Alright, so you’re probably here because you googled, “how old is Marlo Thomas?” Am I right? Maybe you saw her pop up in some throwback show or caught her on a recent interview and thought, “Wait, how does she still look so damn good?” Same here. Honestly, I learned the hard way that age is just a number when it comes to Marlo.

Anyway, as of July 2025, Marlo Thomas is rocking 87 years young. Yep, 87. She was born on November 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit—not just the Motor City but apparently the birthplace of some serious Hollywood royalty.

Marlo’s Early Life: Not Just Another Hollywood Kid

Now, before we dive deeper into how old is Marlo Thomas, let’s chat about her roots. She wasn’t just handed fame on a silver platter. Her dad, Danny Thomas, was a comedian and actor who you might recognize from Make Room for Daddy or for starting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Big shoes to fill, right?

Growing up in Beverly Hills, Marlo had that old-Hollywood vibe but also hit the books hard. She earned a teaching degree at USC, which—fun fact—makes her one of the few celebs who could school you both in acting and actual, you know, school.

“That Girl”: TV’s OG Feminist Icon

Here’s where it gets good. When folks ask how old is Marlo Thomas, I always want to say, “Old enough to have changed TV forever.” Because Marlo did just that with That Girl.

Picture this: 1966, a time when TV women were mostly “mamas” or secretaries. Along comes Marlo playing Ann Marie, a single woman chasing her acting dreams in New York City. Wild for the 60s.

• First-ever sitcom about an independent career woman
• Told young women it’s okay to be ambitious and single
• Influenced feminist movements before “girl power” was a thing

And that show lasted five seasons. Pretty impressive considering most 60s TV shows barely made it past the pilot. Oh, and for the record, this is all ancient history now—almost 60 years ago! So yes, that’s one way to figure out how old is Marlo Thomas.

Beyond Acting: Philanthropy & Advocacy

Okay, confession time. I didn’t realize how old is Marlo Thomas would lead me down the rabbit hole of her philanthropy. Turns out, Marlo’s not just about Hollywood glitz. She’s been a powerhouse behind the scenes, especially with St. Jude’s, which she’s been championing for decades.

• Took over outreach for St. Jude
• Raised millions for childhood cancer research
• Authored books like Free to Be… You and Me, which shaped my weird childhood (still sing the theme song sometimes)

Her efforts earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. Yeah, that’s the highest civilian honor in the U.S. Pretty badass.

Marlo’s Later Career: Still Going Strong

I’ll admit, I kinda assumed Marlo Thomas would’ve slowed down by now. Wrong. So wrong. People keep asking how old is Marlo Thomas because she’s still popping up in shows like Friends and Ugly Betty when I’m struggling to get out of bed before noon.

Even in her 70s and 80s, she’s still working Broadway and guest-starring on TV. And she ain’t just doing cameos—she’s putting heart into every role. Honestly, if I were half as active at her age, I’d be bragging nonstop.

Love Story: Marlo and Phil Donahue

Here’s a little personal favorite. Ever wondered about her love life? Well, Marlo married talk-show host Phil Donahue in 1980 after meeting on TV. They’ve been together ever since, which in Hollywood terms might as well be a century.

Their secret? Apparently, a lot of respect, honesty, and shared love for social causes. They even wrote a book on lasting marriage. Which I skimmed, but don’t ask me to summarize—because my attention span is shorter than my first herb garden (RIP Gary).

Aging Gracefully: Secrets to Looking Good at 87

The big question remains: how old is Marlo Thomas—and how does she look like she’s barely hit 50? She’s said it straight up: no crazy plastic surgery, just a lot of healthy living and keeping busy.

• Eats a Mediterranean diet (probably olives, lots of garlic)
• Keeps her brain active — which is harder than it sounds; my crossword puzzle days ended in tears
• Stays engaged with causes she loves

Also, she’s not afraid to talk openly about aging, which is kinda refreshing in celeb world. None of that “I only drink unicorn tears” nonsense.

Why Marlo’s Age Is Just a Number

I’ll be honest—when you first hear how old is Marlo Thomas, your brain does a double-take. But the number isn’t what defines her. It’s the lifetime of work, passion, and resilience she’s packed into those years.

Here’s a weird thought: in the ’60s, Victorians believed talking to ferns could keep you sane. I don’t talk to ferns, but I do chat with my begonias, just in case. Marlo’s kind of like that—she’s nurtured her career like a stubborn plant, with patience and persistence.

Fun, Random Stuff Because Why Not?

• The smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019 still haunts me.
• Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave sold me a cracked watering can that survived all my overwatering disasters.
• The out-of-print Garden Mishaps & Miracles (1998) claims plants have personalities. I think Marlo’s career does too.

Okay, back on track. These little moments remind me how messy life is, and how people like Marlo thrive despite it all.

The Legacy: Why She Still Matters Today

Fast forward to today, and Marlo Thomas is still teaching us stuff. Whether it’s through old reruns, new projects, or her activism, she’s a reminder that you don’t have to fade away with age.

She’s the blueprint for many women creators—Shonda Rhimes, Tina Fey, even Lena Dunham owe a nod to her trailblazing ways. So next time you wonder how old is Marlo Thomas, remember she’s basically timeless.

Wrapping Up (Sort Of…)

Alright, so we hit 87 years on the clock for Marlo Thomas. But honestly, it feels like she’s been around forever—because she kinda has. Age-wise, sure, but also in cultural impact.

And hey, if I ever meet her, I’ll ask how she keeps looking so good. Until then, I’ll just keep Googling how old is Marlo Thomas with the hope of stealing some of her youthful mojo.