends with co-star Ted Bessell until his death. She insisted he see a doctor when he complained of chest pains days before he died, which he did.
Thomas serves as national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, continuing her father Danny Thomas’s legacy.
Her sister Terre Thomas, brother Tony Thomas, and father Danny Thomas all appeared on the That Girl episode ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ in 1969.
Her father was of Lebanese descent and her mother was of Italian origin, with the maiden name Rose Marie Cassaniti.
Thomas attended and graduated from the University of Southern California with a teaching degree, then studied drama at HB Studio in Greenwich Village.
Her godmother is actress Loretta Young.
Future producer Aaron Spelling wrote the script for one of her earliest TV roles, an appearance with her father on Zane Grey Theatre in 1961.
She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama on November 24, 2014, at a White House ceremony.
Thomas and her husband Phil Donahue sold their Long Island Sound estate for close to $30 million and moved to a smaller property in Westport, Connecticut.
Best known by the public for her starring role as the wholesome Ann Marie on That Girl.
She was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award in 1996 for excellence and innovation in creative works enhancing the perception of women on television.
Thomas was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
She is the eldest of three children of Danny Thomas and Rose Marie Mantell Thomas.
She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for television at 6902 Hollywood Boulevard on December 3, 1992.
She attended and graduated from Marymount High School in Los Angeles in 1956.
The character Karen Walker on Will & Grace repeatedly targeted Thomas comically, stating she hated her but liked her husband Phil Donahue.
The book That Girl and Phil by Desmond Atholl describes the love story of Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue.
Thomas is a lifelong friend of feminist leader Gloria Steinem.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 35

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Marlo Thomas.

When was Marlo Thomas born?

Marlo Thomas was born on November 21, 1937. Her birth name is Margaret Julia Thomas, and she was born in Detroit, Michigan.
Where was Marlo Thomas born?

Marlo Thomas was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA. She was raised in Beverly Hills, California, as the daughter of entertainer Danny Thomas.
How old is Marlo Thomas?

As of 2024, Marlo Thomas is 87 years old. She was born on November 21, 1937, and has enjoyed a decades-long career in entertainment.
What is Marlo Thomas's real name?

Marlo Thomas’s real name is Margaret Julia Thomas. She is known professionally by her nickname Marlo, which she adopted early in her career.
What does Marlo Thomas do for a living?

Marlo Thomas is an actress, producer, and writer. She is best known for her starring role on the sitcom That Girl and for her dramatic work in television movies.
What nationality is Marlo Thomas?

Marlo Thomas is an American citizen. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, and has spent most of her career in the United States.
What language does Marlo Thomas speak?

Marlo Thomas’s native language is English. She was raised in Beverly Hills, California, and is fluent in English for her acting and public engagements.
Who are Marlo Thomas's parents?

Marlo Thomas’s father was Danny Thomas, the famous entertainer and philanthropist. Her mother was Rose Marie Mantell Thomas. Danny Thomas was of Lebanese descent, and Rose Marie was of Italian origin.
Who is Marlo Thomas married to?

Marlo Thomas is married to talk show host Phil Donahue. They wed in 1980 after meeting on his daytime television program in 1977.
Does Marlo Thomas have any siblings?

Marlo Thomas has two siblings: brother Tony Thomas, a television producer, and sister Terre Thomas, an actress. All three appeared together on an episode of That Girl.
Where did Marlo Thomas go to school?

Marlo Thomas attended Marymount High School in Los Angeles, graduating in 1956. She earned a teaching degree from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education and also studied drama at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and HB Studio.
What awards has Marlo Thomas won?

Marlo Thomas has won numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in Nobody’s Child, the Lucy Award from Women in Film, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was also inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.
How many awards has Marlo Thomas won?

Marlo Thomas has won at least six major awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Lucy Award, and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.
What is Marlo Thomas best known for?

Marlo Thomas is best known for her role as Ann Marie on the groundbreaking television sitcom That Girl, which aired from 1966 to 1971. She also gained recognition as Sandra Green on Friends and for her dramatic performances in TV movies.
How tall is Marlo Thomas?

Marlo Thomas is 5 feet 4 inches 1.63 meters tall. Her petite stature was a notable feature in her roles, complementing her spirited performances.
What are Marlo Thomas's nicknames and where did they come from?

Marlo Thomas has the nicknames Miss Independence and Mugsy. Miss Independence reflects her independent role on That Girl, while Mugsy was a childhood nickname.
Why did Marlo Thomas use the alias Margaret Thomas?

Marlo Thomas sometimes uses her birth name Margaret Thomas for dramatic roles or to distinguish herself from her father’s fame. It serves as a professional alias.
What was Marlo Thomas's role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?

Marlo Thomas played Mary Clark on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She appeared as a lawyer and mentor in the long-running crime drama.
What was Marlo Thomas's role on Friends?

Marlo Thomas played Sandra Green, the mother of Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green, on Friends. Her appearance added a touch of classic sitcom star power to the show.
How did Marlo Thomas meet her husband Phil Donahue?

Marlo Thomas met Phil Donahue when she appeared as a guest on his daytime talk show in 1977 to promote the film Thieves. They married three years later in 1980.
What is Marlo Thomas's connection to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital?

Marlo Thomas serves as the national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, continuing the legacy of her father, Danny Thomas, who founded the hospital. She is deeply involved in fundraising and advocacy.
Did Marlo Thomas win a Grammy Award?

Yes, Marlo Thomas won a Grammy Award for her children’s album Marlo Thomas & Friends. The album was part of her work producing educational children’s media.
What is the Lucy Award that Marlo Thomas received?

The Lucy Award is given by Women in Film to honor excellence and innovation in creative works that enhance the perception of women through television. Marlo Thomas received it in 1996.
What is the Ellis Island Medal of Honor awarded to Marlo Thomas?

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to American society. Marlo Thomas received it in recognition of her humanitarian work and achievements in entertainment.
What was Marlo Thomas's Emmy-winning role?

Marlo Thomas won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her performance in the 1986 TV movie Nobody’s Child. She played a woman with mental illness in a powerful dramatic role.
What was Marlo Thomas's role in Ocean's Eight?

Marlo Thomas had a role in the 2018 action comedy Ocean’s Eight, which starred Sandra Bullock and an ensemble female cast. Her appearance added to the film’s star-studded lineup.
What did Marlo Thomas study at the University of Southern California?

Marlo Thomas earned a teaching degree from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education. She briefly worked as a teacher before pursuing acting full-time.
Did Marlo Thomas receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

Yes, Marlo Thomas was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama on November 24, 2014, for her contributions to the arts and philanthropy, particularly through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Who played Ann Marie on That Girl?

Marlo Thomas played the role of Ann Marie on the sitcom That Girl. The character was a single, independent actress trying to make it in New York City, and the show was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a career-minded woman.
Who is Marlo Thomas's brother Tony Thomas?

Tony Thomas is Marlo Thomas’s younger brother and a successful television producer. He has worked on many shows and continues the family’s entertainment legacy.
What TV shows did Marlo Thomas guest-star on before That Girl?

Before That Girl, Marlo Thomas guest-starred on series such as Dobie Gillis, 77 Sunset Strip, Thriller, Zane Grey Theatre with her father, Bonanza, My Favorite Martian, McHale’s Navy, The Donna Reed Show, and Ben Casey.
What is Marlo Thomas's father's legacy?

Her father, Danny Thomas, was a legendary entertainer and philanthropist who founded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Marlo has continued his philanthropic work as the hospital’s national outreach director.
How many seasons did That Girl run?

That Girl ran for five seasons, from 1966 to 1971. Marlo Thomas starred in all 136 episodes as Ann Marie.
Did Marlo Thomas appear on Broadway?

Yes, Marlo Thomas made her Broadway debut in 1975 in Herb Gardner’s play Thieves, opposite Richard Mulligan. She later returned to Broadway in Social Security in 1986 and The Shadow Box in 1994.
What is Marlo Thomas's godmother's name?

Marlo Thomas’s godmother is actress Loretta Young, an Oscar winner and television star. Young was a close friend of the Thomas family.

View all 35 questions View fewer questions

Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on September 29, 2026

Report an issue

If something on this page looks off, we genuinely want to know about it. Send us a quick email with the celebrity's name, the detail that seems incorrect, and any sources you're referencing. We review every report and update the page as soon as we can.

Report an issue