Marlo Thomas Interview: "That Girl" Who Changed Everything

Marlo Thomas recalls finding her interest in acting during childhood, and her determination to pursue a career and avoid traditional gender roles. Thomas emphasizes her commitment to breaking societal norms, advocating for women's independence, and creating content that challenges stereotypes.
Margaret “Marlo” Thomas was born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. Thomas graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Southern California. She began her acting career performing in regional theaters around the country, when director Mike Nichols cast her as the lead in the London production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. In 1965 she burst into television as That Girl, a series she conceived and also produced. Thomas married her husband, television talk show pioneer Phil Donahue in May 1980. She’s appeared in numerous acclaimed television movies, including Nobody’s Child, for which she won the Emmy for Best Dramatic Actress. She also frequently returns to the theatrical stage, on and off Broadway and in regional theaters across the country. In 2011, she starred on Broadway in Elaine May’s comedy, Relatively Speaking; and in 2015 appeared off-Broadway in Joe DiPietro’s comedy, Clever Little Lies. Thomas has received four Emmys, nine Emmy nominations, the George Foster Peabody Award, a Golden Globe and a Grammy, and she has been inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. She is the author of seven bestselling books. The daughter and eldest child of Danny Thomas, the renowned entertainer and founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she serves as National Outreach Director for St. Jude. Thomas is a co-founder of the historic Ms. Foundation for Women, which among other landmark achievements created the nation’s Take Our Daughters to Work Day; and in 2012, she launched a nationwide bullying prevention campaign. In 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
From the 2013 PBS Documentary “Makers: Women Who Make America”, examines how women have helped shape America over the past 150 years, striving for a full and fair share of political power and economic opportunity.
Subscribe for access to interviews, series, films, and educational materials that address issues of social justice, history, politics, the arts, and culture by spotlighting relatable human stories of purpose and meaning. Learn about our work and how to support our mission here: www.lifestories.org/. For extended versions of these interviews and more, visit: / @lifestoriesinterviewa...
Follow us on Instagram: / lifestoriesinterviews
Marlo Thomas, Actor & Activist
Interview Date: June 7, 2011
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:10 Childhood
06:50 College
07:58 Catching the acting bug
09:09 That Girl
11:24 The power of television
13:03 The final episode
14:30 Free to Be…You and Me
22:14 Take Your Daughter to Work Day
25:05 Marriage
29:12 The women’s movement
36:21 Advice
©Kunhardt Productions & McGee Media. All rights reserved.
#MarloThomas #kunhardtfilmfoundation

[@cathystaerkel1833]

Thank you Marlo. A voice for us as women. I'm 72 now and still remember That Girl.

[@jadepaulsen8456]

Would that make Marlo 92 or older? How old is this clip?

[@user-ho9zz7wi7v]

OMG!!! I loved That Girl !!! It was so great for the times!!! And I never missed it. I always loved Danny Thomas & His Work With St. Jude’s!!! I’m so happy to still see Marlo on commercials about St. Jude’s.

[@goodjuju8728]

Watched That Girl as a young girl as well as Mary Tyler Moore. It molded my ideas of the type of person I wanted to be. I am “That Girl” - independent woman, had career, didn’t rely on a man to make me happy but enjoyed dating, had good morals, had a supportive family and loved the experiences of life. Those two shows served little girls and young ladies well. ❤

[@SamanthaGunn500]

Beat down the masculine sex. Those shows made men look like clowns and bozos. I liked That Girl because she was feminine and actually showed love toward her boyfriend and father, but soon that era became the end of masculinity and men. period. Today you can see what they spawned....a bunch of men playing on women's college teams, wearing women's clothes and acting like fools. Who wanted that? That Girl? Or all the shows it produced.

[@jacquelineward6201]

What a remarkable woman. So positive. Listening to her talk, any young woman could believe they could do anything. Bless you Marlo.

[@cashmeremonroe7715]

It's so remarkable how much influence Ann Marie had on me. I was a young girl and modeled my life after hers. And Donald Hollinger was the perfect boyfriend. Every week I would watch the show with my Mother and beg her to sew her outfits for me. My favorites were her dresses and coats! My Mother loved the challenge. Thank you Marlo Thomas!! Testing my memory... ABC 8:00 Thursdays Channel 7 in Detroit.

[@annerodgers8529]

Loved, loved the wardrobe!!!

[@jodymazzarese5151]

Marlo was my role model, strong but not bullish, feminine but not vulnerable, funny, smart, fearless. “That Girl” began the woman’s movement into TV, along with Betty White, without them there would not have been a Mary Taylor Moore or Carol Burnett. We’ve always had strong female characters, as luck would have it, mine had strong moral compasses and values.

[@judywho2249]

Marlo

[@mcollins630]

Same here!

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

...Marlo

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

What a wonderful person. Im a guy older babyboomer. Her humanity shines through as well as being a trailblazer for women.

[@SamanthaGunn500]

Her clothes were great. I loved the show.

[@monicaclark9581]

I hope you have been a good husband and father to your children just as her father was. He the real hero.

[@junesorenson279]

I was a young girl watching Ms. Thomas on That Girl, and I loved her show, but I didn't realize at the time that it was make-believe, but it did give me the idea that stayed with me that I can do and be anything that I set my heart and mind to. And time goes by, she still looks great. From a long time fan❤

[@danahudson243]

So glad to see an interview with Marlo. I have admired her since I was a young girl watching her ion That Girl! Always brimming with hope and positivity! Thank you for sharing this beautiful lady's story.

[@irismckay6472]

That Girl was one of my favorite shows. I was at that awkward teenage phase and watching her made me feel like there was hope for me after all. Hearing about the controversy about Ann Marie not marrying Donald makes me love her even more. I was thrilled to see it on Amazon Prime this month!

[@brianarbenz1329]

I’ve always admired Marlo Thomas. First as my crush when I was 12, then as a leader for freedom when I was a pro-feminist young adult. She has devoted her success and talents to making a better world. Yea, Marlo! 🙋‍♂️

[@lillianwilliams5510]

Great interview. I loved. The TV series. The Danny Thomas show and THAT GIRL. MARLO THOMAS has always been one of my favorite actress. Her and her father's endeavors for SAINT JUDE are more than thank you.

[@chrischamberlain7628]

I loved both shows.

[@annemccarron2281]

How wonderful that Marlo had such a great upbringing. I did not, but I love hearing about people who did.

[@chrischamberlain7628]

I agree. I can’t imagine having a wonderful upbringing.

[@kayzeegirl972]

My childhood was one of neglect, violence, abuse. So I hang on every word when someone explains their beautiful childhood.

[@Rocks_Dad]

I am too young for this lady but I saw a clip of her when she was maybe late twenties and WOW!!! My nephew benefited from St Jude. I hold their family with deep admiration.

[@williamburdon6993]

My wife and I really appreciate all that you and your father and family did to start St Judes. What a wonderfully beautiful gift. It is a shame that the world is not full of beauty instead of the wars and politics and constant poverty for some people. There is no reason for anyone to go hungry or be without shelter and basic comfort on this planet, except a small group wants another mansion or yacht or something they don't need instead of helping less fortunate people. You and your father could have piled up a lot of money so that generations of your family would have it easy, but you didn't , you gave children and their families a real hope and ability to survive, may God Bless you and keep you safe always.

[@user-gl9jd3ih8h]

Beautifully said William. Her father, Danny Thomas didn't want to store up treasures on earth. Danny had his mind fixed on serving Jesus Christ and storing his treasures and accolades in heaven. Marlo continues the proud legacy of her devout, Catholic father. I think it's brilliant that the St Jude's research hospital serves everyone. There should be more people like Danny and Marlo.

[@paulazemeckis7835]

Didn't you hear her.... she is very pro-women. Her TV show reflected that as well. Always ahead of her time.

[@joyceanthony-huff2914]

Danny Thomas was a good man. St Jude's is a blessing His daughter? Born into eliteism

[@susieangelo6410]

Bravo Marlo! Thank you for your wise words of wisdom and having such a supportive father who founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 💜

[@SamanthaGunn500]

He was against feminism .

[@paulnelson7525]

I can hear the theme song from "That Girl" in my head. Beautiful Marlo.

[@frederickcombs8661]

I watched That Girl as a kid in the late 1960s. It was a very cute show. Oh, Donald !

[@valerieg9494]

What a smart, beautiful, strong woman. She is a great role model.

[@SamanthaGunn500]

Read the book, "Marlo and Phil". Sometimes life isn't always as it seems.

[@TheMarielassell]

I discovered Free To Be You and Me right after my daughter was born in the 70s. I loved it! Played it all the time. When I was an exhausted mama I got out ‘Mommy are people, people with children…’ it helped fill me back up. I still remember the words to most songs. Thank you Marlo.

[@dennismorris7573]

Briiliant interview of this talented actress, activist, and philanthropist.

[@user-gl9jd3ih8h]

Marlo Thomas - God Bless You!!! Beautiful interview, very inspiring.

[@Sinfulscents]

I’ve never been so enthralled with someone speaking before until this woman! I listen and learn all day long ❤she’s so beautiful and beautifully well spoken

[@donnabaardsen5372]

Absolutely love Marlo, and "That Girl.". She's absolutely right, I wanted to be like her, and she paved the way.

[@1TigerJo]

2011 interview. I always loved Marlo and her father. I can’t believe she”s 86 now!

[@paulazemeckis7835]

Love ya Marlo! Born in 1959 I watched "That Girl". Thought you were so funny! ❤

[@joylewis2910]

Thank you for posting this very informative, inspiring and enlightening interview! Thank you Marlo for speaking up for women, for equality and for having the courage to speak the truth!💯

[@janjerge1484]

I loved this interview!! I have been a fan of Marlo Thomas for as long as I can remember!! She doesn't realize it, but in addition to her advocacy for women, she is one of only two celebrities I know who have, by example, demonstrated the importance of a father's positive involvement in the family & especially his responsibility to be a role model for his DAUGHTERS (the other person being Kobe Bryant). Marlo grew into the beautifully assured, confidant, caring person she is because her father affirmed from an early age that she was important, had value & was loved!! I watched her faithfully in That Girl, but I also remember her in an old, 1/2-hour b&w Western (maybe The Rifleman, I can't remember). She guested w/her father, & they played father & daughter, where she had been duped by a married con man. I remember the episode was called "Honor Bright." Their special bond shone through the scripted story & stayed w/me all these years!! ❤❤ My father was a good man, but lacked the ability to express love or show affection. I remember when my father hugged me for the first time in my life & told me he loved me. His exact words were, "You know, you didn't turn out half bad." He had COPD & congestive heart failure, & my mom had asked me to sit w/him, because he'd only been home from the hospital a few days, but she had an important board meeting she had to attend. I picked up his favorite meal, a couple of Arby's RB's w/curly fries, & my daughter & I drove the 25-30 miles to spend the evening w/him. It was a Wednesday evening. I had NO idea he would die the next Monday. He had turned 70 just one month earlier.

[@user-rw7sy3ve2w]

I loved Danny Thomas. And his show growing up❤

[@flightattendantsteven]

Who knew I'd love Marlo so much! All I knew of her was thick eyeliner, lashes and a flip hairstyle. Wow!

[@emanuellawton7942]

She looks amazing for being 73 years old at the time of this interview.

[@DDumbrille]

73 isn't old. She certainly looks better than she does now, with all her new injections of silicone and rubber.

[@Theaddora]

86.

[@she073]

Well, Ms Marlo was fabulous as That Girl then and from this interview she’s just as fabulous now. great memories 💜😁xxx

[@michaelmakes1225]

Her Father was an American Saint.. there's no other word.

[@katherinestephens7674]

I am listening to this interview on January of 2024...can you believe it ? So so true and now...

[@cidweinberg]

Ditto. Jan. 29, 2024!

[@GwenMotoGirl]

Feb 20, 2024. ❤

[@daledruger8754]

S

[@deehottinger8253]

Listening Feb 28 2024….I’m sure your mother loved being a Wife and mother…..if she had it to do over again…she would pick the same life …

[@SuperC888]

It’s March 2024 I’m just watching it too

[@dennisb9309]

Her comment that rights could be taken away - how prophetic.

[@nancychandler3673]

Marlo Thomas. Love this woman. 💙

[@DJS11811]

An amazing person. I was in junior high when That Girl was on, and I had a crush on her. I'm sure she imprinted on me- I married a woman who was an actor in NYC. Thanks Marlo!!!!

[@bluecollarlit]

Sweet comment. Have a great day.

[@user-yq2mt5kg8g]

Who doesn't love Marlo? Great actress and pioneer of social movements that have helped spread diversity and inclusion. She has truly carried on St.Jude legacy of her wonderful father Danny Thomas❤

[@garywarmee4367]

Marlo, I have always loved you so you would expect this, but really, this is one of your best 38 minutes of communication ever. So warm, confident, straightforward. Briefly, this interview incredibly captures you. I remember during the That Girl years you might appear on late night and I would excitedly stay up to watch you. Yes, i was infatuated, but I distinctly remember thinking how you were always the most interesting guest ever. I was so proud to have chosen you as my favorite famous someone! I feel it is an embarrasment to fawn over a celebrity but sometimes we just fall in love and can't help it! I once had my moment with you in sneaking under the movie premiere tent of JENNY on La Cienega. I can't remeber everything that was said but you knew how to turn the tables on my embarassing adoration of you to ask me about myself. That taught me the power in taking control. What can I say about this interview? As a feminist in 1970 I agree that you were able to get away with a lot with your strong opinions but soft persona. The Velcet Steamroller/Iron Butterfly catches more flies with honey than vinegar. I do think a lot of young girls WERE disappointed that Ann Marie didn't marry at the end of THAT GIRL. I am familiar with your take on this but here you so perfectly explain your logic in not doing it that I absolutely think you made the right decision. For posterity. Your flock remembers how you did not want to marry and your overview here as to why not is so masterfully explained. That a woman of substance would eventually marry a man of substance told me even more about you at the time.

[@mariarooney6262]

This must be an old interview. She looks very different today, February/24. I enjoyed this interview. That girl program was a fun show watching it when I was young. ❤️

[@jannier9766]

It says the interview is from 2011.

[@judypylant1570]

It’s called facelifts!..

[@ritamead6318]

So this interview is 23 years old.. Wouldn't it be great if there was also a recent interview of her.. Maybe there is...

[@mariarooney6262]

@@ritamead6318 there is a more recent one and she looks totally different with all of the face work she had done.

[@curiousone6129]

Women don't turn into trolls when they get older. This lady has the benefit of the best skin and hair care, and plastic surgery,

[@kennethblaker1957]

She is and has always been 100% class. I loved her as That Girl and still love her today. So intelligent, bright and articulate. Phil you are a lucky, lucky man!

[@theresalee9392]

Loved this interview! I agree teaching and acting! Acting and teaching my children! ❤ Marlo!!! Grew up with That Girl!

[@Suzy35895]

What a great interview ❤Marlo!

[@RachelSDay1982]

I was born in 1958, and That Girl was the first show that had me watching with keen interest. I wanted to be like you when I grew up. You were a strong, yet feminine role model for me.

[@4YOUBYANGELICA]

"Change the world one 5-year-old at a time" 💖 You did this Marlo.

[@texasbuttercup1972]

Loved watching this video! Marlo looks healthy again and continue to be a role model.

[@mmcs4973]

The reasons for why more women were reluctant to go for the top jobs are many, but it is not a coincidences that many of the women who achieve recognition or positions of power do not have children including Marlo. Oprah, Gloria etc Times have changed over the last few decades, but it takes a certain kind of woman, with an incredibly supportive family, especially father, and then spouse, to do what is required to achieve their goals

[@ritamead6318]

For sure!

[@silvercreekcrossing]

It’s lovely you found the one person you loved and could work with.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Cool lady, and I miss her husband being on the air.

[@judymacfayden755]

Fabulous interview. Loved her then and love her now. Run your own race! Brilliant advice to anyone growing up. Amazing.

[@4YOUBYANGELICA]

Marlo, I absolutely loved your show and the freedom you had was an inspiration to many women.

[@ninamc6116]

She looks wonderful. Always a nice woman from a great family. Danny Thomas was a prince, a humanitarian.

[@geraldinesmith3028]

Hi Marlo I am living in Australia I loved That Girl including the great fashion.I follow you on instagram All these years later.I agree about the similarities between teaching & acting it is lovely to know you did a paper on it!! Love to you & thankyou for all you do Geraldine ❤

[@lindan1416]

Great interview!

[@jaelinsmith5207]

Marlo Thomas, you've become a gem i love watching you on That Girl it was such an iconic show like i ever rewatch back when i was a little boy again.

[@Free-flyBE]

What a great interview; have always loved the women of the 60's shows-they're my idols till this day & still the most beautiful...Marlo plus Elizabeth Montgomery & Barbara Eden who I think empowered women with their special powers;)

[@lindas.martin2806]

This was a marvelous interview. I had no idea of all the initiatives that MT developed to support girls and women and she speaks so clearly about her reasons for doing so, the challenges and her happiness when, for example, with the Take Our Girls to Work program. Very creative projects too. And wonderful examples, like the horse blinder story. Thank you both.

[@waynevaughan7159]

I loved That Girl as a boy, as an adult I disagreed that Ann Marie and Donald shouldn't get married, I felt that the two of them could have enhanced one another lives in marriage. No sex together, because of Ann Marie's Dad, marriage was the answer.

[@marieann5463]

She's a gift of knowledge.❤

[@silvercreekcrossing]

What I loved with your show was the balance between men and woman.

[@marthabacker8539]

Thanks for sharing this, great interview.

[@laskatz3626]

It was my favorite show! You were so wonderful and I wanted to be just like you.

[@kathrynnard8059]

Phil was like family. Love it.

[@elizabethdjokovic2691]

She looks amazing for her age. Doesn't she?

[@Nan-59]

Marlo Thomas interview date June 7, 2011 “From the 2013 PBS Documentary “Makers: Women Who Make America”, examines how women have helped shape America over the past 150 years, striving for a full and fair share of political power and economic opportunity.”

[@PatriciaCicora]

Listening to this interview 1/17/2024 . Love this her interviews speaking on equality for women from a young age. For her it started in her home growing up. She was blessed to have a loving dad. Every little girl needs a loving daddy who was funny and made lots of money. However, Danny Thomas told his children he wanted them to go to college to earn a piece of paper that would become something they would own. She definitely is one of the leading women in the mid 60's to give us little girls and older girls different way to break through all the stigmas of having to grow up to get married, have children and stay home. She was in a very unique group of women who set the foundation for us women to give us other avenues to choose from adding to our dreams and goals.

[@patwhite7970]

Mothers, fathers and families need to be recognized. They need our support. Her mother loved being a wife and mother.

[@g.m.backus5219]

Many celebrities need to contact whoever did Marlo's work because she looks natural and fresh and 35 years old

[@CarpediemMarti]

I watched That Girl for every episode! Thank you Marlo Thomas for being my role model. I would sit at my vanity and try to do my hair like That Girl. Your father was a SAINT! Thank you and your family for St. Jude. What a gift. Just beautiful!❤❤❤

[@jacksonj3082]

Marlo Thomas has always come across as a very grounded, caring, and thoughtful person - beautiful, charming, and sincere as well. Pleased to say, I had a crush on her watching That Girl as a young boy. If I had a daughter, I would want her to be like Marlo Thomas / Ann Marie.

[@annajacob7981]

What a remarkable interview. Marlo Thomas is so inspiring - she expresses her POV, insights and experiences with stumning clarity, warmth and positivity. Thank you, Ms. Thomas, for serving as a strong leader and shining beacon for women's rights. Kudos! ❤

[@garyneese8986]

I love you Marlo Thomas and your show That Girl! I've enjoyed this interview with you. I agree with you in all had to say.

[@louisemoore7715]

Gosh, I grew up with a truly free Mother in the 1950s...She wasn't typical...unlike others. She was a teacher changing lives...saved money even though she supported us with a simple life style. She saved and invested in the stock market and in real estate.....She confronted lawyers at zoning meetings...She simply chose this life....She was totally free...No one held her back....Woman bought in...sheepple....not at my house!

[@happynewyear805]

great interview

[@JSDJerry]

Amazing and informative interview. I had no idea about many of the issues Marlo spoke about. But, this comment stays with me, particularly in these volatile political times. Paraphrased “it can all be taken away (the equality gains) if we don’t continue to work for them”

[@zanealberto7741]

How wonderful! 👍🩵❤️💜💚💙🫶Zane

[@jilltagmorris]

I just adore her. Always have. That Girl was everything to me!

[@cindykammerzell3937]

There is nothing wrong with choosing to live a certain life - like raising a family. Having a family is a wonderful thing!

[@nncdrmr]

Admire this woman, a;ways will. She has spoken for women everywhere in a strong loving voice!!!

[@silvercreekcrossing]

I like the right words at the right time. Very nice.

[@jilltagmorris]

April 2024 and here we are having our rights taken. She was absolutely SPOT ON

[@realitycheck4960]

US and UK polling: Fewer than 1 in 5 women would call themselves feminists.

[@annemccarron2281]

I'm part of that 1 in 5 number!

[@LondonEE16]

I'm always amazed at the depth of some men's insecurity.

[@mslinstrot4643]

I am one of the one in five, proudly. I wish I knew how to get more people involved. I was always taught that feminism is not about making women more powerful, it's just about investigating and realizing that women and men are equal and that each human being is capable of great works.

[@realitycheck4960]

@@mslinstrot4643 Complimentary, not equal.

[@nancyglassman9979]

😊you are so kind,so smart and just amazing❤

[@opaulamorgan4265]

Marlo wants to look her best and she does!🥰

[@Diligent-dp7gi]

Plastic Surgery!! I guess she doesn't believe in Aging Gracefully. IT SHOWS & it isn't PRETTY. LOOK at her in 2024!!

[@norinefitzgerald5259]

As a child growing up I was told we were related through an uncle called John... true or not I always appreciated you Marlo.. ❤

[@soundhead6971]

This woman is absolutely stunning!!!

[@wallacesmallwood1465]

I have the Album !! Love Marlo ❤️❤️❤️

[@petervenier505]

great interview! looks good for 86 years old

[@silvercreekcrossing]

I just was studying the constitution and you’re correct it changes.

[@mycat2230]

My Hero...I read everything she read and I was involved in early childhood education because of her. I always told myself never to be with a Donald. I spent a lifetime looking for a male already where I was in my feminist views and a strong person within himself. I won...very late...never too late.

[@jeanhowarth1852]

Ty for your beauty inside or out.❤

[@EvelineNow]

Most human lady. This was an interesting interview which may be of great value to multiple of young women.

[@Bluelargo50]

What a beautiful person she is. Such a strong woman. ❤

[@silvercreekcrossing]

My children grew up in Hollywood. The town is full of opportunities but it is also competitive but very creative. In looking at the customs you can become anything.

[@silvercreekcrossing]

The impact of free ti be you and me allowed me to switch role with my future husband we switched roles and he took time raising the children. It worked for us. I was able to work outside of my home. Partly throughout my life.

[@guymanges3628]

Thank you Marlo, Such a beautiful lady, Your daddy must have been the best...

[@rdo1231]

19:14 So true! So insightful! LOVE HER!

[@realitycheck4960]

Any rational person knows that is totally absurd.

[@dhaley8847]

is this recent? she is 86 years old!!! OMG!

[@ritamead6318]

That interview was in 2011..

[@user-yd3jd2em8e]

❤Marlo ❤PhilD ❤DannyT❤the positivity they bring/brought to our world 🎉

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

Hard to believe, but she is _86 years young!_ Edit : I realized that this interview was from 2011, so she was younger then than she is now. But she still looks good - believe me! I've seen those recent St. Judes commercials on TV.

[@gangstagrandma]

I almost forgot what a wonderful woman Marlo Thomas is. Many thanks to Marlo, Bella, Angela, Erica, Margaret and all feminists who paved the way. The fight is still real women. I'm pretty disappointed in 2024.