Marlo Thomas Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is Marlo Thomas’ Net Worth?

An American actress, producer, and social activist, Marlo Thomas boasts a net worth of $150 million. This figure represents a combined net worth with her late husband, the talk show host Phil Donahue, with whom she shared a marriage from 1980 until his passing in 2024.

Marlo Thomas earned widespread acclaim for her role as Ann Marie, an aspiring actress navigating life in New York City, on the iconic TV series “That Girl” (1966-1971). This pioneering show was among the first to spotlight an independent woman with career ambitions as the lead character.

Notably, Thomas has also made impactful contributions to children’s entertainment and education. She was the producer of the celebrated project “Free to Be… You and Me,” released in 1972, which consisted of a TV special, book, and album advocating for gender neutrality and diversity. Over her career, she has graced numerous television shows, films, and Broadway productions, earning four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy for her contributions in entertainment. Beyond her acting pursuits, Thomas is widely recognized for her philanthropic work, particularly her enduring support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital founded by her father, Danny Thomas.

Early Life

Born on November 21st, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Marlo Thomas came from a family immersed in the entertainment industry—her father was the comedian Danny Thomas. She later featured alongside him in an episode of “Dick Powell’s Zane Grey Theatre.” Her brother pursued a career as a film producer. Marlo has Italian and Lebanese roots. Growing up in Beverly Hills, California, she attended the University of Southern California, earning a degree in education.

Career

Starting from a young age, Marlo Thomas aimed for an acting career, landing various roles on multiple television series. Her initial performances included appearances on “Ben Casey,” “My Favorite Martian,” and “Bonanza.” Her significant breakthrough arrived in 1965, when she was cast in the popular play “Barefoot in the Park,” which she showcased in London before engaging in further Broadway productions.

Thomas’s career took another major turn when she secured the leading role in “That Girl.” The series was groundbreaking, focusing on a female protagonist who lived independently, chronicling the journey of a young actress striving for success in New York. The show enjoyed immense popularity, airing from 1966 to 1971.

In 1972, after authoring a children’s book titled “Free to Be… You and Me,” Marlo Thomas created several television specials inspired by the narrative. Additionally, she produced a children’s music album named “Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks and Giving All Year Long.” Following the conclusion of “That Girl,” she continued to participate in a diverse array of television programs and films, including her appearance in the Broadway play “Clever Little Lies” in 2015.

Personal Life

Marlo Thomas enjoyed a lengthy romance with Herb Gardner, a playwright,

She was a screenwriter and cartoonist, becoming a stepmother to five children of Harb Gardner from a prior marriage.

In 1977, Marlo made a guest appearance on the daytime talk show “Donahue.” Reports suggest that she and Phil fell in love at first sight. The couple wed in May 1980, and she took on the role of stepmother to Phil’s five children from his previous marriage. Their union lasted until his passing in 2024 at the age of 88.

Philanthropy

A significant part of Marlo Thomas’ career has been dedicated to philanthropy. In 1973, she played a key role in establishing the first women’s fund in the United States, known as the Ms. Foundation for Women. Additionally, she worked as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, generously donating royalties from various children’s books and albums to support the hospital.

Awards

Throughout her acting career, Marlo Thomas has accumulated five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy. One of her Grammy Awards was earned for her children’s album. Moreover, her contributions to changing the portrayal of women in film and television have earned her recognition, culminating in a Women in Film Lucy Award.

In recognition of her charitable efforts, Marlo Thomas received a Peabody Award and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Real Estate

In 1986, Phil and Marlo purchased a 17-room residence in Westport, Connecticut, though the price remains undisclosed. By 1988, they acquired an adjacent 7-acre property for just under $7 million. This combined estate was sold to a financier in 2006 for $25 million. That same year, they acquired two neighboring parcels next to their former estate for an undisclosed amount. In 2012, they listed the approximately 6.5-acre property for $27.5 million, ultimately accepting $20 million the following year. They also hold an apartment in Manhattan. Below is a video tour of their previous Westport estate: