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.
Cast and Crew
Marlo Thomas
Self - Host
Alan Alda
Self
Harry Belafonte
Self
Mel Brooks
Baby Boy (voice)
Rita Coolidge
Self
Billy De Wolfe
The Principal (voice)
Roberta Flack
Self / Young Girl
Rosey Grier
Self
Michael Jackson
Self / Young Boy
Kris Kristofferson
Self
Bobby Morse
Dudley Pippin (voice)
Tom Smothers
Self
Cicely Tyson
Self
Dionne Warwick
Self
Peter DuPre
Self
Stuart Pankin
Man in the Maternity Ward
Dustin Hoffman
Self (scenes deleted)
June Angela
Self (uncredited)
Carol Channing
Self (voice) (uncredited)
Rafer Johnson
Self (uncredited)
Ron Marshall
Voices (uncredited)
Diana Sands
Self (uncredited)
Videos & Trailers
Parents are People - Free to Be You and Me (re-upload)