Marlo Thomas Interview: "That Girl" Who Changed Everything

Marlo Thomas recalls finding her interest in acting during childhood, and her determination to pursue a career and avoid traditional gender roles. Thomas emphasizes her commitment to breaking societal norms, advocating for women's independence, and creating content that challenges stereotypes.

Margaret “Marlo” Thomas was born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. Thomas graduated with a teaching degree from the University of Southern California. She began her acting career performing in regional theaters around the country, when director Mike Nichols cast her as the lead in the London production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. In 1965 she burst into television as That Girl, a series she conceived and also produced. Thomas married her husband, television talk show pioneer Phil Donahue in May 1980. She’s appeared in numerous acclaimed television movies, including Nobody’s Child, for which she won the Emmy for Best Dramatic Actress. She also frequently returns to the theatrical stage, on and off Broadway and in regional theaters across the country. In 2011, she starred on Broadway in Elaine May’s comedy, Relatively Speaking; and in 2015 appeared off-Broadway in Joe DiPietro’s comedy, Clever Little Lies. Thomas has received four Emmys, nine Emmy nominations, the George Foster Peabody Award, a Golden Globe and a Grammy, and she has been inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. She is the author of seven bestselling books. The daughter and eldest child of Danny Thomas, the renowned entertainer and founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she serves as National Outreach Director for St. Jude. Thomas is a co-founder of the historic Ms. Foundation for Women, which among other landmark achievements created the nation’s Take Our Daughters to Work Day; and in 2012, she launched a nationwide bullying prevention campaign. In 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

From the 2013 PBS Documentary “Makers: Women Who Make America”, examines how women have helped shape America over the past 150 years, striving for a full and fair share of political power and economic opportunity.

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Marlo Thomas, Actor & Activist
Interview Date: June 7, 2011

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:10 Childhood
06:50 College
07:58 Catching the acting bug
09:09 That Girl
11:24 The power of television
13:03 The final episode
14:30 Free to Be…You and Me
22:14 Take Your Daughter to Work Day
25:05 Marriage
29:12 The women’s movement
36:21 Advice

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