Marlo Thomas is a legendary American actress, producer, author, and social activist, who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born into a family of entertainers, Marlo Thomas has enjoyed a long and successful career, making her one of the most respected figures in Hollywood. With her charm, wit, and versatility, she has garnered admiration not only for her acting but also for her humanitarian efforts.
In this article, we will answer the commonly asked question, “how old is Marlo Thomas?” We will explore her personal life, career, and contributions to society. Additionally, we will provide insights into her work, achievements, and legacy. We will also incorporate three tables that summarize key details about her life and career.
How Old is Marlo Thomas?
As of 2025, Marlo Thomas is 87 years old. She was born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Despite her advanced age, Marlo Thomas remains active and continues to contribute to various causes, demonstrating that age is just a number for this inspiring individual.
Marlo Thomas Age Over the Decades
| Year | Age |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 23 |
| 1970 | 33 |
| 1980 | 43 |
| 1990 | 53 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2010 | 73 |
| 2020 | 83 |
| 2025 | 87 |
Now that we’ve established how old Marlo Thomas is, let’s delve into her remarkable life, career, and contributions to society.
Early Life and Family
Marlo Thomas, born as Margaret Julia Thomas, grew up in an entertainment-oriented family. She is the eldest daughter of Danny Thomas, a famous comedian and actor, and Rose Marie Cassaniti, a former singer. Marlo’s exposure to the world of show business began at an early age, thanks to her father’s successful career in Hollywood.
Her father, Danny Thomas, is perhaps best known for his starring role in the sitcom “Make Room for Daddy” (later titled “The Danny Thomas Show”). He also founded the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of the leading pediatric treatment and research facilities in the world.
Education and Early Career
Marlo Thomas attended the University of Southern California, where she earned a degree in education. Initially, she aspired to become a teacher, but her love for acting ultimately won out. She began her career in television, appearing in several shows during the 1960s, including “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis”, “Ben Casey”, and “My Favorite Martian”.
Her breakthrough came when she landed the lead role in the popular TV sitcom “That Girl” (1966-1971). The show, which focused on the life of a young aspiring actress in New York City, became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted her to fame. Marlo Thomas became a household name, and the series earned her multiple awards, including a Golden Globe Award.
Marlo Thomas’ Early TV Roles
| TV Show | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis | Minor Role | 1960 |
| Ben Casey | Guest Appearance | 1963 |
| My Favorite Martian | Guest Appearance | 1964 |
| That Girl | Ann Marie (Lead Role) | 1966 – 1971 |
Marlo Thomas’ Career Beyond “That Girl”
After “That Girl” concluded, Marlo Thomas didn’t rest on her laurels. Instead, she ventured into other areas of entertainment, including film, theater, and production. She appeared in several movies, such as “Jenny” (1970), “Thieves” (1977), and “Starstruck” (1979).
In addition to her acting career, Marlo Thomas took on a role as a producer. She produced the children’s TV special “Free to Be… You and Me”, which became an Emmy Award-winning educational program that promoted gender equality, individuality, and self-expression. This project was highly influential in changing societal norms about gender roles and self-identity, particularly in the 1970s.
Marlo Thomas also authored several books, including “Free to Be… You and Me” and “The Right Words at the Right Time”. Her books became bestsellers and further solidified her role as an advocate for social change and empowerment.
Marlo Thomas’ Contributions to Social Causes
Beyond her work in entertainment, Marlo Thomas is highly regarded for her activism and philanthropic efforts. Like her father, she has been deeply involved with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Since her father’s passing in 1991, Marlo has played a leading role in raising funds and awareness for the hospital, which provides free treatment to children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
St. Jude has become a major part of Marlo Thomas’ legacy, and she continues to be an advocate for the hospital’s mission. She regularly appears in commercials, fundraising campaigns, and public events to support the hospital’s research and treatment efforts.
Marlo Thomas’ Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| Contribution | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| St. Jude National Outreach Director | 1991 – Present | Became National Outreach Director after her father’s death. |
| Annual Telethons and Fundraising Events | Ongoing | Regularly hosts telethons and fundraisers for St. Jude. |
| Partnership with St. Jude Hospital | Lifetime | Helps raise millions for cancer research and treatment at St. Jude. |
Personal Life
Marlo Thomas has been married to talk-show host Phil Donahue since 1980. Their marriage has been a stable and loving partnership, and they have been admired as one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. Marlo often speaks of her husband with great affection, highlighting the importance of mutual respect, communication, and support in their relationship.
Phil Donahue, known for pioneering the talk-show format with his hit show “The Phil Donahue Show”, shares many of the same values as Marlo. Both are strong advocates for social justice, equality, and humanitarian causes.
Although Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue do not have children together, Marlo has spoken fondly of her role as a stepmother to Phil’s five children from a previous marriage.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Marlo Thomas has received numerous accolades for her contributions to both the entertainment industry and social causes. Some of her most notable awards include:
- Golden Globe Award: For her performance in “That Girl”.
- Emmy Awards: Multiple wins for her work as a producer, actress, and social advocate.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded Marlo Thomas the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for her philanthropic work and contributions to society.
Her dedication to humanitarian efforts, particularly through St. Jude, has cemented her status as a figure of influence and compassion. Marlo Thomas continues to inspire others with her work and her commitment to making the world a better place.
Marlo Thomas’ Lasting Legacy
As of 2025, Marlo Thomas remains an icon in both the entertainment industry and the world of philanthropy. With a career spanning over six decades, she has left an indelible mark on American television, film, and theater. Her contributions to social causes, particularly her involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, have made her a symbol of hope and compassion for countless families.
Marlo Thomas age may be 87, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. She represents resilience, dedication, and the belief that one can make a meaningful impact in the world through hard work, talent, and a strong commitment to giving back.
Conclusion
In answering the question, “how old is Marlo Thomas?” we discover that she is 87 years old, but her life and legacy are ageless. From her early days on the iconic TV show “That Girl” to her ongoing work with St. Jude, Marlo Thomas has built a remarkable career and made a significant impact on both the entertainment industry and the world of philanthropy.
Her work continues to influence and inspire people of all ages. Whether through her television roles, her books, or her contributions to society, Marlo’s Thomas is a shining example of how a person can use their platform for positive change. With her enduring spirit, Marlo’s Thomas remains a true American icon.
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