Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas Share Their Secrets on a Long, Happy Marriage

"What Makes a Marriage Last" is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. And to buy tickets to watch Phil and Marlo in a live zoom which included a signed copy of the book go to pvldfriends.org.
This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News, Monday, July 20, 2020.

[@jacquelinecronin1249]

Phil is capable of speaking, he's quite eloquent, yet she takes over the conversation and doesn't let him finish a sentence.

[@joyceconnolly1065]

I totally agree! So annoying.

[@Sonshineglory]

Exactly what I came to the comments for. So frustrating.

[@brodywinslow1820]

Lol you're right

[@kyereCat]

She's in protective mode.

[@keifervitalis1830]

Yes. Very annoying to me too!

[@Pam7555]

I remember when they got married and thinking that this was a strange match. But 43 years later and they're still going strong. Good for them! ❤❤

[@strothermartin5368]

You can imagine it's like that around the house.Poor Phill.

[@lexied]

poor Phil can't speak without her interrupting.

[@BugzKiller]

So what she's prettier

[@FredLord-sp4ym]

Phil became emasculated after he married Marlo.

[@msnos6245]

Phil Donahue wasn't afraid of any topic on his talk show.

[@kathytytko7950]

"That Girl" was inspiring for so many young girls growing up. I never missed it. I'm watching re-runs of The Danny Thomas every afternoon. They bring back so many memories for me. He's was just wonderful! I love you and Phil together. I never missed Phil's show either. Those were some really great interviews! Happy belated birthday and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@magiccarvettrides]

This interview in and of itself is a perfect example of a perfect couple supporting each other. What a great couple!

[@michelleaw1325]

Love them both. Phil has contributed so much to my generation with his talk show. He shed light on so many controversial topics. Gave us a voice to speak on topics we couldn't in our daily life. Marlo with her St. Jude for children involvement, such a great cause , one out of many things she's done. Damn that apt. Of theirs in NYC looks bomb from what little could be seen in the backround!

[@JL0ndon]

I totally agree! I didn’t realize for years that Marlo’s dad was Danny Thomas and he founded saint jude. She’s definitely taken after her dad

[@Worldpeace353]

Poor Phil barely gets to speak But I sure love these two! Beautiful Marlo Thomas Handsome Phil 🩷💙

[@joyceconnolly1065]

Let the man talk!!!!

[@davestelling]

Phil - that unmistakable voice!

[@dinellewolfe1065]

I wish she wouldn’t have interrupted him every chance she got !!

[@muzikblitz]

Thank you. That was very frustrating to watch. Let the guy speak!

[@jaf8771]

That's what keeps their marriage together. I always pictured Phil as being the submissive type in their marriage.@@muzikblitz

[@muzikblitz]

@@jaf8771 I guess the guy did make a career out of getting the conversation started, then sitting back and holding a microphone.

[@lynnfishmanrn.8116]

I was thinking the same thing

[@Xintheclouds]

I love them as a couple. I love Marlo Thomas so much. Phil is still so smart and has so much of a spark still there. ❤️❤️

[@rcalico1]

He can't hardly get a word in there without her cutting him off...poor guy... lol

[@sandrashaya85]

As a young stay-at-home mother, I, and many others, mostly women, received a comprehensive education on societal issues ... Phil's format was ground-breaking, he virtually introduced us, close up, to issues such as homosexuality, incest, spousal abuse, drug abuse, and so much else ... with real-life testimonials ... I sill remember what I learned from some of his shows and will always appreciate him for the gifts he has given society !! Phil has high ethical standards and is peace-loving ... as evidence by not compromising on his anti-war stance, willing to be fired rather than promoting the global conflict !!

[@robertpolnicky7702]

Just shows how similar that corporate media is to Pravda isvestia radio Moscow back in Brezhnevs day.

[@bonnieralston1706]

I agree with all you say. Staying at home with toddlers your mind can turn to bubble gum. It was Phil's daily show that educated me and kept me up on what was going on "out there." I do wish Marlo had let Phil speak more.

[@ronpriest7135]

She interrupted phil at every turn

[@Richbar-qe6bx]

When interviewing Phil, you need to let him know: 'Make it quick, we don't have all day.' Just like he talked to the guests on his show.

[@michellebilodeau3882]

Let phil talk.

[@stephenbeacham9717]

Why do you think they have a happy marriage?

[@KB-nr3ls]

​@stephenbeacham9717 because he resigned himself to it. You never hear a word about his four boys -- they are all but estranged because of her. Read a biography about her--she isn't all sugar and spice--at all.

[@joniheisenberg]

@@KB-nr3lsRead The Politico expose on St. Jude’s.

[@paumiller74]

You know my Mom was a big talker and my Dad not so much. I asked him one time if that bothered him he never could get a word in, and he said, no, it makes her happy.

[@TheMilford]

Jesus, the horrible comments here. Phil Donahue is a effing national treasure... they took his job away for being honest and telling Americans the truth. Have to some respect people.

[@scootertooter6874]

"National Treasure"? Dunno about that. He's certainly a (Limousine) LEFTIST.

[@milkywayhuizar5641]

Nah just listen to am old interview with him and Muhammed Ali, this guy deserves no sympathy from anybody

[@michelleaw1325]

Damn you said a mouthful and I agree . He was priceless to my generation. No one after could touch him including Oprah

[@sharoncrawford3042]

My husband and I have been married since 1978. He was 19 and I was 21. Hes now 62 and Im 64. Heres what has kept us together, the Lord Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would never have made it.

[@whyliecyote6085]

Isn't it just amazing what that imaginary man who lives in the sky watching you is capable of?

[@beckygann7852]

I think it’s wonderful that you and your husband have been together so many years. I believe you when you say that Jesus is why, through Christ we can do anything. God bless you both!

[@allivanaip]

Lol!!!

[@margyrowland]

God bless you Phil for defying the American industrial war complex.

[@bonnieralston1706]

Well it is obvious that Marlo and Phil stayed together because she wants to do all the talking....and he lets her. Every time that Phil started to say something, Marlo jumped in to tell the story and give her opinion.

[@Blaorcopycat]

He is just a sweetheart of a person and isn’t pushy like she is… right ?

[@susanmulvey6311]

I think she’s just covering for him, because he’s a lot older, and she knows his limitations.

[@meman6964]

His shirt looks great, but her top is an awful color, yuk,

[@messenger4969]

She needs to let him talk.

[@cryptoforeveryone2689]

I think it's hilarious when women complain about men "mansplaining and interrupting" here's perfect example of how typical exchanges go when a woman is involved. Let poor Phil talk. That's who everyone wants to listen to

[@shoegal7]

It's astonishing to me that she thinks we want to hear from her. How obnoxious.

[@marymcmahon659]

Evidently he doesn't care.

[@os2958]

I love the both and it was fine with me for her to talk.

[@RJ-pk7sn]

Let him talk

[@kathleenglenn8221]

Nice interview but Marlo needs to let Phil talk. When he did she always cut him off. Maybe that's why the marriage works

[@tslilbearshoppe9870]

I just made 42 years. I've been a Marlo fan since I was a kid. Love her charity work and I feel like she is as sweet as she seems, no fake love it!

[@doug3819]

I remember phil when he started at a little Dayton ohio tv station as a talk show host decades ago.

[@kathyh3772]

I wish Marla wouldn’t keep interrupting or answering for Phil. It is very rude and annoying.

[@maureenbaker7516]

Ironically, he was a talk show host :) He is quite capable of talking! Note to Marlo

[@janpatterson6302]

Phils talk show was the only one I every watch. I’ve had to change a lot of things in are marriage and we’re still going strong after 30 years. The first thing she did was make him change his shirt and she finishes every one of his responses.

[@robfmas]

Here I am listening to this conversation, while the first season of That Girl is on my Roku channel. What a wonderful couple, and I can only wish I were as lucky in love and marriage as these two. God bless you both.

[@user-qv7vi2ls6j]

Marlo & Phil Donhue congratulations on 40 years together, cheers to your years🎉 wishing you an abundance of blessings, darling couple

[@tumbleweed576]

Love the Phil Donahue show ~ was my favorite ~

[@crist67mustang]

It is impresive how surgery can change a face, she looks great, but her factions have gone completely. That girls has changed! Aw yes! Greetings from 🇨🇱 Santiago Chile SouthAmerica

[@mso4433]

Two great media people I enjoyed over the years. May they live forever and stay together.

[@light-yi2me]

Omg, she doesn’t let him speak a word 😳

[@roxannesantoro7503]

And she never did! Her father the great Danny Thomas warned him!😁

[@amonsurtur9375]

She's a controlling, narcissistic man (MTF) and he's a frail old woman (FTM). That's a norm with celebrity couples.

[@amonsurtur9375]

​@@roxannesantoro7503 Danny Thomas was actually his (Marlo) mom. They're all inverted and gender role switcharooed.

[@kimvannote5024]

Marlo, why don't you be quiet and let your husband talk!

[@maryannsinopoli1751]

Wishful thinking!

[@atstafford10]

Phil is a GOAT!!! He put the "T" in Talk Show! At 61 years of age, so disenchanted by most of the talk shows of today, I wanted to see and hear something real, and I thought of Phil Donahue to hopefully listen to some of his old shows - which by the way are still relevant today - and did a search and have been watching his old shows all day today! Thank you, Phil & Marlo, you both look fabulous! From, Michigan.

[@craighorton8339]

Phil is a very good man.

[@57mobird]

He looks good, like himself, just older. Sadly, she looks artificial and overly "surgified" to me. But I always admired both of them. It's nice to see them still together.

[@amonsurtur9375]

They've both been through confirmation surgery as a male-to-female and female-to-male couple. You're way behind on the Masonic transgender celebrity club.

[@laurallewien2165]

They stay happy cause he let's her have her way.....

[@KB-nr3ls]

WORD!!

[@martinmoore2468]

I haven't seen Phil Donahue in years. I used to watch his syndicated talk show.

[@cn4492]

Marlo needs to let Phil talk! Geesh

[@denisemanfre9542]

Damn does she have to constantly chip in 😡

[@MarySmith-gu5nb]

She looks like Michael Jackson now.

[@frankpeck1448]

Love the both of you! Phil, at the start of your TV show: "I' hope you'll join us." Personally, my favorite quote that I've learned from you, Phil: "That sounds like a Bar Room Generalization!" Things I really appreciated and remember. Glad you stayed with 'That Girl'! Kindest regards, from N. Kentucky.

[@lisalucero1035]

I love this couple, they are so great together they are an inspiration to others,love never fails.!!wish them the best!!

[@bufnyfan1]

I suggest you read "That Girl and Me" written by Desmond Atholl. He worked for many years as Marlo's butler and oversaw her servants. She is nothing but a foul-mouthed diva who treated her staff with contempt and cruelty. And he has documented in the back of the book many other people in the service industry who have had to put up with her behavior (from cab drivers to waitresses and on and on it went). It's interesting that Thomas never tried to sue for defamation etc because everything he said was 100% true

[@KB-nr3ls]

​@@bufnyfan1 YES!!! And she did her best to ruin his relationship with his sons. It was her idea to move his show from Chicago to NYC, where SHE lived. Reading through this entire thread, I couldn't remember the name of the biography. She was indeed foul-mouthed, constantly berated the household staff (unlike Phil), and was always screaming for her Miso soup. How Phil tolerated such insufferable behavior is beyond me. She is a plastic surgery nightmare and bullying fraud amongst the "little" people.

[@betsygarcia4346]

Love, love, love Marlo! I remember watching That Girl as a young teenager and really looking up to her. She was a ground breaker for women way before Mary Tyler Moore! Thank God for the streaming channels we have now because I can watch her show and remember those good old days.

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

I remember when they fell in love. I was watching Phil Donahue on TV the day Marlo came on his show as a guest and sparks flew. I was glad. They are a perfect match.

[@westy40]

I used to watch the Donahue show all the time in the late 70's and 80's. I didn't and still don't agree with him politically but I'm happy he's still with us. The guy is 85 so of course he's going to look more frail but his mind is still as sharp as ever.

[@stephenbeacham9717]

Phil helped teach me how to be a liberal. Really appreciate him.

[@zefallafez]

I started watching him in the late 70s and through to the early nineties. He taught me how two-faced “liberals” are. One minute he’s saying GB sr. is defying the will of the American people (a bad thing when a Republican is doing it) then telling me GB sr. did what he did because it was popular and the American people are bomb happy. Then calling for clinton to bomb Serbia regardless of it being against the will of the American public’s opinion. What ever the narrative needed to be that favored his position was his moral foundation.

[@stephenbeacham9717]

@@zefallafez another black and white “thinker”. I didn’t say I agreed with him all the time. Only Republicans are in a cult of personality.

[@karenmbbaxter]

Awww.......I love Phil Donohue because he was a real talk show host when I was a kid and talked about important topics.....That he and his wife are still married makes me love the guy even more.

[@rosemarie444]

All those who are taking jabs at aging, guess what...it will happen to you too. SMH.

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

God willing.

[@compartista]

I love these guys! So inspirational!

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

I love this couple. Watched Phil for years & enjoyed every minute! One of the best pieces of tv I've ever seen was the one Phil did between the people of the US & Russia. It was approximately 3 days in length. What I wouldn't give to see Phil host this same type of exchange between nations again! Please Mr Donahue...just one more time?

[@omahaw1728]

I have to go back to That Girl to see what Marlo Thomas use to look like.

[@KB-nr3ls]

Seriously! She had big, round eyes, for starters!!

[@craighorton8339]

Phil is a very brave and courageous man. You should be heralded for your gallantry and your willingness t sieze the initiative.

[@bettleloco2457]

He’s racist

[@antonioacevedo5200]

God bless these two great people.

[@badgerfishinski6857]

what happened to Marlo's face. She looks creepy surreal..

[@Eclipce_are_cool336]

I love both these people!!

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

One of the best interviewers , host of all time 👍

[@seventiesmemories5116]

I found That Girl on Sling and am working my way through them. Haven't watched the show in years, the restoration, digitizing is fantastic, just jumps off the screen. Marlo is just delectable person, lucky are those who have her as a personal friend.

[@jessyleppert2]

Phil looks great

[@davestelling]

And, this was 3 years ago...

[@stephenremington8448]

Interesting to see him now, I was in the audience many years ago when he did a show at Stratford Upon Avon, UK.

[@os2958]

Wish we had a Phil Donahue type show today

[@pattyh2410]

What happened to her voice? It is much deeper than when she was younger.

[@KB-nr3ls]

Lowered from all the years of constant screaming she has engaged in.

[@user-tj3jn9tv4v]

I hope she’s reading these comments. She didn’t let Phil get one complete sentence in! She talks a lot!

[@claraermini8438]

What did they do to her face with her surgery?

[@CheezyMary]

She is currently 83 and looks fabulous whether she has plastic surgery or not. She looks half her age in my opinion.

[@whyliecyote6085]

She looks like the female version of MJ with her no nose nose!

[@donielledowling-taylor1607]

@@CheezyMarywe do not know what she really looks like after plastic surgery....unlike her husband

[@KB-nr3ls]

She is vain as all get out. If you watch the video of "her" apartment tour, they fade out every time she walks from room to room as she must be unsteady and require a cane, but is too vain too be filmed using one.

[@FunnyCatVideos2118]

Literally finishing each other's sentences

[@KB-nr3ls]

She is constantly finishing his sentences. 🤨

[@njhdreams2415]

An old Proverb: "Only a fool blurts out everything he knows, he only cares about revealing his own mind" It's courtesy to let someone else have a word.

[@elizabethdevries8028]

I LOVE these two!

[@bundeswehr1131]

Yale University graduated genius who has long been embraced colored U.S. citizens with his true and sincere heart and mind. Sir. Please take care of your health and live long.

[@bonnieralston1706]

You are mistaken about Yale University. Phil graduated from Notre Dame. But I do agree with the rest of your statement.

[@korujaa]

A LIVE LEGEND !!!

[@barbarabrennan1753]

I read an old book detailing the life of Phil. Therein were his critiques about why he grew disenchanted with the Catholic Church along with many others. It included bits of prayers and insughts into what the Catholic regime included. It resonated to the deepest parts of me especially since after 8 years of seminary, my brother left after 6 months as a priest. I was being groomed to be a nun. This background never prepared me to face a civilization so backstabbing and gritty with no moral values at all. Would love for Phil to reflect on the church now. Book!

[@barbarabrennan1753]

Where is his spirituality now? After my divorce, my expriest counselor clued me in about the realities of who he counseled to ease my humiliation at becoming a divorced Catholic. My brother fared better at leaving the priesthood than I did at getting divorced. From society as a whole. Marlo, to you a divorced woman is still lower than a thug in society. Noone wants you around cause youre a threat. Widows get respect. And a better chance at people respecting her.

[@marymcmahon659]

I was raised in the Catholic Cult but after 20 years I was able to escape. Best thing I ever did!

[@whyliecyote6085]

Jesus what reality do you live in? You need to deal with your paranoid delusions and get out more!

[@robertpolnicky7702]

Michael Moore said he wanted Phil back. So do I. So do I

[@efilwv1635]

I’m pushing 40 and actually may outlive this guy. I really did enjoy his episodes thanks to KZbin.. I’ve been divorced for seven years after a three-year marriage. I got some advice. Don’t call your parents every time you have petty disagreements.They will turn on you like you would not believe.

[@fannycampbell2823]

Fabulous Couple!!

[@vinestreet4031]

You are a National treasure!

[@vikingdrive]

Yes, she does interrupt a lot....but phil is full of grace & perhaps over talking so much in his shows......but he was such a perfect host 💕

[@markevan1]

God, what a mess Marlo made of what was once a beautiful face. It would be still if she had left it alone.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

What about the man's face? dumb sexist comment...

[@donielledowling-taylor1607]

She was beautiful...too many facelifts...I am surprised that Donahue still recognizes her....js.

[@pennymiller3842]

Interesting to see how Phil lets her interrupt and dominate. He did not used to do that.

[@marycalolefsin9717]

I actually thought he looked a little frail. Hope he's Okay

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

He allows his wife to talk! How dare he do that without your permission! Who gave you permission to make comments about this video? Did your boyfriend or husband tell you it was okay????

[@breckrichardson390]

It's not simply "He allows his wife to talk." Marlo would hardly let him talk. Phil gets asked a question, he starts answering then Marlo jumps in and cuts him off and finishes the answer. I was anniyed a couple times because I wanted to hear the rest of his comment.

[@maryannsinopoli1751]

@@breckrichardson390it appears she lacks respect towards his turn to speak~ not a good sign so frustrating to even watch this! Share the stage as partners, that’s the right thing to do!

[@MargieB51]

Not to be rude or anything, but I thought Marlo stalled almost every story Phil starts out to say possibly a memory lost on his part and she doesn’t want people to knew. maybe that’s just how it works. She’s used to talking for Saint Jose.GOD BLESS HER AND HIM HER DAD. But I thought it odd did. He wasn’t able to answer the questions without being interrupted. I’ve been married 54 years and our kids always say we have two heads in one body meaning we both do it back-and-forth.

[@Frau44]

Nice to see both ❤

[@dennisavant2833]

You and Marlo are wonderful. 🎉

[@aviduser1961]

I am watching this from under a coffee table.

[@tinalaplaca6638]

I believe in a good long loving marriage. These 2 have it like so many others. This is something odd on my observation...when l was married in a long term marriage l knew many single folks that were unwedded for whatever reasons. Now that l myself have become single l see so many that are married. Not so sure what that really means to me. But, ll so cheer on couples to stay married and remember why you took your vows. Good folks don't breakup their home lives....they fix them. My marriage broke because he wasn't good enough to fix ours. Don't let this happen in your home. Be happy and keep your home alive.....

[@cathypenn1073]

I read this book and sent one to my sister . So interesting.

[@Billy65438]

Such a beautiful couple

[@medusabrown2125]

My hair was styled like That Girl when I was in my early teens. I'd run across the street thinking of the intro theme song to That Girl.

[@angelameeks9124]

Marlo loves to hear herself talk. I’ll look at her differently watching That Girl …

[@hoboonwheels9289]

The only secret is two people committed to a happy marriage.

[@joanwayling2354]

❤love them both ❤

[@tinay9491]

love Phil and they both are great folks + great liberals that uphold human differences + rights

[@barbarabrennan1753]

This is why celebs live in a bubble. Apart from normal societal problems. I went to a Donahue show as a media student lateinlife college student. I was at the cusp of radical changes in home life. He courteously met with people after the show. Have pic. Not like Geraldo who disappeared in a hole after his show. Gogetter that I was my class was scheduled for Geraldo but I ran down the street and went to Donahue on my own.

[@stephenbeacham9717]

Cool story.

[@notsheepish8304]

Wonderful couple ❤️

[@ricarleite]

Donahue transformed completely into a different person

[@maryannsinopoli1751]

It looks like he is annoyed at her interrupting him and taking over full control. It’s hard to watch.

[@jenneyryan]

Great couple!!❤

[@user-hf2kq7wg2p]

I grew up with That Girl. Lucky to have such a good role model

[@bernadettealmeida2847]

Nice to see them 💐💐💐💐💐🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@FredLord-sp4ym]

I wonder what it was like when Phil's show ended and he had to transition into having to spend every waking moment of his life with Marlo? She says "its a good marriage." lol