From her groundbreaking role as the first woman to portray a single working girl on TV, to her advocacy work raising awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Marlo Thomas has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on American entertainment and culture. However, in recent years, speculation has been swirling around the beloved 85-year-old actress’ seemingly ageless appearance. Let’s dive into the rumors and explore the question: What happened to Marlo Thomas’ face, and has she had plastic surgery?
Who is Marlo Thomas?
Before we address the plastic surgery speculation, it’s essential to understand Marlo Thomas’ remarkable journey and impact. Born in 1937, she is the daughter of comedian Danny Thomas and rose to fame with her starring role in the 1960s sitcom “That Girl.”
This trailblazing series portrayed Marlo as Ann Marie, a young, single woman trying to make it big in New York City. At a time when women on TV were primarily depicted as homemakers, “That Girl” was revolutionary in its portrayal of an independent, career-driven woman.
Beyond her acting career, Marlo Thomas is also an acclaimed author, having penned books like “Free to Be… You and Me” and “The Right Words at the Right Time.” Additionally, she has been a tireless advocate for various social causes, most notably her efforts in raising funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through her thanks and giving campaign.
In 1977, Marlo married the renowned talk show host Phil Donahue, and the couple has remained together for over four decades, a true testament to their enduring love and partnership.
The Transformation of Marlo Thomas’ Face Over the Years
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the noticeable changes in Marlo Thomas’ facial appearance over the decades. A quick glance at her past and present images reveals some stark differences, igniting speculation about potential cosmetic enhancements.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Marlo Thomas in her prime during the “That Girl” era and a recent photograph:
As you can observe, her face appears smoother, with fewer wrinkles and a more taut, youthful appearance in the recent image. Her cheeks seem fuller, her jawline more defined, and her eyes appear slightly wider and more open.
These changes have led many to speculate that Marlo Thomas may have undergone various cosmetic procedures, such as:
- Facelift: To tighten and lift the skin on her face and neck, reducing sagging and wrinkles.
- Brow lift: To raise and reshape her eyebrows, creating a more open and youthful look around the eyes.
- Dermal fillers: Injections of substances like hyaluronic acid or fat grafts to add volume and smoothness to areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and lips.
- Botox: To temporarily paralyze and relax facial muscles, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): To remove excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids, creating a more youthful and refreshed look around the eyes.
It’s important to note that Marlo Thomas herself has never publicly confirmed or denied undergoing any cosmetic procedures. She has remained relatively tight-lipped about the subject, leaving fans and observers to speculate based on her changing appearance.
Evidence That Marlo Thomas Has Had Cosmetic Procedures
While Marlo Thomas has chosen not to directly address the plastic surgery rumors, several experts and industry insiders have weighed in on the matter. Here’s what some plastic surgeons and cosmetic professionals have said about the suspected work she may have had done:
“Based on her recent photos, it appears Marlo Thomas has likely had a facelift, as well as some dermal filler injections to add volume to her cheeks and nasolabial folds. Her eyes also appear more open, which could be the result of an eyelid lift or Botox injections around the eye area.” – Dr. Michael Salzhauer, board-certified plastic surgeon (as quoted in Life & Style Magazine)
“Marlo Thomas has done an excellent job of maintaining a natural look while still appearing refreshed and youthful. Her results suggest a skilled plastic surgeon who has used a conservative approach with subtle enhancements.” – Dr. Tanya Kormeili, board-certified facial plastic surgeon (as quoted in Closer Weekly)
Additionally, various celebrity plastic surgery watchdog websites and forums have compiled extensive photo comparisons and analyses of Marlo Thomas’ changing appearance over the years, further fueling the speculation.
Marlo’s Stance on Plastic Surgery and Aging
Despite the swirling rumors and expert opinions, Marlo Thomas herself has remained relatively tight-lipped on the subject of plastic surgery and aging. In a 2014 interview with People Magazine, she shared her philosophy on embracing the natural process of growing older:
“I’m not big on trying to fight aging. I think aging is a reality. I’m not saying I love every wrinkle, because I don’t, but you have to find a way to age with whatever beauty and grace you can muster.”
However, in the same interview, she did acknowledge the pressures women in the entertainment industry face when it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance:
“In show business, there is a premium on looking younger. I don’t think it’s realistic to say, ‘Well, I’m going to age naturally.’ Not that you have to look 20 when you’re 60, but there is a push to look as best you can.”
These statements suggest that while Marlo Thomas embraces the natural aging process, she may also understand the realities and expectations of the entertainment world, potentially leading her to consider cosmetic enhancements to maintain a more youthful look.
The Pressures of Staying Young in Hollywood
The speculation surrounding Marlo Thomas’ potential plastic surgery shines a spotlight on the broader issue of ageism and the relentless pursuit of youth in the entertainment industry, particularly for women.
From TV presenters like Brooke Burke, who faced scrutiny for her refreshed appearance during the 10th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” to actresses like Alyson Hannigan (Lily Aldrin from “How I Met Your Mother”) and Charisma Carpenter (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), the topic of plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements is a constant source of discussion and debate.
The pressure to maintain a youthful, wrinkle-free appearance can be overwhelming, leading many celebrities to turn to various cosmetic procedures, often at the risk of criticism and scrutiny from the public and media.
This societal obsession with youth and beauty not only affects those in the limelight but also trickles down to everyday women, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and contributing to issues like body dysmorphia and low self-esteem.
Marlo’s Impact and Legacy Beyond Her Looks
While the plastic surgery speculation around Marlo Thomas may continue to swirl, it’s important to recognize and celebrate her immense impact and legacy that extends far beyond her physical appearance.
Throughout her illustrious career, Marlo Thomas has been a trailblazer, breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms. Her role as the independent, career-driven Ann Marie on “That Girl” was groundbreaking for its time, empowering countless women to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
Moreover, her philanthropic efforts and dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have touched countless lives. Through her tireless work and the thanks and giving campaign, she has raised millions of dollars for the hospital, helping to fund life-saving research and treatment for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
In a world that often prioritizes physical beauty and youth, Marlo Thomas’ true legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to empowering women, advocating for social causes, and using her platform to make a positive impact on society.
Conclusion
While the debate surrounding Marlo Thomas’ potential plastic surgery may continue, one thing is certain – her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, literature, and philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark on American culture.
Whether she has chosen to embrace the natural aging process or opted for subtle cosmetic enhancements, Marlo Thomas’ legacy extends far beyond her physical appearance. She has shattered glass ceilings, challenged societal norms, and used her platform to inspire and empower generations of women.
As we continue to grapple with the pressures of youth and beauty in our society, Marlo Thomas serves as a powerful reminder that true beauty lies not in the pursuit of an ageless appearance but in the impact we make and the lives we touch along the way.
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