Marlo Thomas

Marlo Thomas garnered critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for Best TV Star in 1967 for her groundbreaking role as Ann Marie in the hit series ‘That Girl’ (1966–1971). The series also earned her four Emmy nominations between 1967 and 1971, where she portrayed a single, independent professional woman. Thomas notably chose to conclude the show after five successful seasons without her character marrying, a decision empowering her female audience. Prior to this defining role, Thomas made early television appearances in the late 1950s on shows such as ‘Dobie Gillis’ and ’77 Sunset Strip,’ and was cast in ‘The Joey Bishop Show’ in 1961.

Her stage career also began gaining momentum with a starring role in the London production of ‘Barefoot in the Park’ in 1965. Following the success of ‘That Girl,’ Thomas diversified her career as an actress, producer, and social activist. She entered the realm of children’s content, releasing the best-selling book ‘Free to Be… You and Me’ in 1972, and producing and starring in the Emmy Award-winning television special of the same name in 1974.

As the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Marlo Thomas remains a prominent humanitarian, having launched the successful Thanks & Giving campaign for the hospital in 2004. Her profound impact as an actress, producer, author, and activist was recognized in 2014 when she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In the same year, the Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration opened at St.

Jude, further cementing her legacy of advocacy and innovation.