Net Worth Ranker
What Is Marlo Thomas’ Net Worth?
Marlo Thomas, a multifaceted American actress, producer, and social activist, has accumulated a substantial net worth, estimated at $150 million. This figure represents the combined net worth she shared with her late husband, the esteemed talk show host Phil Donahue. Their marriage, which began in 1980, lasted until Donahue’s passing in 2024.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Thomas’s career began in television, with early roles in series such as “Ben Casey,” “My Favorite Martian,” and “Bonanza.” These initial roles, while not providing specific income figures, were instrumental in building her acting experience and industry recognition. Her breakthrough came with her role in the play “Barefoot in the Park” in 1965, and then with the television series “That Girl”, which solidified her place in television history. “That Girl,” which aired from 1966 to 1971, broke ground by featuring an independent, career-driven woman, Ann Marie, as the central character. While detailed salary figures from her time on “That Girl” are not publicly available, the show’s success undoubtedly contributed significantly to her early wealth.
In 1972, Thomas produced “Free to Be… You and Me,” a project that included a TV special, book, and album. The album, featuring a collection of songs and stories, garnered critical acclaim and contributed to her earnings through sales and royalties. While the exact sales figures and royalty rates are not specified, the project’s widespread success and cultural impact suggest a substantial financial return. Her involvement with “Free to Be… You and Me” also included personal appearances and speaking engagements, which would have provided additional income streams.
Thomas continued to act in various television shows, films, and Broadway productions after “That Girl.” While the specific compensation for each role varies and is not always publicly disclosed, her consistent presence in the entertainment industry has been a key factor in maintaining and growing her net worth. In 2015, she appeared in the Broadway play “Clever Little Lies.” The pay structure for Broadway actors depends on several elements, including the size and popularity of the show, the actor’s role, and union contracts. Thomas’s well-established profile would have likely commanded a solid salary for her performance.
In addition to acting, Marlo Thomas’ net worth also grew thanks to her children’s music album, “Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks and Giving All Year Long,” which earned her a Grammy Award. Though exact sales figures or royalty earnings from this album are not available, winning a Grammy significantly increased the value and exposure, which undoubtedly contributed to her financial status.
Philanthropic Activities and Awards
A significant part of Marlo Thomas’s life and career has been dedicated to philanthropy, particularly her association with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was founded by her father, Danny Thomas. As the National Outreach Director, she has played a crucial role in fundraising and raising awareness for the hospital. While her philanthropic work is not directly tied to her net worth, it is worth noting that she has donated royalties from her children’s books and albums to St. Jude, directing funds to the hospital rather than retaining them personally. The monetary value of these donations, accumulated over many years, is significant, although the precise amount is not publicly disclosed.
Marlo Thomas won several awards for her work in the entertainment industry, including five Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy. In addition, Marlo Thomas has been recognized for her work in changing the way women are portrayed in film and television, for which she was awarded a Women in Film Lucy Award. For her philanthropic work, Marlo Thomas won a Peabody Award. She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. Although these honors do not directly add to her net worth in monetary terms, they do enhance her reputation and influence, potentially opening doors to further opportunities and endorsements.
Real Estate Investments
Marlo Thomas and her late husband, Phil Donahue, made several notable real estate investments over the years. In 1986, they purchased a 17-room home in Westport, Connecticut, for an undisclosed price. In 1988, they expanded their holdings by acquiring an adjacent 7-acre property for just under $7 million. This combined estate was later sold in 2006 to a financier for $25 million, generating a substantial profit on their initial investment. While the exact appreciation rate cannot be determined without knowing the original purchase price of the 17-room home, the $25 million sale price demonstrates a considerable return.
In 2006, following the sale of their Westport estate, Thomas and Donahue reinvested in the same area, purchasing a pair of side-by-side parcels next to their former property. The purchase price for these parcels remains undisclosed. The property, encompassing approximately 6.5 acres, was listed for sale in 2012 for $27.5 million and eventually sold in 2013 for $20 million. This transaction highlights the fluctuations in real estate values over time. The reduced selling price of $20 million in 2013, compared to the initial listing price of $27.5 million in 2012, shows the impact of market conditions on real estate values.
In addition to their Westport properties, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue also own an apartment in Manhattan. Specific details about the size, location, and purchase price of the apartment have not been released, but real estate values in Manhattan are very high. Therefore, this property contributes considerably to their overall net worth. The Manhattan real estate market is known for its high property values. A luxury apartment in a desirable neighborhood could easily be worth several million dollars, depending on its size, amenities, and location.
Personal Life and Family
Marlo Thomas was married to Phil Donahue from May 1980 until his death in 2024. Their marriage was a union of two prominent figures in the entertainment industry, and the combined assets they accumulated during their time together contributed to their shared net worth of $150 million. As Marlo Thomas’ Net Worth is now considered, the information has been updated to reflect his death and her inheritance of his share.
Before marrying Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas had a relationship with Herb Gardner, a playwright, screenwriter, and cartoonist. While their relationship did not result in a marriage, her experiences with Herb Gardner would have influenced her financial decisions and personal growth. In 1973, she helped set up the first women’s fund in the United States, the Ms. Foundation for Women, she also served as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and donated royalties from various children’s books and albums to the hospital.
