In 1944, he volunteered to go overseas with Marlene Dietrich's USO Troop.
Met his future wife, Rose Marie Mantell Thomas, at a Happy Hour Club in Detroit, Michigan, when he was 23.
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¢.
Remained good friends with Angela Cartwright, during and after "The Danny Thomas Show" (1953).
Son-in-law of Marie "Mary" Cassaniti.
Survived by his wife, Rosie Marie, of 55 years, and 3 children, Marlo Thomas, Terre Thomas and Tony Thomas.
Though he was a spokesman for Sanka brand 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 mere minutes later.
Was a good friend of the late Sammy Davis Jr., who appeared at every one of Thomas's St. Jude's benefits.
Was a heavy smoker at an early age.
Was a Republican.
Was a spokesperson for Post cereals and Dodge automobiles in the 1950s.
Was also a friend of the late Telly Savalas. Thomas guest-starred with Savalas on the last episode of "Kojak" (1973).
Was associated with his "The Danny Thomas Show" (1953) co-star's, Angela Cartwright's family, whose sister, Veronica Cartwright, appeared with him on 2 episodes.
Was best/good friends with: Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Sheldon Leonard, Mary Wickes, Hans Conried and Peter Lawford.
Was drafted into the United States Army.
Was offered the lead role in The Jolson Story (1946) after James Cagney turned it down. He also turned it down.
Was one of the original principal owners of the Miami Dolphins who used to own a small piece of the pro-football franchise.
Was raised in the same city as Jamie Farr, who learned a lot from him, growing up.
Was responsible for recruiting a young, new actress, Mary Tyler Moore, by co-starring with Dick Van Dyke, which successfully he did.
Was the first actor to legally change his name, twice, before Jane Wyman and Robert Fuller.