Marlo Thomas, born Margaret Julia Thomas on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist. She grew up in Beverly Hills, California, as the eldest child of comedian Danny Thomas and his wife, Rose Marie Cassaniti.

Her godmother was actress Loretta Young, and she has two siblings, Terre and Tony Thomas. She attended Marymount High School and graduated from the University of Southern California with a teaching degree.

Her career began in the early 1960s with appearances in television programs such as "Bonanza," "McHale's Navy," and "The Donna Reed Show." Her big break came in 1965 when she was cast in the London production of Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park."

This led to her starring role in the sitcom "That Girl" from 1966 to 1971, where she played the character Ann Marie, an aspiring actress living in New York City. The show was groundbreaking as it depicted a young, independent woman pursuing her career and personal life on her own terms.

Marlo Thomas has appeared in several films, including "J. Edgar" (2011), "Friends with Kids" (2011), and "The Brady Bunch Movie" (1995). She has also lent her voice to animated films like "The Brave Little Toaster" (1987) and "The Land Before Time" (1988).

Her work in television and film has earned her numerous awards, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Peabody Award. She also received a Grammy Award for her children's album "Marlo Thomas and Friends: Thanks & Giving All Year Long".

She serves as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which was founded by her father in 1962. In 2004, she created the Thanks & Giving campaign to support the hospital.

Marlo Thomas has been married to talk show host Phil Donahue since 1980, and they have maintained a strong partnership both personally and professionally.

In 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing her contributions to society.