Why Marlo Thomas Refused to Become ‘Mom’ of Phil Donahue’s 5 Kids – What Do They Look Like?

iturn0image0turn0image1turn0image5turn0image6Marlo Thomas, renowned actress and producer, married talk show host Phil Donahue on May 21, 1980. At that time, Donahue was a father to five children from his previous marriage to Margaret Cooney: Michael, Kevin, Daniel, Mary Rose, and James. Thomas made a conscious decision not to assume a traditional maternal role with her stepchildren. In a 2011 interview with AARP, she explained, “I decided that I would not try to be a mother to Phil’s children in the traditional sense—they already had a mom—but, instead, to be their friend.” This approach was rooted in her respect for their biological mother and her desire to foster a harmonious relationship with the children. citeturn0search3

Phil Donahue’s children have largely maintained private lives, away from the public eye. Here’s a brief overview of each:

• Michael Donahue: Born in 1959, Michael is the eldest son. Details about his personal and professional life are scarce, reflecting his preference for privacy. citeturn0search1
• Kevin Donahue: Kevin is an avid runner. Marlo Thomas shared in 2013 that he had participated in marathons in New York during his 30s, 40s, and 50s, achieving his best time of 3:32 in Stockholm in 1996. citeturn0search7
• Daniel Donahue: Information about Daniel is limited, as he has chosen to keep his personal life out of the public domain.
• Mary Rose Donahue: The only daughter, Mary Rose, pursued culinary studies. In 2011, Marlo Thomas mentioned that Mary Rose had just begun culinary school. citeturn0search7
• James Donahue: Born in 1963, James was the youngest of the siblings. Tragically, he passed away in 2014 at the age of 51 due to a ruptured aortic aneurysm. citeturn0search2

Photographs of Phil Donahue’s children are rare, given their collective inclination towards privacy. However, some images are available through reputable sources like Getty Images. citeturn0search6

Marlo Thomas’s decision to befriend rather than parent her stepchildren underscores her respect for their existing family dynamics and her commitment to building genuine, supportive relationships within her blended family.