But I added a line of my own: 'If you lose it, you will have to show up empty-handed! In 1979, the Supersisters trading card set was produced and distributed; one of the cards featured Thomas' name and picture. Marlo Thomas coming to the Donahue Show was a big day for us because she was essentially a triple threat, Donahue explained. 2 Phil Donahue is a daytime television icon Credit: Getty Images - Getty Who is Phil Donahue? After three years of marriage, they got married on May 21, 1980. Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue Have Been Together for 45 Years 'Every His father was a furniture salesman and his mother was a shoe clerk. "We trusted our hearts and made the effort," Marlo said. The star became more caring and interested in the boys the more she lived with them, and eventually, "more mothering.". Advertisement. They shared how their relationship has shifted over time and the hugely difficult situations they navigated when their kids arrived. The 10 place settings were anchored by red-and-white plates and red-and-white napkins, part of the tabletop collection that Ms. Thomas, 85, the actor, author, activist and philanthropist, has designed in partnership with Williams-Sonoma. The couple has five children together namely Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James Donahue. [19] They were married on May 21, 1980, and Donahue moved with some of his sons and his daughter from Chicago to New York City to live with Thomas and to produce his talk show there. This show is also one of the first talk shows where the audience participates. 'I mean every time she turns around wham something else has gone wrong, Prince Andrew, Prince Charles and Camilia and Diana dying. Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas talk about being married for 41 years, when they first met on Phil's talk show and love at first sight. The longtime celebrity couple sat down with The Drew Barrymore Show for a segment. Yes, there are extreme hardships in a lifetime loss of money, loss of a child or infidelity.". Donahue's daughter lived with her mother, but all four boys lived with the couple when they got married, which was another massive adjustment for Thomas; she even called it a "disaster.". On November 20, 2014, the Marlo Thomas Center for Global Education and Collaboration was opened as part of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. With their encouragement, Thomas came up with her own idea for a show about a young woman who leaves home, moves to New York City, and struggles to become an actress. He married Margaret Cooney in 1958. Phil was born on 21 December 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Marlo Thomas turned 85 on November 21, Monday. Vivid pink and crimson roses filled an oak-and-stainless-steel wine cooler in the center of the table (part of the Marlo Thomas collection). Mr. Gwathmey proposed. Phil had a career in Chicago and lived with his four sons, while Marlo's career and family roots were in Los Angeles. Marlo Thomas' Spouse Was a Virgin before Marriage to Mom of - AmoMama The show moved to Chicago in the year 1974. I went from having two dogs to having four boys and a husband.". Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue won't be able to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on May 21 in in their typical fashion. It was a real double date and it was fun and I learned stuff about Phil and he learned stuff about me. "I always say, I'm so lucky I married a man who saw the 'Donahue' show every day!" Thomas said. ACTRESS, Marlo Thomas, has been married to former daytime talk show host, Phil Donahue, for over 40 years. She survived "disaster" with six stepkids after marrying her husband of 42 years. Yet that all changed when she met Phil Donahue. Occupation: Actor, author, activist and philanthropist, New York, New York: I love it here. Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas attend the Off-Broadway opening of "Ernest Shackleton Loves Me" at the Tony Kiser Theatre on May 7, 2017 | Photo: GettyImages. The couple has been together for almost five decades and has faced difficult trials that enhanced their relationship. The two first met in 1977 when Thomas was a guest on Donahue's show. In the spring of 2008, she starred in Arthur Laurents' last play, New Year's Eve with Keith Carradine, at the George Street Playhouse. Besides these, he also co-hosted the show U.S.Soviet Space Bridge along with Soviet journalist Vladimir Pozner. Thomas keeps photos of her family and friends and some awards, like Emmys, and other keepsakes, in her office. '", Marlo revealed using the line for a show she wrote called "Love, Sex and Other Comedy." Or something. The last show, Ann Marie took Donald to a women's lib meeting, which made nobody happy but me. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Marlo is the daughter of comedian and TV producer Danny Thomas. Donahue was single at the time, as he had divorced his first wife, Margaret Cooney, in 1975. "I'd never been married before, didn't want to get . In 1977, Thomas was a guest on the daytime TV television show called Donahue. [3], In 1977, Thomas was a guest on Donahue,[18] the television talk show, when she and host Phil Donahue fell in "love at first sight". What shes been through trying to keep that family up,' Marlo responded. The answer to that question depended on who you asked and when you asked them. Thomas starred in an ABC pilot called Two's Company in 1965. For the sake of Ms. Thomas, a human heliotrope, it needed to be New York with abundant sun. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Phil Donahue is a daytime television icon, Marlo has helped raise Phil's five children. Before tying the knot with her, he was married to Margaret Cooney, with whom he shared five children. In 1977, Thomas was a guest on Donahue, the television talk show, when she and host Phil Donahue fell in "love at first sight.". The couple enjoys spending time in their penthouse together but also love spending time with their children and grandchildren. They also weighed in on Oprah's explosive interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Marlo revealing that she 'felt so sorry for the Queen' while Phil was 'jealous' of Oprah's access. Marlo said as little girls, some women dreamt of becoming brides, mothers, actresses, wives, and ice skaters but never stepmothers. She is now a mother and grandmother but does not look old enough to be either. I'm proud to say that the friendships I established with them are as strong today as they were 30 years ago even stronger."[5]. The book also revealed that Phil avoided the draft through fatherhood. Marlo Thomas Turns 85 | She Married Phil Donahue Over 42 Years Ago He said per the South Florida Sentinel: "The process is medieval and un-Christian. Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue have been married 40 years and their best seller "What Makes A Marriage Last" is now available in paperback. The "That Girl" actress first met Marlo when she was on his talk show as a guest in 1977. For the sake of Mr. Donahue, who had never before lived in an apartment, it needed to be New York with a terrace. She went on to create multiple recordings and television specials of and related to that title: Free to Be You and Me (1972, 1974) and Free to Be A Family (1987), with Christopher Cerf. For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. The star spent the day enjoying it with her long-term husband, Phil Donahue, with whom she celebrated decades of marriage. The organization was created to deliver funding and other resources to organizations that were presenting liberal women's voices in communities nationwide. And I said, Yes, thats the point. And today, every day is the "Donahue . "For many, love really is better the second time around, but for me, the first time has been just fine. 'They talked about fighting, we talked about fighting. 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It didnt take long for a romance to flourish between them, and three years later, in 1980, they got married. Before his death, James worked for the Ralph Nader group, Essential Information, as an investigative researcher and writer. In the article, she described him as a handsome, charming Irishman. Later from 1991 to 1994. On the other hand, Phil had been married before and welcomed five children, making his new wife a stepmother. Marlo also said that it is important for couples to let each other be their own people rather than changing them to fit their specifications. The star said one example was her parents, as the actress's mother gave up her singing career to settle herself to marry the star of the "Danny Thomas Show." Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. Phil's wife said in marriage; you have to know the other person has your back and that her union was the safest place she could be, and the talk show host was her everything and life cushion. However, she explained she thought in hers but didn't have the same feelings toward the institution of marriage because she wasn't sure it was "rigged against the woman. Marlo is the daughter of comedian and TV producer Danny Thomas. In 1972, she released a children's book, Free to Be You and Me, which was inspired by her young niece Dionne Gordon. Apr 19, 2023 01:30 P.M. "That Girl" star Marlo Thomas dazes with her muscles in a new photo at 85. [6] The name "Marlo" came from her childhood mispronunciation of the name Margo, as Thomas was called by her family. Phil has also interviewed heavyweight boxing champions, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. I said, "I just can't do that to these women and girls who followed Ann Marie's adventure. He is father of Five(Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James Donahue). The actor and author has a tableware collection for Williams-Sonoma, out just in time for Valentines Day. The star said she liked her husband's children and it was a "treat" to be around them in 1977, Phil's daughter lived with his ex in Illinois. Entertaining is very natural for me, said Marlo Thomas, who has been in a partnership with Williams Sonoma to design a tableware collection since 2021. Eventually, the couple learned how to prioritize and they made space in their lives for the other. They talked about spending money, so whatever they talked about we talked about. Marlo added, "What makes a marriage last is holding on and getting through the fire together." Even though Thomas did not want to get married, when she married Donahue, she also gained four stepsons. He is renowned as Donahue. One of the most famous shows Marlo has starred in is "That Girl," which she also produced. Although Marlo did not have kids of her own, she helped raise Phil's five children from a previous marriage. Think Malibu overlooking Central Park. Despite finding love late in life, her marriage has lasted longer than most in Hollywood, and she shared . Marlo said: "It was kind of love at first sight. Ms. Thomas designed the cheese plate, taking careful measurements to ensure that Carrs crackers would fit into the slots. Most of his audience was female since Donahue also broke barriers by giving women a platform to talk about issues that were almost taboo on-air at the time: from sexuality and contraceptives to gender equality and the feminist movement. Marlo Thomas in "That Girl" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images. Mary Rose Donahue, Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas at the 1979 Summer Special Olympics | Source: Getty Images. Is that OK? Ms. Thomas recalled. For an enthusiastic host, it wasnt much of a stretch. While some might let their age change their lives, Thomas does not think it is terrible. But if you do 30, they all go together!, Ms. Thomas became smitten with Mr. Donahue (and vice versa) in 1977, when she was a guest on his talk show, then based in Chicago. 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time host, Phil Donahue is married to Marlo Thomas and has five children. [19] They were married on May 21, 1980, and Donahue moved with some of his sons and his daughter from Chicago to New York City to live with Thomas and to produce his talk show there. One of them, John Richards, described him as a true warrior who fought the world's injustices. The light from the floor-to-ceiling windows they were a headache to install, Ms. Thomas said, but eminently worth it brightens the flowing space that comprises the dining room, the living room and the library/TV room. She never had any kids before their marriage. He was married once before. And continued listing Marlos abilities: She was an extremely popular, well-known television star; she was the producer of a phenomenal show business /political event'Free to be Youand Meand she was also a very committed, politically active feminist.. Also, she told the story of a couple whose marriage had issues after the man had a child out of the wedlock and said: "His wife now says she has five children and her husband has six. He had a career in Chicago and lived with his four sons; I had a career in Los Angeles and family roots there. Marlo Thomas, Phil Donahue talk best seller book 'What Makes a Marriage Phil Donahue - Wikipedia Advertisement Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue are one of the longest-standing couples in Hollywood. he became the program director for WABJ radio in Adrian, Michigan. Meanwhile, Marlo described James as a great light in the family. Later in 2006, he served asco-director for the documentary filmBody of War. However, his parents divorced. ", Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas attend the American Icon Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on May 19, 2019 | Photo: GettyImages. Im a person who loves to entertain, she said, pressing mini-sandwiches and cupcakes on some visitors. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. Bachelor's Degree inbusiness administration, Bachelor's Degree inBusiness Administration. Many of James's colleagues at work spoke well of him after his death. Flowers and light two of her great loves. Shortly after their meeting, Phil and Marlo had dinner. He was awarded 20Emmy Awardsduring his broadcasting career. The album featured stars like Michael Jackson, Alan Alda, Dustin Hoffman, Shirley Jones, and Carol Channing, among others, and all proceeds from its sales went to the Ms. Foundation for Women. The couples architect, Charles Gwathmey, convinced them to knock down many a wall to take full advantage the apartments three exposures: north, south and west. In 2011, she shared a photo of herself, Donahue, Connor, and their granddaughter, Kenzie, at Thanksgiving. Thomas also shared a photo of herself and her granddaughter, Kenzie, when she visited her before she went to college. The film was listed as one of the movies to be considered for an Oscar nomination in November 2007 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I was so touched. (Heres a bit of what Mr. Donahue and his viewers learned: Before marrying Mr. Thomas and having three children Marlo is the eldest the former Rose Marie Cassaniti was a singer and the host of a radio show in Detroit. Another said she looked amazing, and others said Marlo still "has it." All of these items are laid out on a table that is situated behind Thomas' office desk. He worked along with filmmaker Ellen Spiro for the documentary. Concerning her relationship with her stepchildren, Thomas told the AARP magazine in May 2012, "from the very first day, I decided that I was not going to try to be a 'mother' to Phil's children in the traditional sense they already had a mom but, instead, to be their friend. So she had to figure out how to be nice and good and realized early on that she shouldn't try to fill a mother-like role because they might resent that. Marlo Thomas, 2018 | Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas, 2022 | Source: Instagram.com/marlothomas | Getty Images. My whole thing is about arranging things so people can feel relaxed, she said. She once briefly described their relationship, saying they fell in love, had dinner, went to bed together, and the rest was history. In 1976, Thomas made a guest appearance on the NBC situation comedy The Practice as a stubborn patient of her father Danny Thomas' character Dr. Jules Bedford, and the chemistry of father and daughter acting together made for touching hospital-room scenes. So the divorce ended in 1975. Phil got his start in local radio before he graduated, becoming a news reporter, and eventually, a television host. Marlo Thomas Meeting Phil on The Donahue Show - YouTube Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. By Thomas is the stepmother to Donahue's five children from his first marriage. [20] The actress continued explaining her reasoning: "It seems like it's only a place for one-and-a-half persons, you know, the person that has the dream and the other person who supports the dream." In the April/May issue of AARP the Magazine, married couple Marlo Thomas . Phil is a married man. She created the Thanks & Giving campaign in 2004 to support the hospital. A bonus: the table has pullout extensions for guests to easily reach and rest their drinks. A few years ago, Laura J. Alber, the chief executive of Williams-Sonoma, was among the guests at an annual dinner Ms. Thomas gives for St. Judes corporate sponsors. Phil Donahue Biography He revealed: "Now, at weddings and funerals, people crawl over me to get to the [Communion) rail. They recalled their first meeting during an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" last year. Today, her passion for kids sees her support charitable causes that help low-income families access treatment for their sick kids. I can't now say that the only happy ending is a wedding, because I don't believe it." However, she added a twist to the quote, "If you lose it, you will have to show up empty-handed!". Youd be waiting for the rest of your life., I told a decorator to send me a whole bunch of chintz pillows and Id pick some, Ms. Thomas said. Phil co-hosted Pozner/Donahue. Instead, she let them know she was there for them and built friendships with them that are stronger now than ever. Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue talked to 40 famous couples for 'What There, he told her he recently went through a divorce and had doubts about ever marrying again. A group of celibate men decide whether an agreement you made 20 years ago was valid in the eyes of the church[]In my case, that union brought five children into the world. Ms. Thomas is now its national outreach director. 'When I first had the idea to do the book and the podcast Phil said, "Ill go with you but Im not talking about our marriage," but once we got on these double dates and people talked about their jealousy. Candace Cameron Bure Chose Faith over Fame Now She Asks Her 3 Kids to Date Those Who Love Jesus, 'Here's Lucys Lucie Arnaz, 71, Is 'Fabulous' with Silver Pixie Cut & Happy in Small Town with Spouse of 42 Years, 'Those Legs! Also in 1972, she served as a California delegate to the Democratic National Convention[3] in Miami Beach, Florida. The comments below have not been moderated, By Donahue and Thomas met when he interviewed her on his Chicago-based talk show. Phil has a height of 6 feet. Adding: 'We had never worked together because we were always afraid we would kill each other because we are both Type A personalities, and we are both kind of bossy and so we felt we wouldnt make it but after 40 years we did it. 'We got back [from our honeymoon] we were asked to co-host the Emmys, the Peoples Choice, be on the cover of People magazine and it was a bit overwhelming and we looked at each other and said, "Lets not do this. They are cute. [3] She has a sister, Terre, and a brother, producer Tony Thomas. Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas at Directors Guild of America Theater on March 04, 2020 in New York City. Then, as you may know, I went on this talk show and met the host: a handsome, charming Irishman named Phil Donahue. Pink lilies bent from a blue-and-white hexagonal ceramic jar on an accent table. Are Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas still married? However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1975. I said, I just don't believe it's for me.". In it, she starred as a spunky, independent, virginal character. Thomas posted the picture for National Exercise Day and asked fans what their go-to exercise routine was. Despite losing their son, Phil and Marlo stayed together and have been married for 42 years. Also off-Broadway, she appeared opposite Greg Mullavey in the 2015 New York debut of Joe DiPietro's play Clever Little Lies at the Westside Theatre. [17] Hillary Clinton presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was mid-January, but the theme was Valentines Day. Theyre not all the same. Phil hosted his eponymous talk show, The Phil Donohue Show, for 26 seasons spanning the late 1960s all the way to 1996. Phil Donahue is not having an affair with anyone presently. You dont dream about getting the medal of freedom. Reflecting on their relationship, she said: "I think one of the reasons our relationship blossomed into more than either of us had thought it would is that we weren't burdened by the pressure felt by younger people looking for mates.". Kenzie's friend was also featured in the image, and Thomas once again talked about how much her grandchild had grown. [20] Thomas is the stepmother to Donahue's four sons and daughter from his first marriage. In a December 1977 article, the actress recalled how Phil was a modern man and a single parent when they met. She has made guest appearances on several television series, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (as Judge Mary Conway Clark, a mentor of ADA Casey Novak), Ballers, The New Normal, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later. He interviewed different personalities including, Jimmy Hoffa Billie Sol Estes John F. Kennedy and Johnny Carson. The only thing she doesn't do is bungee jump, but she says she didn't do that at eighteen, so she doesn't feel deprived. It was an ambitious project produced by Marlo to promote tolerance and individuality among children and parents, and her final goal was to project the message that anyone, regarding gender, could achieve anything. Marlo's ability to be a good wife and stepmom to Phil and his sons owed a great deal to how her parents raised her. Arent we cute? Ms. Thomas wanted to know. Margaret Julia "Marlo" Thomas (born November 21, 1937)[1] is an American actress, producer, author, and social activist. She also starred in television movies including It Happened One Christmas (1977; also produced) (a remake of It's a Wonderful Life),[12] The Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck (1984; also produced), Consenting Adult (1985), Nobody's Child (1986; Best Dramatic Actress Emmy), Held Hostage: The Sis and Jerry Levin Story (1991; also produced), Reunion (1994; also produced), Deceit (2004; also produced), and Ultimate Betrayal (1994). The pair celebrated their 39th-anniversary last year, and they couldnt be in a better place. Phils mothers name is Catherine/Katherine (McClory) and his fathers name is Phillip Donahue. And now they are also facilitators-in-chief of the podcast Double Date, an exploration of enduring marriage and its challenges, based on their best-selling 2020 book, What Makes a Marriage Last. A new batch of episodes is planned for the spring. Phil Donahue introduces the North American premiere of the documentary Body of War at the Toronto International Film Festival, 2007 | Photo: GettyImages. [7][8], Thomas appeared in many television programs including Bonanza, McHale's Navy, Ben Casey, Arrest and Trial, The Joey Bishop Show, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, My Favorite Martian, 77 Sunset Strip, and The Donna Reed Show. Marlo agreed, revealing she had planned never to get married, and like her character in "That Girl," she was focused on her career and not a husband. The actress said, "It was a very big thing for me to see that marriage could be a roomy enough place for my dream and his dream.". Marlo admitted they had challenges younger people do not face. Spouse: Phil Donahue. They decorated their apartment with photos and souvenirs from all the places they traveled. During an interview with Review-Journal, the couple spoke about their best-selling book "What Makes a Marriage Last." ACTRESS, Marlo Thomas, has been married to former daytime talk show host, Phil Donahue, for over 40 years. Thomas appeared in films such as Jenny (1970), Thieves (1977), In The Spirit (1990), The Real Blonde (1997), Starstruck (1998), Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999), Playing Mona Lisa (2000), LOL (2012) with Demi Moore and Miley Cyrus, and Cardboard Boxer (2014). Advertisement Marlo Thomas, 83, and Phil Donohue, 85, share thoughts on Meghan and Marlo was 40 when she married the talk show host, and it was her first marriage. Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas on their wedding day, 1980. . While Thomas' stepchildren see her as their mother, she admitted that she never tried to mother them. Its a floor. | Source: Getty Images, PHIL DONAHUE WAS A VIRGIN BEFORE HIS FIRST MARRIAGE. The actress enjoys life as a grandma and shares blissful family moments. The That Girl star went on to explain that they put their focus on their relationship and not their public persona, vowing not to work together. She revealed: "Daddy wanted me to stay a virgin till I married. And I thought to myself, This is an interesting guy, because everybody always wanted to know about my father, she continued, referring to the actor and comedian and TV producer Danny Thomas, who founded and was a major benefactor of St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, in Memphis. "If it weren't for Phil Donahue, there would never have been anOprah Show.". There are a lot of high-heel marks on it now, but so what? Marlo and Phil have spoken about their relationship and marriage several times.