Marlo Thomas is an actress, producer, author, and social activist best known for her role in the groundbreaking sitcom That Girl. Throughout her extensive career in the entertainment industry, she has also made a significant mark in philanthropy. As of 2024, Marlo Thomas’ net worth is estimated to be around $150 million. This staggering wealth comes from her career in acting, producing, writing, and her long-standing role as a philanthropist.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Marlo Thomas was raised in a family steeped in show business. Her father, Danny Thomas, was a well-known actor, comedian, and producer. Following in his footsteps, Marlo pursued acting from a young age, graduating with a teaching degree from the University of Southern California.
Her breakout moment came in 1966 when she starred in That Girl, one of the first TV shows featuring an independent single woman as the lead character. The show was revolutionary for its time, resonating with young women and aspiring professionals nationwide. Thomas also produced the show, giving her more creative control. That Girl lasted five seasons and was a 1960s cultural touchstone.
Financial Success from Acting and Producing
While That Girl helped Marlo Thomas build her net worth significantly, her career did not stop there. The actress continued acting in many films, television shows, and stage productions, earning a regular income from her performances. Some of her notable works include It Happened One Christmas (1977), The Real Blonde (1997), and Friends, where she guest starred as the mother of Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green.
Thomas has also produced projects. Her role as a producer on That Girl was groundbreaking for a woman at the time, setting the stage for her future work behind the scenes. Her later films, television specials, and documentaries have added to her fortune.
Writing and Advocacy
In addition to her acting and producing work, Thomas has written several best-selling books, including Free to Be… You and Me, the Right Words at The Right Time, and Growing Up Laughing. Such books, focusing on empowerment, humor and her own personal experiences, have been very successful and have added to her wealth.
Thomas has used her platform for social change as a gender equality advocate. Her Free to Be…. You and Me project, which began as an album and book for children, later turned into a television special that won an Emmy.
Philanthropy and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
While Marlo Thomas’ acting and producing work have made her wealthy, her true calling is in philanthropic work. Her father, Danny Thomas, founded St. Jude Children’s Research hospital in 1962, and she has been its National Outreach Director for decades. Saint Jude is one of the world’s leading research hospitals, providing free care to children with catastrophic diseases and developing new treatments for pediatric cancers.
With her efforts at the hospital, Thomas has raised millions of dollars for cancer research and treatment. This has only added to her legacy as a compassionate and impactful figure in both Hollywood and the world of philanthropy.
