Some smiles are instantly recognizable, and this one belongs to a true trailblazer of prime-time television. With a sparkling grin and signature brunette bangs, she charmed retro TV fans for decades. Do you know who she is?
The Clues Begin With a Groundbreaking Sitcom
In 1966, she starred as aspiring actress Ann Marie in the ABC sitcom That Girl, which ran until 1971. The show portrayed a single working woman chasing her dreams in New York City, a bold choice for its time. She also served as a producer, making her one of the earliest women to shape a television series behind the camera.
Awards and a Lasting Legacy
Her work earned four Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win for the role. Many TV historians credit the series with paving the way for later female-led hits such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which followed a few years later.
Beyond the Sitcom
She also brought her talents to children’s entertainment. Her 1972 television special Free to Be… You and Me became a landmark family program that encouraged kids to embrace equality and individuality. In 2002, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian work supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the institution founded by her father.
Test Your Classic TV Memory
Did you guess correctly? Share your answer in the comments and see how well your classic television knowledge holds up. The woman in the photo is Marlo Thomas, and her career remains a shining example of how one actress can change the way audiences see women on screen.
