Marlo Thomas is not just a celebrated actress; she’s also a businesswoman, philanthropist, and one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. Best known for her iconic role in the 1960s sitcom That Girl, Thomas has enjoyed a multi-faceted career that spans acting, producing, and activism. Over the decades, her work has amassed a considerable fortune. But how much is Marlo Thomas net worth today? In this article, we’ll explore the various ways Thomas has built her wealth, from acting to entrepreneurial ventures, and how her net worth has evolved.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role in “That Girl”
Marlo Thomas was born in 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, to comedian Danny Thomas and Rose Marie Cassaniti. Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry, Marlo’s path to stardom seemed almost inevitable. Her early career began in television, where she appeared in a variety of roles before landing her breakout part in That Girl in 1966.
In the show, Thomas played Ann Marie, an aspiring actress navigating life in New York City. The series was groundbreaking in that it featured a single, independent woman—uncommon for its time. It was also one of the first shows to portray women as fully capable, goal-oriented individuals. The role catapulted Marlo Thomas into the spotlight, earning her multiple awards and accolades, and setting the stage for her future career success.
That Girl ran for five successful seasons, which not only increased her visibility but also contributed significantly to her wealth. During her time on the show, Thomas reportedly earned a substantial salary, which added to her growing fortune.
Marlo Thomas Net Worth: Earnings From Television
As one of the most beloved TV stars of the 1960s and 1970s, Marlo Thomas earned considerable income from her acting career. After the success of That Girl, she went on to appear in a variety of other TV shows, movies, and television specials, which consistently added to her net worth.
Thomas has also worked as a producer, particularly with her production company, Marlo Thomas Productions. She produced the Free to Be… You and Me special in 1974, an ambitious and socially progressive project that became a significant cultural milestone. This special, along with the associated book and album, helped cement her status as an influential figure in Hollywood. Over the years, her roles in TV specials and movies continued to earn her hefty paychecks, further contributing to Marlo Thomas’ net worth.
Endorsements and Other Business Ventures
In addition to her television work, Thomas capitalized on her fame with lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures. As a well-established personality, Marlo Thomas lent her name to various products and campaigns, earning additional income through these partnerships.
One of her most notable ventures was her involvement in promoting children’s health and welfare. Through her work with the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (founded by her father, Danny Thomas), Marlo has earned recognition not only as an actress but also as a philanthropist. Her work with St. Jude, including fundraising and awareness campaigns, further solidified her legacy and added an invaluable dimension to her brand, which likely contributed to her overall financial standing.
Philanthropy and Charitable Work: The St. Jude Legacy
Marlo Thomas is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in the area of children’s health. Since the passing of her father, Danny Thomas, in 1991, she has carried the torch for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an institution dedicated to treating and curing pediatric catastrophic diseases.
Her charitable efforts have not only earned her respect and admiration but also opened doors to networking opportunities with major donors and philanthropic organizations. As the National Outreach Director for St. Jude, Thomas’s role goes beyond merely being a spokesperson; she is actively involved in fundraising campaigns that raise millions of dollars annually. Her dedication to St. Jude has further solidified her status as a prominent public figure, bolstering her personal brand and wealth.
While philanthropic work isn’t typically a major source of financial gain, it can indirectly enhance a public figure’s career and long-term earnings. Through her association with St. Jude and other charitable endeavors, Marlo Thomas has built a reputation that has helped secure paid speaking engagements, book deals, and media appearances, contributing to her overall net worth.
Books and Media Appearances: Diversification of Income
Over the years, Marlo Thomas has diversified her income streams through various book deals, media appearances, and even motivational speaking. She authored several books, including Free to Be… You and Me, The Right Words at the Right Time, and What Makes a Marriage Last (co-authored with her husband, Phil Donahue). These books were well-received and became bestsellers, adding another layer of financial success to her portfolio.
Through her media appearances—whether on talk shows, documentaries, or as a guest on various news and entertainment programs—Thomas has maintained her visibility in the public eye. She continues to receive income from speaking engagements and public appearances, which are often lucrative for established figures like her.
Her ability to transition from acting to becoming a respected author and media personality is a testament to her versatility and entrepreneurial acumen, both of which have helped grow her net worth over the decades.
Marlo Thomas Net Worth Today: An Estimate
As of 2024, Marlo Thomas’s net worth is estimated to be between $150 million and $170 million. Her wealth comes from a combination of acting royalties, television production, endorsements, book deals, and her philanthropic work. In addition, her investments and wise financial decisions over the years have ensured that her fortune continues to grow, even as she transitions into more philanthropic and behind-the-scenes roles.
Her long-lasting career, diverse income streams, and ability to maintain a positive public image have allowed Marlo Thomas to build and maintain an impressive fortune over several decades.
(FAQs)
1. What is Marlo Thomas’ net worth in 2024? Marlo Thomas’ net worth is estimated to be between $150 million and $170 million in 2024. Her wealth comes from her extensive career in television, philanthropy, book deals, and various business ventures.
2. How did Marlo Thomas make her money? Marlo Thomas made her money primarily through her acting career in television and film. She also earned income from producing, endorsing products, writing books, and her philanthropic work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
3. What is Marlo Thomas’ role at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital? Marlo Thomas serves as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she plays a key role in fundraising and promoting the hospital’s mission to cure pediatric catastrophic diseases.
4. Has Marlo Thomas written any books? Yes, Marlo Thomas has written several books, including Free to Be… You and Me, The Right Words at the Right Time, and What Makes a Marriage Last.
5. How much did Marlo Thomas earn from That Girl? While exact figures aren’t available, Marlo Thomas earned a substantial salary during her time on That Girl, contributing significantly to her early wealth. The show’s success paved the way for her continued success in television and beyond.
Read Next: Mary Joan Martelly: Bridging Haiti and the Global Community
