Free to Be… You and Me 50 years old

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 100 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
Free to Be… You and Me poster
Free to Be… You and Me (50 years)

  • Release day: Monday, March 11, 1974
  • Runtime: 48 minutes