Marlo Thomas

Marlo Thomas is an actress, author, and activist who gained fame as the star of the television series "That Girl" from 1966 to 1971. She played Ann Marie, an aspiring actress living independently in New York City, a character that broke new ground by depicting a single woman pursuing her career goals. Thomas produced the show alongside her father, comedian Danny Thomas. Thomas created the children's album and book "Free to Be... You and Me" in 1972, which challenged gender stereotypes and promoted equality. The project featured songs, stories, and poems performed by celebrities including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Alan Alda. The album won a Grammy Award and became a cultural touchstone for discussions about gender roles. She has written several books, including memoirs and works about family relationships. "Growing Up Laughing" explores her childhood experiences with comedy legends who were friends of her father. Thomas has also been involved in fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which her father founded, serving as the organization's National Outreach Director.

Readers respond positively to Thomas's storytelling ability and her access to entertainment industry history through her family connections. Many appreciate her candid writing style and the behind-the-scenes glimpses she provides of classic television and comedy. Readers find her anecdotes about famous comedians and actors engaging and well-told. In "Growing Up Laughing," readers praise Thomas for sharing personal stories about comedy legends like George Burns, Bob Hope, and Milton Berle. They value the insider perspective she offers on the entertainment world of the 1950s and 1960s. Readers note her ability to capture the personalities of these performers beyond their public personas. Some readers find her writing occasionally sentimental or wish for more depth in certain stories. A few criticize the book for focusing too heavily on celebrity anecdotes rather than providing deeper analysis of the comedy industry. Others want more personal reflection from Thomas about her own career development.