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Marlo Thomas | Source: Getty Images
Marlo Thomas | Source: Getty Images

'My Goodness!': Grandma Marlo Thomas Amazes with Her Body at 85 & Said 'Nothing' Slows Her Down

Bettina Dizon
Apr 21, 2023
07:30 A.M.
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  • Marlo Thomas, the star of "That Girl," amazes with her toned physique in a recent photo at the age of 85.
  • The accomplished actress relishes her role as a grandmother and delights in sharing joyful family experiences.
  • Overcoming challenges with her six stepchildren, she has maintained a successful 42-year marriage to her husband.
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Marlo Thomas has remained a prominent figure in Hollywood since her rise to fame in the '60s. Over the years, she has appeared in countless films and television shows, capturing the hearts of many admirers as they watched her on their screens.

Now a mother and grandmother, Thomas defies her age with her stunning appearance, leaving fans eager to learn her secrets for looking so youthful.

Marlo Thomas in "That Girl" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Marlo Thomas in "That Girl" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Thomas gained widespread recognition for her role as Ann Marie in "That Girl," which catapulted her career. Although her professional life flourished, she didn't envision herself getting married. However, everything changed when she met Phil Donahue.

The couple first crossed paths when Donahue interviewed Thomas on his talk show in Chicago in 1977. At that time, Donahue complimented Thomas and called her fascinating, to which she responded:

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"Whoever is the woman in your life is very lucky."

Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas at Gloria Steinem's 50th birthday in 1984 | Source: Getty Images

Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas at Gloria Steinem's 50th birthday in 1984 | Source: Getty Images

Their chemistry was undeniable, and Thomas once mentioned that they fell in love, shared a meal, and spent the night together, marking the beginning of their love story.

Despite her initial reservations about marriage, fearing it would hinder her from chasing her dreams, Thomas and Donahue tied the knot. Tying the knot was no easy feat for the couple as they had to grow and compromise.

As a result, she became a stepmother to Donahue's five children – four boys and a girl. While Donahue's daughter lived with her mother, the four boys resided with the couple, creating a massive shift in Thomas' life. She even described it as a "disaster."

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Marlo Thomas in "That Girl" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Marlo Thomas in "That Girl" in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Adjusting to life with four teenage stepchildren proved challenging for Thomas, who had been accustomed to living alone for most of her adult life. She once compared the experience to residing in an army camp, which led her to develop various survival strategies to maintain a sense of order and personal space.

One strategy she did was color-coding the towels in the household. Thomas designated the white towels for her exclusive use, ensuring everyone in the house knew this arrangement. The reason behind this decision was her frequent struggle to find dry towels when needed.

Thomas also expressed a sense of ownership over only two spaces in the house: her bedroom and the dining room. The latter became her sanctuary for reading, as it was a rarely frequented area by other family members.

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Mary Rose Donahue, Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas at the 1979 Summer Special Olympics | Source: Getty Images

Mary Rose Donahue, Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas at the 1979 Summer Special Olympics | Source: Getty Images

Despite the significant adjustments required to embrace her role as a stepmother, Thomas found that her stepchildren warmly welcomed her into their lives. She said she was deeply moved and “wept” when her stepdaughter acknowledged her as a mother figure.

However, Thomas confessed that she never actively tried to assume a traditional motherly role for her stepchildren. Instead, she focused on providing support and fostering strong friendships with them, relationships that continue to strengthen over time.

Marlo Thomas Is a Proud Grandmother in Her 80s

Thomas and Donahue reside in a luxurious penthouse duplex in New York's Upper East Side, sharing their home with their beloved golden retriever, Charlie. The couple has adorned their apartment with photographs and mementos from their travels, creating a warm and personal atmosphere.

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In Thomas' office, a table behind her desk proudly displays a collection of family photos, awards, such as Emmys, and other cherished keepsakes. The couple enjoys spending time in their beautiful penthouse together and values quality time with their children and grandchildren.

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The couple often takes leisurely strolls along Madison Avenue but also prioritizes family time. Thomas regularly shares snapshots of herself and Donahue with their grandchildren on social media.

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In 2014, she posted a picture of the couple with their grandson Connor at his high school graduation, expressing their pride and marveling at how much he had grown.

In 2011, Thomas shared a Thanksgiving photo featuring herself, Donahue, Connor, and their granddaughter Kenzie, with Donahue proudly holding a turkey as the family posed together, smiling at the camera.

Another picture highlighted a visit with her granddaughter Kenzie and a friend before Kenzie headed off to college. Thomas once again commented on her grandchild's growth.

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In 2019, Thomas posted a heartfelt photo with her grandson Connor, referring to him as her soulmate and expressing her love for him. She also shared an image of Donahue with Connor's mother, Reed.

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Over the years, Thomas has consistently shared numerous photographs capturing cherished moments with her grandchildren, showcasing the strong bond between them.

Fans Marvel at Marlo Thomas' Figure at 85

Age is merely a number for Thomas, who refuses to let it dictate her life. Embracing her years with a positive attitude, she declares that she will not lament that she is aging. Instead, Thomas continues to lead an active and fulfilling life, stating:

"I enjoy my life. Nothing slows me down."

When asked about the secret behind her enthusiastic and optimistic approach to life, Thomas attributes it to her active lifestyle. She plays golf and tennis, manages a content-rich website, and shows no signs of slowing down.

While she admits that bungee jumping is not on her agenda, she notes that this has always been the case and does not feel deprived.

Thomas often expresses surprise at her age, as she feels she has not aged significantly. She believes in staying in motion and taking small daily steps toward her dreams to maintain her youthful spirit. In addition to her active lifestyle, Thomas relies on beauty treatments to help her keep her youthful appearance. Thomas shared:

"I believe in motion. Do one thing every day that gets you closer to your dream, even if it's just one very small thing."

A comment left under an Instagram post made by Marlo Thomas in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/marlothomas

A comment left under an Instagram post made by Marlo Thomas in April 2023 | Source: Instagram.com/marlothomas

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Living by the motto of never dwelling on her age, Thomas encourages women not to fret about growing older. Recently, she showcased her vibrant spirit and impressive physique in an Instagram post.

Wearing neon orange shorts and a black tank top, Thomas struck a pose for National Exercise Day, inviting fans to share their go-to exercise routines.

Her followers were quick to compliment her stunning appearance, with one fan asking, "My goodness! Who's That Girl in front of the fountain??"

Others praised her incredible looks, reaffirming that Marlo Thomas "still has it." At 85, Thomas serves as an inspiration, and we hope she continues to enjoy many more happy and healthy years to come.

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