This is the story of Marlo Thomas, the millionaire maverick who redefined success. Imagine a woman who didn’t just break the glass ceiling, but shattered it into a million pieces – that’s her!
Margaret Julia Thomas was born on the 21st of November, 1937, in Detroit. She is an actress, producer, philanthropist, and activist. From her trailblazing role in That Girl to her tireless work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Marlo’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Marlo was also married to Phil Donahue, the iconic talk show host, who revolutionized daytime television. Together, they were a power couple with decades of love, success, and shared values.
What Is Marlo Thomas’ Net Worth?
According to various sources, Marlo Thomas’ net worth is estimated to be between $150 million and $200 million.
It is said that her fortune stems from her iconic career in the entertainment industry, her savvy business sense, and her dedication to giving back. But how did she accumulate such wealth? Let’s break it down.
Breakthrough Role
Marlo Thomas as Ann Marie in That Girl
Image source: Pinterest
For many of us, Marlo Thomas is synonymous with That Girl. The iconic TV show, which ran from 1966 to 1971, cemented her place in Hollywood history. Not only did she star in the series, but she also had a hand in producing it. That was no easy feat for women at the time.
The show’s success brought syndication deals and lasting royalties. Reportedly, she earned $50,000 per episode, which is a small fortune in the 60s.
Hollywood Career and Beyond
Marlo Thomas didn’t stop at her stellar success with the long-running debut TV show. Over the years, she appeared in various films like Jenny, The Real Blonde, Starstruck, Playing Mona Lisa, and Ocean’s 8.
She also had important roles in TV shows like The Joey Bishop Show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and It Happened One Christmas. She also took on producer roles, had numerous speaking engagements, and wrote noteworthy books like Growing Up Laughing.
Her versatility has kept her relevant in an industry that readily forgets its stars from the past decades.
Rumor has it that Marlo invested in tech startups early on, which may have significantly boosted her wealth. It’s also claimed that she has a private art collection worth millions. While these aren’t solid facts, they do have some merit, and they certainly add to the allure of her financial standing.
Achievement
Marlo Thomas has won four Emmy Awards, one Golden Globe Award, one Grammy Award, and one Peabody Award, and has been inducted into the Radio and Cable Hall of Fame.
Marlo Thomas was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama at the White House
Image source: Google
On November 24, 2014, then-President Barack Obama awarded Thomas the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony held at the White House, the highest honor awarded to civilians in the United States.
It is worth mentioning that President Biden awarded Marlo’s husband the Presidential Medal of Freedom ten years after she received the medal.
Philanthropic Work
Marlo Thomas was the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It was a role she took on after her father, Danny Thomas, founded the hospital.
She also ran the hospital in a genuinely authentic manner. In a full interview about her work there with Town and Country magazine she reveals, “Comedy built St. Jude,” Thomas says. “If you go, you’ll notice that you don’t hear crying there.”
View this post on Instagram
Marriage and Shared Wealth With Phil Donahue
Marlo married Phil Donahue, the legendary talk show host, in 1980. In an interview with New York Magazine, Marlo describes her relationship with Phil as one filled with mutual respect and admiration. “Phil and I are so connected and so in each other’s corner that he doesn’t scare me.” Unfortunately, Marlo Thomas’ husband, Phil, passed away at home on August 18, 2024. Marlo Thomas doesn’t seem to have walked out of grief; her ins are stuck on her husband’s death.
Lifestyle and Real Estate Holdings
It is said that she and Phil own a luxurious home in Manhattan. However, the exact details about her real estate portfolio remain under wraps.
When she’s not busy with philanthropy or professional endeavors, Marlo enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Marlo Thomas with family, the center is Marlo and her husband, Phil
Image source: Instagram
Comparison to Other Hollywood Icons
If you’re curious about how Marlo stacks up against her peers, you’re not alone. Compared to stars like Mary Taylor Moore and Barbara Eden, Marlo’s net worth is on par, if not slightly higher.
Thanks to her diversified career and enduring royalties, Marlo resides on the upper echelons of stardom.
As a matter of fact, comparison was something that scared Thomas. In an interview with Forbes, she recalls,
“I said to my father: ‘I’m going to change my name, Daddy. I don’t think that I can handle this comparison.’ He replied: ‘I raised you to be a thoroughbred. And thoroughbreds run their own races. They don’t look at the other horses. They wear their blinders and they run.”
Years later, the whole world knew that Thomas ran and won that race.
Marlo Thomas with her father
Image source: Instagram
Key Takeaways
Thomas was the first woman to produce and star in her own TV show. She put in so much effort in performing that she eventually won several Emmy Awards. She was also instrumental in raising over $1 billion for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Here are some important life lessons from her eventful journey.
- Diversify your talents and skills.
- Use your platform for good.
- Challenge the status quo.
- Choosing the right partner can impact your whole life.
Last but not least: wealth isn’t just about personal affluence, it’s also about giving back and making a difference.
Featured image source: Pinterest
