Marlo Thomas surprised many when she embraced marriage after years of skepticism, especially becoming a stepmother to Phil Donahue’s five children. Discover how she forged deep bonds with them over their 44-year marriage and see what they all look like today.
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue shared a remarkable journey marked by a deep love that lasted over four decades. Their enduring marriage came to an end when Phil, the celebrated television host, passed away on August 18, 2024, at 88.
His death marked the conclusion of an era, leaving behind a legacy in broadcasting and a profound impact on those who knew him. As Marlo navigates this difficult time, she reflects on the life they built together — a life that included their partnership and the blended family that became such a vital part of her world.
Marlo, a famous actress and advocate, once believed that marriage was not for her. She famously compared the institution to a form of imprisonment, quipping that it was like “living with a jailer you have to please.”
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue pictured on March 4, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
In her 2020 book, “What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share with Us the Secrets to a Happy Life,” which she co-wrote with her husband, Phil, the “Reunion” actress reflected on how she used to feel about marriage.
“Marriage didn’t seem like a roomy enough place for me,” Marlo admitted. She even joked that marriage could suck the energy and ambition out of a person like a vacuum cleaner. Despite these strong feelings, everything changed when she met Phil.
Phil, the creator and host of “The Phil Donahue Show,” was a father of five when he married Marlo on May 21, 1980. At 42 years old, Marlo had never had children of her own, and marrying Phil made her a stepmother to his kids.
This was a big change because it challenged how she felt about marriage and put her in a role she never thought she would have.
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue in New York City on April 30, 1979 | Source: Getty Images
Marlo decided from the start that she wouldn’t take on the role of a mother to Phil’s children. In an interview from May 2011, she shared, “From the very first day, I decided that I was not going to try to be a ‘mother’ to Phil’s children in the traditional sense — they already had a mom — but, instead, to be their friend.”
Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue during 1979 Special Olympics in Brockport, New York | Source: Getty Images
Marlo wanted to be more like how her mother had been to her and her siblings — a friend they could talk to and trust.
“When I was growing up, my mother was always a friend to my siblings and me (in addition to being all the other things a mom is), and I was always grateful for that because I knew she was someone I could talk to and joke with, and argue with and that nothing would ever harm that friendship,” said Marlo.
While discussing her relationship with her stepchildren, Marlo expressed, “So I used that model with Phil’s kids, and I’m proud to say that the friendships I established with them are as strong today as they were 30 years ago — even stronger.”
Marlo Thomas with children from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on November 19, 2007, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
What Do Phil Donahue’s Five Kids Look Like?
Phil was often hailed as the “King of Daytime Talk.” He married his college sweetheart, Margaret Cooney, soon after they graduated in 1958. Together, they welcomed five children before their marriage ended in 1975. Today, Phil’s children: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James, each have their own unique lives and stories.
In a social media post shared in June 2021, Marlo paid a heartfelt Father’s Day tribute to Phil, including a snapshot that featured Phil, his sons, and one of his grandsons.
The post quickly caught the attention of social media users, who flooded the comments with compliments about the Donahue men.
“Great pic of some handsome Irishman!🍀,” one user remarked. Another user chimed in with, “Wow! They look great,” while yet another added, “Handsome men💙,” echoing the admiration for the Donahue sons.
Michael Donahue
Michael Donahue, Phil’s eldest son, has built a successful career in the television industry while also cultivating a fulfilling personal life. In January 1991, The New York Times announced his engagement to Martha Reed von Gal, a youth counselor at Communities for People in Medford, Massachusetts.
She is known simply as Reed and is a graduate of Greenwich Academy and St. Michael’s College. At the time of their engagement, Michael, then 31, worked as a marketing consultant for WTNH-TV in New Haven. He had graduated from New Trier East High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Phil Donahue with his son Michael, daughter Mary Rose, and son Jim at the Ed Sullivan Theater in October 1992 | Source: Getty Images
The couple married in April 1991 and welcomed two children: a son, Connor, and a daughter, Kenzie. Michael’s career continued to progress, beginning as an account executive for Katz American TV in 1986.
He worked at several television stations from 1990 to 1997 before joining Fox Station Sales as a sales manager. Later, he served as a sales manager at Petry Television before rejoining Katz in 2004 as a sales manager for Continental in Boston.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael enjoys a close-knit relationship with his stepmother, Marlo, and this is evident from their candid family moments.
Marlo also shares a special bond with Michael’s kids. The “That Girl” actress’s affection for her step-grandchildren is evident in her public posts.
In August 2019, Marlo shared a warm Instagram post featuring her grandson Connor, whom she lovingly referred to as her “soulmate.”
The post included a candid photo of Marlo sharing a joyful moment with Connor. A second image showed Connor’s mom, Reed, smiling with her father-in-law, Phil.
A candid photo of Connor’s mom, Reed, with Phil Donahue, dated August 12, 2019 | Source: Instagram/marlothomas
Marlo’s connection with Kenzie is equally strong. In a Facebook post from March 2015, Marlo celebrated Kenzie’s 18th birthday, reflecting on how she had grown since Marlo first held her as a baby.
“Kenzie is not my [biological] grandchild. But I love her as I do all my biological nieces and nephews,” Marlo wrote, highlighting the deep bond she shares with both Kenzie and Connor.
A photo accompanying the post captured Marlo holding a plate of birthday cupcakes, with Kenzie and Connor smiling beside her.
Kevin Donahue
He is Phil’s second son and has shared many memorable moments with his father and stepmother, Marlo, over the years. Kevin, an avid runner, has participated in several marathons, including the renowned New York City Marathon.
In a Facebook post from November 2013, Marlo proudly shared Kevin’s marathon achievements, noting that his time for the ING New York City Marathon that year was 4:12. Remarkably, Kevin has run this marathon in his 30s, 40s, and 50s, with his best time of 3:32 achieved in Stockholm in 1996.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Kevin has enjoyed numerous outings with Phil and Marlo. One such occasion was in 2011 when the trio spent a day on their boat in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
Marlo shared a light-hearted Facebook post from that day, playfully noting how “all the Donahues have white hair!” The family’s bond is evident in the shared experiences that Marlo frequently documents on her social media.
Another memorable family outing took place in August 2013, when Marlo, Phil, and Kevin made a special trip to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Marlo captured the moment with a candid shot of the three of them, proudly posing with the New York City skyline in the background.
In her post, Marlo mentioned their accomplishment of walking the 350 steps to the pedestal and how they paused to catch their breath afterward.
Daniel Donahue
Phil’s third son, shares a strong bond with his family, frequently joining his father, brothers, and stepmother Marlo for special occasions. In a Facebook post from November 2012, Marlo shared a warm Thanksgiving celebration at their home, featuring the Donahue men — Phil, Kevin, and Daniel.
“Thanksgiving at our house. Phil, two of his sons Kevin & Dan, me and a gorgeous brown turkey! Hope you had a Happy Turkey Day, too!” she wrote, capturing the joy of the holiday.
Daniel has also appeared in other family photos shared by Marlo, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Donahue clan. In an Instagram post from 2021, Marlo posted a picture showing the gray-haired Donahue men, except for her black-haired grandson, Connor, standing out among the group.
Mary Rose Donahue
She is Phil’s only daughter and had a different childhood experience compared to her brothers. After Phil and his first wife Margaret’s divorce, the custody arrangements saw her living with her mother while Phil retained custody of their four sons.
Despite this, Mary Rose maintained a close relationship with her father and stepmom. Marlo has also often expressed affection for Mary Rose through her social media posts.
Mary Rose Donahue, Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas, and a friend at the 1979 International Summer Special Olympics | Source: Getty Images
In August 2011, Marlo shared a proud moment on Facebook, highlighting Mary Rose’s budding passion for the culinary arts. The post described a weekend visit to the renowned Toppers restaurant in Nantucket, where Mary Rose received some valuable tips from the restaurant’s chef, Tom Pearson.
The accompanying photo showed Mary Rose smiling as she stood next to Chef Tom, capturing her enthusiasm for her new culinary journey.
As with Phil’s other children, Marlo’s bond with Mary Rose is evident in the many family moments they have shared. Whether celebrating Christmas as a family or enjoying candid moments, the 86-year-old star’s relationship with her stepdaughter is one of warmth and mutual respect.
These glimpses into their lives show the strong and loving connection between Mary Rose and her extended family, highlighting their joy in each other’s company.
James ‘Jim’ Donahue
Jim, as he was popularly called, was Phil’s youngest child. He tragically passed away on August 11, 2014, at 51, due to an aortic aneurysm. He had built a life and career in Honolulu and was a practicing lawyer. He dedicated much of his professional life to working for a Ralph Nader group company, where he served as an investigative researcher and writer for over 20 years.
Jim and his siblings spent their early years in Dayton, Ohio, when their father, Phil, was at the beginning of his broadcast career and developing his groundbreaking talk show.
Despite the family’s public life, Jim was known for his independent spirit and strong character, traits that made him a beloved figure within the Donahue family.
In a heartfelt message to friends following Jim’s passing, Marlo described him as “a great light in our family, a funny character, and an independent spirit.”
After his death, Jim was cremated, and in a gesture of love and remembrance, his family scattered his ashes in the warm and tranquil waters of Honolulu — a place he cherished deeply and where he will forever rest in peace.
James “Jim” Donahue with his father, Phil Donahue, circa 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Marlo Thomas’ journey from a marriage skeptic to a devoted wife and stepmother illustrates the transformative power of love and family. As she mourns the recent loss of her beloved husband, Phil Donahue, Marlo finds comfort in the deep bonds she formed with his children.
These relationships, built over decades, stand as a testament to the strength of their blended family, offering solace and unity during this challenging time.
