Marlo Thomas, best known for her starring role in the 1960s sitcom That Girl, has enjoyed a successful entertainment career, spanning acting, producing, and authoring several books. Marlo Thomas is a widely respected figure as an Emmy-winning actress, a dedicated philanthropist, and an advocate for children’s health through her work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Many wonder about her financial standing, given her multi-decade career in Hollywood and her commitment to charitable causes.
At Wislay, we’ll explore Marlo Thomas’s net worth, her income sources, and her work’s impact, both in entertainment and philanthropy.
Profile Summary
| Real Name | Margaret Julia Thomas Donahue |
| Famous Name | Marlo Thomas |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Gender | Female |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in |
| Weight | 56kg |
| Education | Marymount High School, Beverly Hills High School, University of Southern California |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Parents | Danny Thomas, Rose Marie Mantell Thomas |
| Marital Status | Widow |
| Spouse | Phil Donahue (m. 1980–2024) |
| Kids | 4 Stepsons (Michael, Kevin, Daniel and James) 1 Step-daughter (Mary Rose) |
| Siblings | Theresa Thomas, Tony Thomas |
| Net Worth | $150 million (2024 Update) |
Early Life and Career Breakthrough
Born Margaret Julia Thomas on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Marlo Thomas grew up in a family embedded in the entertainment industry. Her father, Danny Thomas, was a legendary comedian and actor, and her upbringing exposed her to Hollywood from an early age. However, Thomas forged her path, beginning with minor TV roles before landing the breakthrough role of Ann Marie in That Girl. The sitcom was groundbreaking then, as it focused on an independent young woman pursuing a career rather than marriage—an unusual premise for the 1960s.
The success of That Girl made Thomas a household name and opened doors for more acting opportunities. She became a symbol of empowerment and a role model for young women of the era, and her career momentum contributed significantly to her growing net worth.
Related: Erin Brockovich’s Net Worth 2024: A Look at the Wealth of Famous Activist.
What is Marlo Thomas’s Net Worth in 2024?
As of recent estimates, Marlo Thomas’s net worth in 2024 is $150 million. Her wealth is derived from various income streams, including her long-lasting entertainment career, book deals, and philanthropic work, mainly through her family’s association with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Television and Film Career
Thomas’s role in That Girl brought her fame and financial success, but she continued working consistently in television, film, and theater after the show ended. She appeared in shows like Friends, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her work has won her numerous accolades, including four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy, all of which have helped to build her reputation and wealth.
Producing and Writing
Beyond acting, Thomas ventured into producing and writing. She produced several TV movies and specials, some focusing on women’s issues and empowerment. Her notable work includes Free to Be… You and Me, a children’s project that inspired a book and album, earned her a Grammy Award. Thomas has also authored several bestselling books, including Growing Up Laughing, an autobiographical work that explores her life, family, and experiences in Hollywood. Book sales and royalties from her projects have increased her wealth and helped her maintain financial stability.
Philanthropic Work and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
One of Marlo Thomas’s most prominent roles outside of Hollywood is her position as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which her father, Danny Thomas, founded in 1962. Although she does not receive a salary from St. Jude, her work has indirectly boosted her net worth through increased visibility and credibility as a philanthropist.
Marlo Thomas has played a key role in fundraising campaigns and has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the hospital, which provides treatment for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, regardless of their ability to pay.
Her dedication to St. Jude has brought her numerous accolades, and her philanthropic work is a significant part of her public image. Thomas’s association with St. Jude has earned her respect and admiration worldwide, and this goodwill has strengthened her career and brand.
Marlo Thomas’s Assets and Lifestyle
Marlo Thomas enjoys a comfortable lifestyle with a net worth of $150 million. She owns real estate properties, including a home in Manhattan with her husband, talk show legend Phil Donahue. Known for her down-to-earth nature, Thomas does not display her wealth lavishly but focuses on meaningful causes.
Awards and Recognitions
Marlo Thomas has received numerous awards throughout her career, reflecting her contributions to entertainment, writing, and philanthropic efforts. These awards have not only added to her prestige but have also helped maintain her financial success.
- Four Emmy Awards: For her performances and contributions to television.
- Golden Globe Award: Recognizing her excellence in acting.
- Grammy Award: For her work on Free to Be… You and Me.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014, this is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, recognizing her contributions to society through philanthropy and advocacy.
Her numerous recognitions affirm her influence in both the entertainment and philanthropic arenas, helping to cement her legacy.
How Marlo Thomas Manages Her Wealth
Marlo Thomas’s wealth management approach reflects her background and values. Growing up with a father who emphasized giving back to the community, she prioritizes philanthropy over personal luxury. Marlo Thomas’s net worth supports her charitable contributions and her commitment to the ongoing mission of St. Jude. Additionally, she has made strategic investments in real estate and publishing, which provide a steady income flow.
Her work-life balance, which includes acting, writing, producing, and charity work, demonstrates a well-rounded approach to wealth management. Rather than indulging in excess, Thomas channels her resources into lasting causes, showing that wealth can be used to create a positive impact.
Marlo Thomas’s Legacy and Influence
Marlo Thomas’s legacy extends far beyond her financial success. Her career broke stereotypes about women in Hollywood and she continues to be a powerful voice for gender equality and children’s health advocacy. Her influence can be seen in several areas:
Empowering Women on Screen
Her role in That Girl helped shift perceptions of women’s roles on television, portraying a career-driven, independent, and self-sufficient character. Her work paved the way for more diverse female characters on TV, influencing generations of women to pursue their ambitions.
Philanthropic Leadership
Her ongoing work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has raised awareness of the need for accessible healthcare and has inspired others to support causes they care about. Her role as National Outreach Director has brought in millions for cancer research and has expanded the hospital’s mission to provide lifesaving treatments worldwide.
Social Advocacy and Public Speaking
Thomas encourages people to engage with causes that matter through her books and public speaking engagements. Her books, such as The Right Words at the Right Time, encourage readers to find courage and purpose. Thomas’s public persona as a thoughtful and driven philanthropist has made her an enduring public figure.
Conclusion:
Marlo Thomas’s net worth of $150 million reflects a lifetime of acting, writing, and philanthropy accomplishments. From her groundbreaking work on That Girl to her tireless efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she has become an icon in entertainment and a champion for children’s health. Her story reminds us that true wealth goes beyond financial success; it lies in creating a legacy that benefits future generations.
Through her multifaceted career and dedication to meaningful causes, Marlo Thomas has shown that wealth can be a tool for positive change. Whether through her influence on television or her work at St. Jude, her contributions will continue to inspire long after her lifetime, making her both a Hollywood legend and a philanthropic leader.