By Lily Doe
Before Mary Tyler Moore was making it after all and turning the world on with her smile; Marlo Thomas had us laughing at the predicaments of aspiring actress, Ann Marie, in That Girl. A groundbreaking role, as That Girl was one of the first shows to focus on a single woman juggling life and love while she pursued a career.
At 76, it’s evident that Marlo has lived her life’s passions. With too many accomplishments to list, Marlo is known as a successful actress, author, producer, a founder of the Ms. Foundation For Women, creator of the award winning children series Free To Be… You and Me, and continuing her late father’s work by serving as National Outreach Director of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In addition to hosting the popular internet talk show, Mondays With Marlo, she has a new book: It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over:Reinventing Your Life–and Realizing Your Dreams–Anytime, at Any Age.
It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over tells the individual success stories of 60 women who chose to pursue their dream.
I was fortunate enough to participate in a group interview with the absolutely marvelous Marlo Thomas.
Marlo speaks to women who believe it is too late to have that something they never got. She searched locally and reached out through social media asking if anyone wanted to start over, wanted advice or was willing to share their story.
During the interview, her voice sparked with energy as she talked of the women she had met. Be they young or old, the common theme across the generations was that they all felt stuck. She also did away with the notion that only those with money or degrees can make a life change. Most of the women started with nothing.
Marlo has a sign over her computer with the quote “Never face the facts; if you do, you’ll never get up in the morning.” She believes it’s better to make your own facts.
One of her favorite things about the book is there are 60 stories that can be viewed at as a road map. “You can look at these women and make your dreams come true”. That’s a hard sell for me, but this is Marlo, so I believe her. I do know I will be uplifted reading about these women who worked and found a way.
A review of It Ain’t Over will soon be posted with more of the interview with Marlo, including what she considers to be her biggest imperfection.
It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over
“It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over introduces us to sixty amazing women who are proving that it’s never too late to live out a dream – to launch a business, travel the world, get a PhD, indulge a creative impulse, make a family recipe famous, escape danger, find love, or fill a void in life with a challenging new experience. Meet a graphic artist who fulfilled a childhood ambition by going to med school at age forty-two; a suburban mom whose innovative snack recipe for her daughter’s lunchbox turned into a multimillion-dollar business; a private-practice psychiatrist who convinced her husband that they should quit their jobs and take off on an exciting, open-ended, cross-country adventure – in a giant bus, no less!; and a middle-aged English teacher who, devastated to discover that her husband was cheating on her, refused to be a victim, filed for divorce, and began the challenging journey of rebuilding her life.”
Get your copy today on Amazon!
Be sure and Follow Marlo on Twitter and Like her on Facebook!
Giveaway
One very lucky reader will be chosen to receive a signed copy of It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over!
To enter, just leave a comment below sharing something about your life’s passions or dreams or a memory of Marlo Thomas!
Lily Doe has written for ImperfectWomen.com since 2009. She has never been shy about sharing her opinion and enjoys writing on a variety of topics. Her life’s focus is sharing good times with family and friends.
Disclosure:Imperfect Women was not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. US only and must be 18 or older. Giveaway closes on 5/14/14 at 11:59 pm Eastern time. Winner will be chosen by random.org. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest.
Update: 5/17/14 ~ Congratulations to Kimberly Thomas – she won the signed copy of “It Ain’t Over!” Enjoy!
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
May 9, 2014 at 7:43 amOne of my passions is to help people see themselves as God sees them. I’d love to go on a speaking tour sometime.
mickey says
May 9, 2014 at 9:25 amThis sounds so inspirational! I’m toying with the idea of a huge career move, so this is great timing.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
May 9, 2014 at 9:29 amIt’s true. Until you hear that fat lady singin’, it ain’t over!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
May 9, 2014 at 9:34 amHoly moly, she is 76??? My god, she looks fantastic. This sounds like a great read, too!
Ann@IW says
May 9, 2014 at 11:03 amVirginia, what a wonderful dream!
I loved That Girl!
Marlo Thomas is 76. That had to sink in for a bit. i like the message, “It’s ot over til its over.” I have a saying, too:
“If you were too old to change you’d be dead. No excuses.”
Hanan says
May 9, 2014 at 11:06 amEven thought I can’t as often now, I love to travel and meet new people. Hope to do that more as my kids get older.
Deborah says
May 9, 2014 at 11:13 amWhat a fab lady.
She is beautiful.
Life has thrown her some nasty curves but she never let them own her.
Great post Lily!
JennieIW says
May 9, 2014 at 11:28 amI remember watching “That Girl” as a kid – she’s awesome. Great piece, Lily!
Louida says
May 9, 2014 at 11:37 amI love inspirational books! I bet her book is a great read. Marlo looks great for her age!
Jenni E. {Sweet Pennies from Heaven} says
May 9, 2014 at 12:46 pmI am looking forward to reading this book. I’ve been a fan of Marlo Thomas for years!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
May 9, 2014 at 1:22 pmThis sounds like a very inspirational book! It’s nice to hear people keep trying and moving forward.
Krissy says
May 9, 2014 at 2:16 pmSounds like a inspirational book. I love Marlo Thomas, I’d love to hear what she has to say!
Veronica says
May 9, 2014 at 2:40 pmain’t that the truth! This is such a great life lesson. I am sure this book will be a good read
Katy Rawson says
May 9, 2014 at 3:35 pmI have always admired Ms Thomas’s support for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. And I have thought, when I heard about here, that I’d like to know more. Her book sounds like one I would like to read and I know my mom will.
Katy Rawson says
May 9, 2014 at 4:00 pmI have heard about Ms Thomas’s book and been looking forward to it. I admire her years of support for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. This book is bound to be an encouragement for many women.
Janel - A Moms Take says
May 9, 2014 at 4:23 pmThat’s definitely true, it ain’t over till it’s over. Great words of wisdom. I think I’ll have to read this.
Liz Mays says
May 9, 2014 at 4:23 pmI can see what she means about the road map in the sense that it would inspire you to go for your own dreams after reading all the stories. It sounds truly motivating.
Gail says
May 9, 2014 at 4:27 pmMarlo has always been such an inspirational woman… But now she is a real guru in my eyes. Can’t wait to read the book. My life has been rollercoaster … But now at 60 plus I have eventually found real happiness in myself and I think true love. The best is yet to come!!!
Brett says
May 9, 2014 at 5:08 pmI have loved Marlo Thomas for so long. Her humor and talent. And then her support of st Jude’s
Carly Bellard says
May 9, 2014 at 6:15 pmI will have whatever she is having! 76?!?! Way to go lady! Betty White’s career skyrocketed when she was in her 80s! Goes to show ya, right?
Kathy says
May 9, 2014 at 7:03 pmFirst of all, she looks amazing for 76! I love Marlo Thomas. I had a student who spent time at St. Jude and I will forever be in debt to those who support it. This book sounds very motivating. I can’t wait to read it!
Janell Poulette says
May 9, 2014 at 7:23 pmWhat a great story for so many women to read. She looks amazing!
Karen says
May 9, 2014 at 7:34 pmThis sounds like a wonderful book. I can’t believe that Marlo Thomas is 76! She looks amazing!
Anya@IW says
May 9, 2014 at 7:45 pmMarlo Thomas is beautiful inside and out. I remember watching re-runs of “That Girl.” I have an even stronger memory of “Free to Be You and Me.” For some reason, I never heard the record, but I read and (re-read!) the book many times as a young girl. I feel fortunate to have grown up in a time when a book such as this was available to girls.
I can’t wait to read more of the interview and read a review of the book!
Tee Mcc says
May 9, 2014 at 9:10 pmI have heard so many great things about Marlo I would love to read her book!
friv10go says
May 9, 2014 at 9:57 pmamazing what I get from this article, it helped me better than ever for its decision.
Chrysa says
May 9, 2014 at 11:09 pmI remember watching That Girl on TV as a kid. Marlo still looks awesome!
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
May 10, 2014 at 12:22 amThat’s a great interview! She looks wonderful for her age!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
May 10, 2014 at 6:31 amI remember her from the That Girl show. (Wow I’m old.) She looks great!
Krystal says
May 10, 2014 at 12:20 pmLooks lilke a great book. I’m sure she has a great story to tell!
Christie says
May 10, 2014 at 1:14 pmI love inspiring nonfiction bookos. It’s great to see so many lives changed!
Ashley says
May 10, 2014 at 4:52 pmOooh, I like that quote of hers. I’ll have to check that book out!
Lisa says
May 10, 2014 at 5:27 pmMarlo is such an inspirational woman! This sounds like a great book!
StacieinAtlanta says
May 11, 2014 at 12:23 pmThis looks like it would be a good read. I didn’t know about the book.
bn100 says
May 11, 2014 at 2:49 pmLike her support of St. Jude’s Hospital
ken ohl says
May 11, 2014 at 3:19 pmI love her on That Girl when I was a little child and love her charity work for sure
Shell says
May 11, 2014 at 5:07 pmI think I need that same sign! I want to read this book.
Amanda says
May 11, 2014 at 6:03 pmWhat a beautiful woman! Inside and out! I’d love to read this book.
Janeane Davis says
May 11, 2014 at 7:29 pmI remember seeing “That Girl” as a child and wanting to live and work in the city as I looked for a husband. I also would like to read Mrs.Thomas’s book.
Scott says
May 12, 2014 at 5:44 amI remember my mom watching her in “That Girl” when I was young. Wasn’t familiar with her current work so I appreciate the update!
Maria says
May 12, 2014 at 5:52 amShe still looks phenomenal!! It never is too late to reach for the stars!
American Punjaban PI says
May 12, 2014 at 7:20 amI wish I had the time to follow my dreams lol. I can’t believe she’s 76 either!
Tracey says
May 12, 2014 at 7:53 amI love Marlo Thomas, she looks amazing for her age. That book looks really inspirational.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
May 12, 2014 at 11:40 amI’ve always loved her! Really a classy lady, for sure!
Pam W says
May 12, 2014 at 12:17 pmLooks like a book I need to check out. Love the message, it definitely is never too late to live your dream.
Touristmeetstraveler says
May 12, 2014 at 1:09 pmMarlo Thomas is an inspirational woman, and this book looks like it would be perfect for anyone who’s needing a kick in the butt to start becoming more motivated.
Gail Babb Alghawi says
May 12, 2014 at 1:10 pmI was maybe in 5th grade(?) when Mother, my sisters and me would make a bowl of popcorn and ALL watch “That Girl”! We enjoyed the show very much. In years to come I’d watch reruns after school 🙂 <3 Love you Marlo! I even married a Lebanese boy! Your Dad was a hero in Lebanon!
Triplezmom says
May 12, 2014 at 2:24 pmI loved Free to Be You and Me so much. It’s so cool that Marlo Thomas is still making the world a better place!
Chelsea says
May 12, 2014 at 3:08 pmThis sounds like a great read. Definitely inspiring!
becca says
May 12, 2014 at 3:35 pmMy dream is to be a better writer so i can one day get my poems published.
Sarah Bailey says
May 12, 2014 at 4:32 pmWhat an amazing sounding book – sounds like something I could really take something from after reading it. x
Amber Edwards says
May 12, 2014 at 4:37 pmWell she truly looks stunning for being that old! And I love her message that it is never to late to get what you want out of life!
Lauren (Lolo) says
May 12, 2014 at 4:47 pmI love the message behind her book! I need to get this for my mom!
Tough Cookie Mommy says
May 12, 2014 at 4:52 pmWow, Marlo Thomas looks great. I remember watching her husband’s talk show, The Phil Donahue Show.
Curby Aardvark says
May 12, 2014 at 5:58 pmThat’s crazy, she looks so amazing to be in her 70’s; I would have never guessed!
Amanda says
May 12, 2014 at 6:31 pmThis was very inspirational!! Man – she looks awesome!! Fingers crossed I can look that good too when I am even close to her age!! 🙂
Jennifer Williams says
May 12, 2014 at 8:12 pmShe has definitely accomplished a lot, very impressive. Sadly I have no idea who she is, I really do not watch television often and if I do I am distracted with other things and not paying attention.
Marielle Altenor says
May 12, 2014 at 10:03 pmAh Wish I could enter this giveaway! Marlo Thomas sounds like she is an amazing woman/author! I want to look that good when I get to be her age!
Melanie says
May 12, 2014 at 10:33 pmI just saw this! I was wondering about it, too. How cool that I ran across this. Thanks for sharing
Melinda says
May 13, 2014 at 6:41 ami’ve heard great things about her. she’s done alot in her life
Alice C says
May 13, 2014 at 6:46 amI really like Marlo’s perspective. So many people age in life and become complacent. There is still so much life to be lived in your later years. I think she is a great example.
Rosey says
May 13, 2014 at 8:43 amHow wonderfully motivating. I’ve heard of her two times this week, in two different contexts. Very cool. 🙂
Veronica says
May 13, 2014 at 8:45 amthe title of her book is actually one of my philosophies. Seems to be a great inspiring book
Ronnie says
May 13, 2014 at 9:25 amThis sounds like the inspirational book I need! I’m changing my career to follow my dream. 🙂
Tess says
May 13, 2014 at 11:35 amMarlo’s words are one to live by. What a perfcet time for me to read it!
Kimberley Thomas says
May 13, 2014 at 12:35 pmI grew up in the “That Girl” generation and I have always loved Marlo. I married a Thomas !She has grown into a mentor with all her great advice and wisdom. She has a wonderful soul and I would love read the book!
Camesha says
May 13, 2014 at 1:08 pmThis book sounds awesome. Definitely words to live by. I wish more people would embrace the “It Ain’t Over” mentality and be more open to life!
Marni | Love and Duck Fat says
May 13, 2014 at 1:10 pmI love Marlo Thomas and would totally read this book. She’s so damn perky! lol
Babita@BabsProjects says
May 13, 2014 at 7:37 pmI don’t know much about Marlo Thomas. This book however sounds very inspirational and would love to check it out.
Fabulous Perks says
May 14, 2014 at 5:50 amShe looks amazing for her age. The book seem like a very inspirational read.
Coolchillmom says
May 14, 2014 at 12:40 pmShe looks amazing and sounds very confident!
Good for her and her reinvention
Need to take advantage if your giveaway. Sounds like a great read
Denise Gabbard says
May 14, 2014 at 12:57 pmMarlo Thomas is awesome! She has done a lot for so many people, and continues to do it when others her age are relaxing at the beach. She is definitely an inspiration, and she looks fabulous to boot.
Ashley Gill says
May 14, 2014 at 3:59 pmShe looks FANTASTIC for being 76! She looks fantastic anyway! I don’t know much about her but I know that my mom loved her!
Daphne Burks says
May 15, 2014 at 2:09 amOne of my passions is writing short stories and poetry.
Pam@IW says
May 17, 2014 at 5:07 amCongratulations to Kimberly Thomas – she won the signed copy of “It Ain’t Over!” Enjoy!
MsGoody2Shoes says
May 26, 2014 at 10:02 amIt ain’t over until the fat lady sings.
I love Marlo Thomas’ spirit and she’s an inspiration to women of all ages.
Nicole Newman says
June 19, 2014 at 9:00 amI grew up watching That Girl. Marlow Thomas was inspirational. I wanted my own apartment and my own Donald. Lol I would love this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
lisa says
October 8, 2014 at 10:50 amI grew up watching that girl. I liked the episode where her dad made a cameo appearance as a priest. I still catch re-runs when I can.