Trivia

Child of Lebanese immigrants.

Founded St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Took his stage name from his eldest brother Thomas and his youngest brother Danny. Most of his friends called him "Jake".

Though he was a spokesman for Sanka decaffeinated coffee, he later confessed that he never drank it. He claimed he could drink cup after cup of Maxwell House coffee and still fall asleep minutes later.

Pictured on a nondenominated ("forever") USA commemorative postage stamp issued in his honor 16 February 2012. It also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which Thomas founded in February 1962. Price of the stamp on day of issue was 45¢.

Was a founding minority owner of the National Football League's Miami Dolphins.

Was offered the lead role in Le roman d'Al Jolson (1946) after James Cagney turned it down. He also turned it down.

Danny Williams, his character on Make Room for Daddy (1953), was ranked #5 in "TV Guide'"s list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" in its 20 June 2004 issue.

Godmother of his daughter Marlo Thomas was Loretta Young.

Guest speaker at the 1973 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Butler, PA.

Father-in-law of Phil Donahue.

Brother of Tom Jacobs.