Courtesy of Photofest

Screening & Live Event
The Visionary: Marlo Thomas, TV's First Independent Woman

Part of Iconic Characters of Comedy
Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 7:00 p.m.

Marlo Thomas in conversation with Gloria Steinem and Debra Messing
Co-presented with the Comedy Hall of Fame

Before the words "women's liberation" became a cultural catchphrase, Marlo Thomas embodied the term, creating, executive producing and starring in the landmark television comedy series That Girl. Ms. Thomas's creation —single working girl Ann Marie, who lived on her own and was avoiding marriage, much to her father's dismay—became a role model for a new generation of women searching for independence and their own careers. This achievement is even more remarkable given the climate of the time (1966), when she created and sold her concept to network television. Paving the way for Mary Richards, Murphy Brown, and other iconic women's roles to come, Ms. Thomas's character helped to ignite a seismic cultural change, challenging female stereotypes and reshaping the way women's roles were perceived on television and in society.

As part of the series Iconic Characters, a collaboration between the Comedy Hall of Fame and Museum of the Moving Image, this special program celebrates and examines the creation and legacy of That Girl with the remarkable Marlo Thomas in conversation with Gloria Steinem and Debra Messing. A best-selling author, tireless activist and 20th Century icon, Steinem has for five decades triumphantly led the march toward gender equality, carrying her mission to women around the globe. Debra Messing, who shot to popularity in the long-running TV series Will & Grace, is currently appearing in NBC's The Mysteries of Laura.

Tickets: $25 ($15 Museum members at the Film Lover, Dual, and Family levels / free for Silver Screen members and above). 

This event is sold out. Tickets may become available on a first-come, first-served basis through a standby line. Visit the Museum's admission desk after 6:00 p.m. to secure a position in the standby line.



View the Museum’s ticketing policy here. For more information on membership and to join online, visit our membership page.