From pioneering feminist sitcoms in the ’60s to leading one of the world’s most beloved children’s hospitals, Marlo Thomas has done it all and built a $150 million fortune along the way.
Best known as the star of the hit series That Girl, Marlo Thomas is an Emmy- and Grammy-winning actress, producer, author, and philanthropist. At 87, she continues to inspire generations through her work on-screen and off, with a legacy that spans decades in Hollywood and at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which her father founded.
As of 2025, Marlo Thomas’s net worth is estimated at $150 million, a figure that reflects her long standing success and smart choices, but the full story behind her wealth may surprise you.
With recent buzz surrounding her continued activism and the lasting impact of her family’s charitable empire, there’s never been a better time to explore how she built her impressive financial legacy.
In this article, we’ll break down Marlo Thomas’s net worth in 2025, including her salary history, income streams, assets, real estate, career highlights, and more.
Marlo Thomas’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Marlo Thomas’s net worth is estimated at $150 million, according to credible sources such as CelebrityNetWorth and Distractify. This figure includes her combined wealth with her late husband, famed talk show host Phil Donahue, who passed away in 2024. Their shared financial legacy spans decades of successful television careers, book deals, real estate investments, and charitable endeavors.
While Thomas is best known for her groundbreaking role in That Girl and her ongoing advocacy for children’s healthcare, her wealth accumulation is the result of strategic diversification — not just Hollywood paychecks.
Estimated Net Worth Over the Years
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Factors |
| 2015 | $90 million | Syndication royalties, book sales, speaking engagements |
| 2020 | $120 million | Increased media appearances, property value appreciation |
| 2023 | $140 million | Continued royalties, successful philanthropy campaigns |
| 2025 | $150 million | Estate valuation post-Phil Donahue, long-term investments, residuals |
Contributors to Her Wealth in 2025
Television & Film Residuals: Ongoing income from That Girl, guest roles (Friends, Law & Order), and other appearances.
Publishing & Speaking: Royalties from best-selling books and paid engagements tied to advocacy and media events.
Real Estate: Profitable sales of Westport, CT estate and New York City property holdings.
Philanthropy Influence: Though not a direct income source, her leadership at St. Jude helped elevate her public profile and value in media markets.
How Marlo Thomas Makes Money
Marlo Thomas has built a diverse income portfolio over her decades-long career. While she rose to fame as a TV star in the late 1960s, her wealth has continued to grow through a combination of entertainment earnings, book sales, philanthropic leadership, and smart real estate decisions. Here’s a detailed look at how she earns her income:
Film and Television Salaries
Thomas’s breakout role as Ann Marie in That Girl (1966–1971) was not only a cultural milestone but also a strong financial foundation. While exact salaries from that era are difficult to confirm, it’s widely reported that lead TV actresses of the late ’60s earned between $5,000–$10,000 per episode — a significant sum at the time. Over five seasons, that adds up to $500,000+, not including residuals.
She has continued to earn income from TV guest appearances, including popular roles on Friends, Ugly Betty, Law & Order: SVU, and more. These appearances often come with per-episode fees in the range of $10,000–$50,000, depending on the role and platform.
Thanks to syndication and streaming, Marlo still receives residual payments from past work. Though modest compared to initial salaries, long-running shows like That Girl can generate tens of thousands annually in residuals even decades later.
Endorsements and Public Speaking
Unlike many modern celebrities, Marlo Thomas has not heavily relied on brand endorsements. However, her public image and credibility have made her a sought-after speaker and media figure, particularly on topics related to children’s health, women’s rights, and philanthropy.
She has been featured in PBS specials, advocacy campaigns, and televised events — appearances that often come with honorariums or promotional compensation. Speaking engagements at universities or fundraising events can bring in $10,000–$25,000 per appearance for public figures of her caliber.
Real Estate and Investment Income
One of Marlo’s most lucrative financial moves has been in real estate. Alongside her husband Phil Donahue, she purchased a 17-room estate in Westport, Connecticut, for an undisclosed amount in the 1980s and sold it in 2006 for $25 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth. They also sold a nearby parcel of land in 2013 for $20 million.
Additionally, the couple owned high-value property in New York City, contributing to long-term wealth via appreciation in value and potential rental income.
Although there are no public records of traditional business ventures (e.g., startups, production companies), the real estate sales alone have added at least $30–40 million to their total net worth over the years.
Book Sales and Royalties
Marlo Thomas is a successful author, having published multiple books, including:
- Free to Be… You and Me (1972)
- Growing Up Laughing (2010)
- It Ain’t Over… Till It’s Over (2014)
Several of her titles became best-sellers, with Free to Be… You and Me also adapted into a TV special and album. Over time, book advances and royalties likely generated millions in income, especially given their educational and charitable themes, which kept them in circulation.
She’s also earned a Grammy Award for her children’s album, increasing both prestige and media demand.
Philanthropy (Non-Profit Leadership)
While Thomas doesn’t earn a salary from her role as National Outreach Director at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the visibility and legacy associated with her work have opened doors for media deals, brand partnerships, and increased marketability.
Her charitable image strengthens her brand, indirectly increasing the value of her books, appearances, and projects — especially among philanthropic and educational audiences.
Marlo Thomas Career Timeline Section
Early Life & Beginnings
1937 – Born on November 21 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of famed entertainer Danny Thomas.
1960s – Graduates from the University of Southern California with a degree in teaching; begins acting in TV shows like Bonanza, The Donna Reed Show, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
Breakthrough & Career Highlights
1966 – Stars in That Girl, a groundbreaking sitcom about a single, independent woman in New York; earns four Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe.
1972 – Creates and produces Free to Be… You and Me, a best-selling children’s book, Emmy-winning TV special, and platinum album promoting gender equality.
1974 – Wins a Peabody Award for Free to Be… You and Me.
1977 – Wins Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in Nobody’s Child.
1980 – Marries talk show host Phil Donahue; becomes stepmother to his five children.
Continued Success & Diversification
1986 – Purchases 17-room estate in Westport, CT with Donahue (later sold in 2006 for $25 million).
1996 – Appears in Friends as Sandra Green, Rachel’s mother — a recurring and fan-favorite role.
2004 – Wins a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children (Thanks & Giving All Year Long).
2010 – Publishes memoir Growing Up Laughing, reflecting on her childhood and career.
2014 – Releases It Ain’t Over… Till It’s Over, profiling inspirational women over 40.
Recent Projects & Financial Milestones
2013 – Sells adjacent Connecticut land parcel for $20 million, significantly increasing personal wealth.
2018 – Appears in the film Ocean’s 8, further reinforcing her legacy in modern pop culture.
2023 – Net worth estimated at $140 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
2024 – Husband Phil Donahue passes away; Marlo remains active in public appearances and charity work.
2025 – Marlo Thomas’s net worth reaches $150 million, credited to real estate, residuals, publishing, and philanthropic leadership.
Marlo Thomas’s Assets and Luxury Lifestyle
Marlo Thomas has lived a life of elegance and purpose, blending timeless Hollywood glamour with grounded philanthropy. While she isn’t known for excessive extravagance like many modern celebrities, her assets and lifestyle reflect the success of a woman who’s spent over six decades in the spotlight — and managed her wealth with poise and strategy.
Real Estate Holdings
One of Marlo Thomas’s most valuable assets over the years has been real estate, particularly properties shared with her late husband, Phil Donahue.
Westport, Connecticut Estate: In 1986, Marlo and Phil purchased a stunning 17-room mansion in the upscale town of Westport, CT. This waterfront estate sat on 7.5 acres and offered panoramic views of Long Island Sound.
Estimated sale value (2006): $25 million
The couple later sold additional adjacent land parcels for $20 million in 2013, suggesting their total return on investment from this property exceeded $45 million.
Manhattan Apartment: The couple also owned an elegant apartment in New York City, believed to be located in the Upper East Side or Midtown area — a preferred locale for celebrities. Although specific value details are private, luxury condos in this area often exceed $5 million–$10 million.
Vehicles and Transportation
There is limited public information on Marlo Thomas owning luxury cars or private jets, suggesting she leads a relatively modest lifestyle when it comes to transportation. Unlike many in her income bracket, she has kept a low profile regarding automotive indulgences or chartered air travel.
Jewelry and Fashion
Marlo Thomas is frequently seen in timeless, designer fashion on red carpets and public appearances. She favors classic labels like Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren. While she doesn’t flaunt high-end designer hauls publicly, she has worn custom jewelry and high-carat diamond pieces to major events — estimated to be worth $50,000–$200,000 per set, typical of awards season styling.
Her style choices emphasize elegance over extravagance, leaning more toward tailored sophistication than flashy statements.
Unusual or Unique Assets
Children’s Book & Album Legacy: One of her most unique “assets” is the continued revenue and cultural impact of Free to Be… You and Me — a multimedia project turned social movement. While not a tangible luxury, it continues to generate royalty income and strengthen her personal brand.
St. Jude Affiliation: Though not a personal asset, her high-profile involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has contributed to her public identity and long-term financial opportunities (e.g., speaking, publishing).
Marlo Thomas’s Personal Life
Born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Marlo Thomas is 87 years old as of 2025. She was born into a prominent entertainment family — her father was the legendary actor, comedian, and humanitarian Danny Thomas, founder of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her mother, Rose Marie Cassaniti, was also of Lebanese-American descent, and the family emphasized education, service, and Catholic values from an early age.
Family and Relationships
Marlo has long credited her parents for instilling a sense of purpose and integrity, both of which have shaped her public and financial legacy. She is the eldest of three siblings, including brother Tony Thomas, a successful television and film producer (The Golden Girls, Dead Poets Society).
In 1980, Marlo married talk show icon Phil Donahue, becoming stepmother to his five children from a previous marriage. Their union, which lasted over four decades until Donahue’s passing in 2024, was one of Hollywood’s rare enduring love stories. The couple often spoke publicly about their partnership, even co-authoring a book titled What Makes a Marriage Last in 2020.
Education
Marlo Thomas earned a teaching degree from the University of Southern California (USC), reflecting her early interest in education — a theme that would echo throughout her career, particularly in her work for children’s media and learning.
Lifestyle Habits
Despite her wealth, Marlo Thomas is known for maintaining a graceful and grounded lifestyle. She avoids the spotlight outside of her professional and philanthropic work and is not associated with excess or celebrity gossip. She favors classic fashion, enjoys literary and advocacy work, and continues to appear at charity galas and public events with dignity and poise.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Thomas’s most enduring personal mission is her leadership role at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she serves as National Outreach Director. She has helped raise over $1 billion for the hospital over the years and donates all proceeds from many of her children’s books and albums to its cause.
Her philanthropic focus — especially in health, education, and gender equality — has not only elevated her public image but also contributed indirectly to her enduring financial relevance. Unlike celebrities who rely on brand deals or product lines, Marlo’s reputation has created a values-driven brand that continues to generate income and opportunities well into her 80s.
Fun Facts
She Turned Down Marriage Proposals — for Years: Before marrying Phil Donahue at 42, Marlo was famously independent and publicly stated she had no plans to marry — until love changed her mind.
One of Her Albums Beat Pop Stars: Her children’s album Thanks & Giving All Year Long won a Grammy in 2006, beating mainstream artists in the spoken word category.
She’s an Unofficial TV Pioneer for Women’s Rights: That Girl was one of the first sitcoms to feature a single woman not looking for a husband — a groundbreaking idea in the 1960s.
Real Estate Queen Quietly Made Millions: Her and Donahue’s Connecticut estate sales netted them over $40 million, despite never flaunting a lavish lifestyle.
She Once Played Rachel Green’s Mom: Gen Z might not realize it, but Marlo played Sandra Green, Rachel’s glamorous, over-the-top mother on Friends — and it’s still one of her most recognized roles today.
Net Worth Comparison Table
| Celebrity | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Marlo Thomas | $150 million | That Girl, St. Jude philanthropy, books, legacy roles |
| Carol Burnett | $45 million | The Carol Burnett Show, stage/TV icon |
| Mary Tyler Moore | $60 million (at time of death) | The Mary Tyler Moore Show, TV trailblazer |
| Jane Fonda | $200 million | Barbarella, Grace and Frankie, fitness empire, activism |
| Lily Tomlin | $20 million | Grace and Frankie, stand-up comedy, film/TV actress |
FAQs
What is Marlo Thomas’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Marlo Thomas has an estimated net worth of $150 million, combining her earnings from acting, books, speaking engagements, and real estate, along with assets shared with her late husband Phil Donahue.
How did Marlo Thomas make her money?
Marlo Thomas earned her wealth through TV and film salaries, book and album royalties, speaking engagements, and profitable real estate investments, especially the sale of her Westport, CT estate.
Does Marlo Thomas own any luxury homes?
Yes. Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue owned a 17-room mansion in Westport, Connecticut, which they sold for $25 million, as well as an apartment in New York City valued in the multimillion-dollar range.
Is Marlo Thomas still married?
No. Marlo Thomas was married to legendary talk show host Phil Donahue from 1980 until his passing in 2024. The couple had a long-lasting and highly respected marriage.
Does Marlo Thomas have endorsement deals?
Marlo Thomas is not widely known for commercial endorsements. Her public image centers around philanthropy and media work, especially her leadership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
What are Marlo Thomas’s biggest sources of income today?
Her main income sources in 2025 include residuals from past TV shows, book royalties, public appearances, and long-term investment returns — particularly from real estate sales.
Conclusion
Marlo Thomas’s journey from trailblazing actress in That Girl to beloved philanthropist and author is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purposeful living. With an estimated net worth of $150 million in 2025, her financial success reflects not just her early fame, but decades of smart choices from iconic TV roles and publishing hits to strategic real estate moves and a lifelong commitment to meaningful causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Now in her late 80s, Marlo remains active in the public eye through appearances, advocacy, and storytelling. Whether or not new media projects are on the horizon, her influence and financial legacy are already secure.
Explore more celebrity net worth profiles on our site to see how Marlo Thomas’s fortune stacks up against peers like Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Carol Burnett. There’s plenty more behind-the-scenes wealth wisdom to discover.
Mohit is a media researcher and co-founder of TheNetWorths.com, with over 5 years of experience analyzing celebrity income, brand deals, and the creator economy. He delivers data-backed insights on how today’s stars grow their wealth and influence—trusted by readers and digital entrepreneurs.
