Marlo Thomas | 05/04/2009 11:00 pm

Marlo Thomas Defended Phil's Sacrifice to 'Neanderthal' Mike Wallace

In response to: Have you ever relocated for a significant other's work? Would you be willing to sacrifice your dream for that of another?

I am a very lucky woman whose husband relocated his job for me — and our marriage. When we first met, Phil was taping his daily talk show in Chicago. After we were married and much deliberation, he moved his show and all of his staff to New York, so that we could live in a city where we both could work. Around that time, we were on "60 Minutes," and Mike Wallace asked me how I felt about my husband relocating his career for me. He said, "Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I think it’s usually the woman who does the relocating, not the man." To which I replied: "You’re not old-fashioned, Mike. You’re Neanderthal." And God bless Mike, he left it in. And, yes, I would move for Phil’s work, too.

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If a marriage is not give and take by both parties it is not a marriage. Mike Wallace definitely would be of the "school" that believed a woman’s role was to acquiese to the career needs of the husband. In the era Mike came from the husband by and large was the "breadwinner". Things certainly have changed from that time and it’s had its good moments and its bad moments as all adjustments do. It was good of Mike Wallace to leave Marlo’s reaction in. Shows a bit of humility and the ability to laugh at yourself. Bravo to Mike.

By Mary Utrup on 05/05/2009 8:21 am

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That shows a lot of character on Phil’s part, Mar. As it would, the other way around, as well. It tells me he really loved you to do such a thing. But then, you’re the kind of beautiful lady with whom a man easily could fall in love. But it has to be a man who truly cares for you as the person you really are. Congrats on that, and to many more happy years together.

Mike Wallace I’ve always liked. He used to work at WOOD radio in Grand Rapids years ago (where I once worked).

My answer to this question I posted in the general section, rather than in yours, today, Marlo. It’s too emotionally draining to type it twice.

By James the Game on 05/05/2009 9:22 am

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I too have always liked Mike Wallace, I like his son, Chris as well. I have to agree with Mary Utrup, that Mike is of the "old school", but it is nice to see Mike didn’t take an offense to your answer, Marlo. That shows character in Mike, that he respects people’s answers, even if he disagrees at bit.

By Beth Cornell on 05/05/2009 9:40 am

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I remember the mini-controversy surrounding Phil Donahue’s decision to leave Chicago and go to New York. At the time, it showed such a strength of character for him to go against what the ‘old school’ of Mike Wallace’s era felt.

By Andy C on 05/05/2009 4:06 pm

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My husband moved twice for my career and refused a third time when the kids were grown and our marriage would stand up to a long commute(mine).it takes a strong self confident man to selflessly support his wife’s work. After 43 yrs of marriage, I should know! Awc

By Ann Caldwell on 08/27/2009 8:26 am