Tony Thomas

Tony Thomas, the only son of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas, is a member of the ALSAC/St. Jude Boards of Directors and Governors and is actively involved in fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Formerly a partner in Witt-Thomas Productions and Witt-Thomas-Harris Productions, Tony was one of Hollywood’s most successful television producers. Tony and his partners were responsible for many of the most popular series on television, including Soap, Benson, The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Blossom, Beauty and the Beast and The John Larroquette Show.

Tony and partner Paul Junger Witt first joined forces on the Emmy Award-winning 1971 television movie Brian’s Song. They also produced the feature film Dead Poets Society, a Touchstone Pictures release that met with resounding critical success and captured an Oscar for Best Screenplay.

In recent years, Tony has devoted himself to raising funds for St. Jude. In 2004, Tony and his sisters, Marlo and Terre, created Thanks and Giving®, a national campaign that encourages holiday shoppers to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.” During the months of November and December, consumers are asked to help raise funds at participating retailers by adding a donation at check out or by purchasing specialty items to benefit St. Jude. Each year Tony has produced national public service announcements and movie trailers for the campaign, featuring celebrities such as Robin Williams, Jennifer Aniston, Morgan Freeman, Ray Romano, Will Smith, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Smits and the late Bernie Mac.

He is also active in many events throughout the country to benefit St. Jude, including representing St. Jude each year at the St. Jude Classic, one of the longest running events on the PGA TOUR. Tony, Marlo and Terre also host the annual Runway for Life® Celebrity Fashion Show in Hollywood, which raises $1 million a year for St. Jude and attracts many of Hollywood’s brightest stars.