Marlo Thomas is one of the most recognized faces on TV. The actress, author, producer, and social activist has been part of the entertainment industry since the 1960s. She is best known for being the star in the hit sitcom called “That Girl” that aired from 1966 to 1971. She is also hailed for creating the hit children’s show “Free to Be… You and Me.“ Because of her accomplishments, Thomas was able to earn $150 million net worth. Here is how the multi-awarded actress generated that much money throughout her career.
Marlo Thomas: Early Life
The actress, whose real name is Margaret Julia Thomas, was born exactly on November 21, 1937, in the city of Detroit in Michigan. The actress is the eldest child of Danny Thomas, a comedian, and the former Rose Marie Cassaniti. Her brother Tony is also a film and TV producer. She also has a younger sister named Terre.
Marlo Thomas: How She Started Her Career
At the beginning of her stint in the entertainment industry, Thomas was given bit roles in several TV series. She appeared in shows like “Bonanza,” “McHale’s Navy,” “Arrest and Trial,” and “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” Her big break happened when film and theatre director Mike Nichols tapped her to become a part of the London production of “Barefoot in the Park” in 1965.
Marlo Thomas: Her “That Girl” Stint
In 1965, ABC cast the actress to star in the pilot titled “Two’s Company.” While the show did not sell, she caught the attention of one of the network’s programming executives. She was called for a meeting where they discussed casting her in a new series. Thomas shared her idea about a series featuring a young woman who opted to leave her hometown and move to New York City to make it big as an actress. ABC initially hesitated, saying that the audience might think that a series focused on a single female unrealistic or boring.
The concept evolved eventually into a sitcom called “That Girl,” where she portrayed Ann Marie, a pretty, aspiring actress with a boyfriend who works as a writer, portrayed by Ted Bessell. The series was one of the pioneer TV shows that evolved on the life of a working, single female character. Thomas also became the second female in Hollywood to produce her own show after Lucille Ball.
“That Girl” premiered in 1966 and lasted until 1971. Throughout its run, the series has a solid performance in the ratings game.
Marlo Thomas: After ‘That Girl’
Thomas chose to explore other fields after the conclusion of “That Girl.” She enrolled at the Actors Studio to study with Lee Strasberg. She also released the children’s book titled “Free to Be… You and Me” in 1972. The book turned into a franchise when she created several television specials and recordings, including 1987’s “Free to Be… A Family.”
The actress also made several guest appearances on various TV shows like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” She also has a notable appearance as Sandra, the mother of Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green, in the cult-favorite “Friends” series.
Marlo Thomas: Net Worth
Based on a report from Celebrity Net Worth, Thomas has an estimated $150 million in assets and savings. She earned that much money from her TV and movie career. She also earned millions as a producer and a book author.
