Profile Text
Thomas in 2013, photo by Prphotos.com
Birth Name: Margaret Julia Thomas
Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Date of Birth: November 21, 1937
Ethnicity: * father – Lebanese * mother – Italian/Sicilian
Marlo Thomas is an American actress, producer, and social activist. She is known for starring in the sitcom That Girl .
Marlo is the daughter of Rose Marie (Cassaniti) and nightclub comedian, singer, actor, producer, and philanthropist Danny Thomas (born Amos Muzyad Yakhoob Kairouz). Her brother, Tony Thomas, is a producer. She was married to talk show host, writer, and film producer Phil Donahue , until his death.
Marlo’s paternal grandparents were Maronite Catholic emigrants from Lebanon. Marlo has written :
My mother was Italian (Sicilian) and, of course, she was a fabulous cook. So my weakness for “la bella vita” cuisine is in my DNA.
My mother was Italian (Sicilian) and, of course, she was a fabulous cook. So my weakness for “la bella vita” cuisine is in my DNA.
Marlo’s paternal grandfather was named Charles Paul Jacobs (born Shaheeb Yakhoob/Kairouz, the son of Paul Yakhoob/Jacobs and Christana). Charles was from Becheri/Bsharri or Balbak/Baalbek.
Marlo’s paternal grandmother was named Margaret Christen/Christine Taouk/Touck/Simon.
Marlo’s maternal grandfather was named Samuel “Sam” Cassanti. Samuel was Italian.
Marlo’s maternal grandmother was named Mary/Marie Restivo. Mary was born in Maryland, to Italian parents.
Sources: Genealogy of Marlo Thomas (focusing on her father’s side) – http://www.geni.com
Obituaries of Marlo’s parents – https://www.findagrave.com
Information about Marlo’s father – http://www.filmreference.com
Marlo’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org