Free to Be…You and Me, a project of the Ms. Foundation for Women, is a record album, and illustrated book first released in November 1972, featuring songs and stories from many current celebrities of the day (credited as "Marlo Thomas and Friends") such as Alan Alda, Rosey Grier, Cicely Tyson, Carol Channing, Michael Jackson, and Diana Ross, among others. An ABC Afterschool Special using poetry, songs, and sketches, followed two years later in March 1974. The basic concept is to encourage a post-60's gender neutrality, while saluting values such as individuality, tolerance, and happiness with one's identity. A major thematic message is that anyone, whether a boy or a girl, can achieve anything.
Credits
Free to Be… You and Me Cast
| Name |
Character |
|
Harry Belafonte
He was 47, now 97 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Cicely Tyson
She was 49, now 99 years old
|
as Herself |
|
Billy De Wolfe
He was 67, 67 years old when he died
|
as The Principal |
|
Alan Alda
He was 38, now 88 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Kris Kristofferson
He was 37, now 88 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Mel Brooks
He was 47, now 98 years old
|
as Baby Boy (Voice) |
|
Marlo Thomas
She was 36, now 87 years old
|
as Herself |
|
Rita Coolidge
She was 28, now 79 years old
|
as Herself |
|
Tom Smothers
He was 37, now 87 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Rosey Grier
was 41, now 92 years old
|
as Himself |
|
Roberta Flack
She was 35, now 85 years old
|
as Herself/Young Girl |
Free to Be… You and Me Crew
| Name |
Department |
|
Len Steckler as Director. He was 43 (86) years old when He died
|
Directing |
|
Marlo Thomas as Producer. She was 36 (now 87) years old
|
Production |
|
Marlo Thomas as Writer. She was 36 (now 87) years old
|
Writing |
