Marlo Thomas Showed the Last Home She Shared with Phil Donahue & Revealed Their Favorite Room – 37 Pics

Marlo Thomas, the beloved actress known for “That Girl,” and Phil Donahue, the groundbreaking talk show host, were married for over 40 years. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories.

Sadly, Donahue passed away recently, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. Thomas confirmed the loss in a heartfelt Instagram post, which read in part, “I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip.”

Now, their New York City penthouse, where they shared their final years, offers a touching glimpse into their life together. Keep reading for an intimate tour of the stunning home they adored, as well as a look at the other houses they made their own throughout their marriage.

A Cozy New York Penthouse Filled with Treasured Memories

Before her husband’s passing, Thomas and Donahue shared a charming penthouse duplex on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The residence served as both a serene sanctuary and a lively gathering place for family and friends.

It was also home to their golden retriever, Charlie, who added warmth and togetherness to their life in the bustling city. The penthouse, which boasted three exposures, reflected the couple’s vision for a space that felt inviting and lived-in.

The actress remarked, “I wanted a Malibu house on top of the city; something very comfortable, not too formal.” Thomas and Donahue’s goal was clear—they wanted a space where guests could feel at ease, where kids could bounce around without fear of disturbing anything, and where comfort was key.

Staying true to this vision, the home was an eclectic mix of styles, blending both modern and traditional elements. The living area featured old English chairs and tables paired with sleek modern leather seating. However, the couple ensured that every piece in the home created a unique and inviting environment.

One of the most distinctive features of the penthouse was its sense of character — a feeling that “things have been collected here,” Thomas said. The actress revealed that she curated her home with a careful yet natural touch, making sure it never felt overly deliberate or designed.

In the living room, a Daum lamp, a gift from Donahue, sat in all its glory. The elegant lamp featured intricate, frosted glasswork with delicate patterns etched into the base and shade. Thomas praised her husband’s lamp choice, stating, “He has very good taste.”

Instead of following strict patterns or themes, Thomas embraced variety. Their sofa, for example, was covered with different rose chintz pillows, each featuring a different pattern. What could have been a chaotic mismatch turned out to be a delightful mix of color and texture that, in her words, “looked fabulous.”

Just off the living room was the home’s library, a cozy and welcoming space filled with warmth and character. The area was filled with bookshelves lined with family photos, mementos, and a piano, offering a charming and intimate setting for gatherings.

The home library was completed with a charming dining nook. The wooden round table was set with classic blue-and-white china and simple, rustic chairs. The setting created the perfect atmosphere for casual meals or sharing stories over coffee.

The couple’s home was not just a beautifully styled space but also a deeply personal one. As Thomas explained, “Everything in my house is from a trip!” Her love for travel extended into her home decor, as each item carried a unique history that enriched their home.

Thomas’s study housed a clock Donahue gifted her one Christmas in Switzerland, a constant reminder of their deep connection. Even in their most private spaces, the couple’s shared memories were always present.

As a Los Angeles native, Thomas brought a touch of California to her New York home with vibrant plants and lush greenery scattered throughout.

The view from the couple’s living room offered a stunning, panoramic look over Central Park and the iconic Manhattan skyline. The expansive balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows provided an uninterrupted, breathtaking scene of the city’s towering skyscrapers rising above the treetops.

Whether from inside the cozy living space or out on the terrace, the views captured the lush greenery of Central Park contrasted by the sleek architecture of surrounding buildings.

The ceiling in their home was carefully designed to reflect the New York sky, resulting in a delicate blend of blues and grays giving the ceiling a serene feel.

The cloud-like effect seamlessly tied into the panoramic views just outside their windows. “I’ve never gotten tired of it. It does feel like the outside is coming in,” the actress shared.

When asked about their favorite room in the house, Thomas said, “Our bedroom, because it’s soft and quiet and personal.” Located away from the rest of the house, this room was a retreat for the couple, designed to be a peaceful haven amid the vibrant energy of New York City.

With its delicate pink and white floral decor, a cozy fireplace, and the soothing glow from the city lights filtering in, the room was everything they needed for unwinding together.

The heart of the couple’s home was the bright and welcoming dining space, which reflected Thomas’s love for hosting. The room was surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light and offered views of the city.

A long wooden table was beautifully set with vibrant blue-and-white china, floral arrangements, and elegant candleholders, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings.

The soft pastel tones on the upholstered chairs, accented with delicate floral patterns, added a charming, vintage touch. The space seamlessly blended elegance with comfort, making it the perfect spot for Thomas and Donahue to entertain guests and share meaningful moments with loved ones.

Thomas transformed her dining room into a festive and elegant space for the holidays. She swapped out her usual soft pastels for rich, vibrant colors that created a cozy atmosphere.

Another integral part of Thomas and Donahue’s home was the kitchen. Of Italian and Lebanese origin, cooking and sharing a spread were essential parts of the actress’s life.

The kitchen was where the couple brought together the rich traditions of her heritage, preparing meals that blended flavors from both cultures — whether hosting a family gathering or an intimate dinner.

For the actress, the joy of her home extended beyond aesthetics; it was about the experiences and emotions each item evoked. Every detail of this penthouse told a story, making it more than just a residence.

From little wooden Santa figurines from Switzerland to Indonesian porcelain eggs, their penthouse was not just a place to live — it was a collection of memories and stories that symbolized the life they built together over the decades.

Exploring Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s Other Homes

Over the years, Thomas and Donahue called several beautiful properties home, each reflecting a different chapter in their lives. One of the couple’s homes was a grand Tudor mansion located in Westport’s prestigious “Gold Coast” area.

This once-majestic residence, with 8,500 square feet of living space, was a symbol of old-world elegance during their time there. The sprawling estate was nestled among lush trees and carefully landscaped grounds.

Sadly, the Tudor home faced a tragic fate years after Donahue sold it. The property fell into severe disrepair, with rats and raccoons overtaking the interior. The damage was so extensive that the home’s new owners saw no alternative but to tear it down.

In contrast to the Tudor’s historic charm, another of the couple’s former homes in Westport embodied modern luxury and elegance. This waterfront estate, set on 6.6 acres of prime real estate, was custom-built by Thomas and Donahue in 2007.

The home, made with the help of renowned architecture firm Roger Ferris + Partners, blended classic New England design with contemporary features. It was a true masterpiece that seemed straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie.

In August 2024, the property’s owners listed it for just under $30 million. The luxurious estate, with its spectacular renovations and captivating views, was poised to break the town’s real estate record, which had previously peaked at $25 million.

Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue’s New York penthouse was the heart of their life together, filled with personal touches and memories that made it truly special. While their other homes in Connecticut marked different chapters, it was this Manhattan retreat that best captured the warmth, love, and rich history they shared.