Marlo Thomas was an inspiration to strong, independent women
Marlo Thomas was THAT girl. She was the kind of actress who everyone wanted to interview, and not just because her dad was Danny Thomas, but because she provided a unique perspective on the entertainment industry and the role of women within it.
Thomas spoke out against toxic men, workplaces and became a positive role model for many women watching her 1960s series, That Girl.
Her convictions were so strong that she refused to accept any story, interview or role that was demeaning to women or ridiculed them.
Her character, Anna Marie, was independent, driven and self-reliant—three qualities that Thomas advocated for all women, including herself. Ann Marie was groundbreaking for the time and helped pave the way for future portrayals of strong, independent women on TV.
According to a 1971 interview with The Corpus Christi Caller-Times, even the most seasoned reporters would make desperate attempts to get Thomas' attention. Everyone wanted an interview with that girl.
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"People call me shrewd because I oversee every detail of my show," Thomas said. "Oh, she's not a smart businesswoman, they say. But they're not paying me a compliment. They say it as criticism. Being shrewd is unfeminine, their voices say. Being shrewd is great for a man, bad for a woman. Why?"
Thomas couldn't have had an easier path to success with her dad being Danny Thomas. However, despite the ease into the industry she said that being a woman was something her father didn't have to deal with. It was already one card stacked against her.
According to the interview, she would receive fan mail from women, both young and old, from all over the country. It didn't matter that some thought she was too shrewd; her real fans showed up for her.
"I got tremendous satisfaction from young women who wrote about That Girl to tell me the story had given them courage to strike out for what they wanted and believed...I have always turned down situation comedy about dumb or limited women or women with no guts," Thomas said.
To spread her message, Thomas often visited universities and spoke to classrooms full of young hopefuls. She'd answer a variety of questions from many people. Her biggest takeaway: women should be excelling in more professions.
"All the girl students ask me the same question: 'Why aren't there more women in production jobs?' Thomas said. "I give them only the honest answers."
Thomas said her dad's comedy and sense of humor helped shape her perspective. His humor was instilled in her from a young age, and it helped her overcome criticism about being a strong, independent woman.
"My father knew comedy was medicine, needed by almost everyone," Thomas said. "Now I know what he meant by that and I cherish comedy."
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