Marlo Thomas

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.

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