Marlo Thomas Then and Now: 'That Girl' in the '60s went on to win the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Marlo Thomas' incredible life
Marlo Thomas embarked on her acting journey in the 1960s, inspired by her father, Danny Thomas. Hailing from Detroit, she gained widespread recognition through her role in the popular ABC sitcom 'That Girl'. Notably, Thomas became only the second woman ever to produce her own series. Swipe to see the incredible actress and philathropist make her through the years to a mature beauty at 85.
The hip and happening '60s girl
The success of 'That Girl' (which earned Thomas a Golden Globe) spanned from 1966 to 1971, when Thomas chose to end the series after five years. establishing Thomas as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Post the sitcom, she continued to flourish in her acting career, winning the Best Dramatic Actress Emmy in 1986 for her performance in the television film 'Nobody’s Child'. In 1972, Thomas expanded her creative endeavors by releasing a children's book titled 'Free to Be... You and Me'. She went on to create multiple recordings and television specials associated with the same theme, including "Free to Be... You and Me" in 1972 and 1974, as well as "Free to Be... A Family" in 1987. Thomas also engaged in political activities, serving as a California delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida, in 1972.
The '70s: All for a good cause
Marlo Thomas made a pivotal decision after five seasons, choosing to shift her focus towards female empowerment. Teaming up with Gloria Steinem and other trailblazers, she played a crucial role in establishing the Ms. Foundation for Women, marking the inception of the first women's fund in the United States. Despite this commitment to a noble cause, Thomas maintained a full-time presence on both television and stage. Her dedication and talent in these arenas were duly recognized with several accolades later on.
Finding love and winning awards in the '80s
In 1980, Marlo Thomas tied the knot with the talk show host Phil Donahue, who was then in the midst of what would become a remarkable 29-year run with his show, 'Donahue'. While Thomas and Donahue didn't have children together, she embraced the role of stepmother to Phil's five children from his previous marriage. Moreover, in the 1980s, Thomas earned an Emmy for her performance in the TV movie 'Nobody's Child'.
Rachel's mom on Friends in the 1990s
From 1996 to 2002, Marlo Thomas portrayed the character Sandra Green, Rachel Green's mother, on the popular TV show 'Friends'. Her recurring role spanned three episodes, showcasing her comedic prowess. Notably, for her performance on the show in 1996, Marlo Thomas secured another Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, adding to her impressive list of accolades. "What was fun about 'Friends' was that they were all just all so cute to me," Thomas told TODAY. In the same year (1996), Marlo Thomas received the Women in Film Lucy Award.
Wins Presidential Medal of Freedom and launches 'That Woman' collection
In 2004, Marlo Thomas, along with her siblings Terre and Tony Thomas, established the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, a philanthropic initiative aimed at raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration was inaugurated on November 20, 2014, as an integral part of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was overseen by Hillary Clinton. Subsequently, on November 24, 2014, President Barack Obama honored Thomas with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian distinction in the nation, during a ceremony held at the White House. In 2016, the actress, author, and activist ventured into the world of fashion with her creation of a ready-to-wear and accessories collection for HSN Inc. The collection was aptly named 'That Woman', the Times Herald reported.
Marlo Thomas keeps up the good work
What do you do after you become the author of six bestselling books, have an impressive collection of awards, including four Emmys, a Grammy, Golden Globe and the prestigious Peabody Award, tucked away at home? As of 2023, Marlo continues to fulfill the role of National Outreach Director for St. Jude's Children Research Hospital (founded by her father), showcasing her enduring commitment to the hospital's mission. On a personal note, People reports says, Marlo and her husband, Phil Donahue, celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on May 21, marking a significant milestone in their enduring and loving relationship. Currently, she lives in New York with her husband, sharing regular updates on her Instagram account.