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The Thalians
The Thalians
The Thalians
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The Thalians is a charitable organization dedicated to mental health causes.[1] It was founded by Hollywood actors in 1955, and takes its name from Thalia, Greek Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry.[2][3]

Over 60 years, the Thalians held Annual Galas, honoring a Mr. or Ms. Wonderful with an award designed by Walt Disney. The coveted trophy is given to a member of the entertainment industry not only for their work on stage and screen but also for their behind-the-scenes philanthropy. A partial list of the honorees includes Frank Sinatra, Mary Martin, Lana Turner, Ed Sullivan, Shirley MacLaine, Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis Jr., Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, James Stewart, Rita Hayworth, Count Basie, Liza Minnelli, Carol Channing, Carol Burnett, Sally Field, Mary Tyler Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Red Buttons, Clint Eastwood, Mickey Rooney, Kenny Rogers, Hugh Hefner, and Smokey Robinson.[1][4]

They used to be connected with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.[5][6][7]

The Thalians current focus is the mental health of the military men and women and their families of UCLA Operation Mend. The President Emeritus of the organization was the late Debbie Reynolds.[1][4] Current President is Kira Reed Lorsch; Past President: Debbie Reynolds; Chairman: Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff; Chairwoman Emeritus: Ruta Lee; Treasurer: Andrew McDonald; Recording Secretary: Stephanie J. Hibler; Board Members: Frank Sheftel, Brian Theobald, Barbara Cohen-Wolfe & Larry Wolfe, Patrika Darbo, David Snowden, Rico E. Anderson and George Pennacchio. The Board of Governors: William & Patricia Anton, Sandy Krause, Dr. Lawrence Piro, Jackie Rosenberg.

The Thalians library of documented Thalians Galas is being preserved at the Academy Film Archive. [1][8]

It is headquartered in Mission Hills, California.[9] The Thalians now mainly supports mental health programs for wounded military men and women and their families of UCLA Operation Mend.

References

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The Thalians

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The Thalians is a charitable organization founded in 1955 by a group of young Hollywood actors and film industry professionals, including Debbie Reynolds, Ruta Lee, Jayne Mansfield, Jack Haley Jr., and Hugh O'Brian, to raise funds and awareness for mental health causes and combat associated stigma. Originally established as a nonprofit by entertainers seeking to leverage their influence for social good, The Thalians drew its name from Thalia, the Greek muse of comedy and idyllic poetry, reflecting the performers' roots in . The organization began with events like galas and fundraisers hosted by its celebrity founders, quickly gaining support from the entertainment community to address mental illness through education and treatment programs. Over the decades, leadership transitioned, with serving as a founding member and past president, and as longtime chairman before both assuming emeritus status after more than 50 years of involvement. The Thalians' mission centers on enlightening the public about mental illness, eliminating stigma, and providing direct support for treatment and recovery, with a current emphasis on aiding veterans through partnerships like UCLA's Operation Mend program, which addresses both physical and psychological wounds from service. Key activities include high-profile annual galas featuring performances by stars such as and , comedy fundraisers, and membership drives that engage Hollywood professionals and philanthropists. The organization also preserves its legacy by donating materials to the . Since its inception, The Thalians has raised over $50 million for initiatives over 70 years, including a multi-million-dollar endowment to for ongoing support and over $3 million specifically to Operation Mend as of December 2024. In 2025, marking its 70th anniversary, the group continues to host events like the Holiday Gala on December 6 at , under the leadership of President Kira Lorsch, sustaining its commitment to advocacy in the entertainment world.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Thalians was founded in 1955 by a group of young Hollywood actors and film industry professionals, including Debbie Reynolds, Ruta Lee, Jayne Mansfield, Jack Haley Jr., Hugh O'Brian, Nicky Blair, Gary Crosby, and others such as Bill Brown Jr., Milton Cohen, Kim Dibbs, and Margaret Whiting, who sought to counter negative perceptions of the entertainment community by engaging in philanthropy and giving back through charitable efforts. The organization was motivated by a desire to support vulnerable children, particularly those facing mental health challenges, after initial research by members like Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren revealed a lack of dedicated resources for children's mental health issues. The name "The Thalians" was chosen in homage to Thalia, the Greek Muse of and idyllic , symbolizing the lighthearted and performative roots of the entertainment world while underscoring the group's commitment to using humor and celebrity to address serious causes. The inaugural meeting took place on in May 1955 at mansion in Beverly Hills, where the founders formalized their vision to channel their talents into fundraising for children's support. In its early years, The Thalians concentrated on health-related causes within the community, with a specific emphasis on programs for children, organizing small-scale fundraisers such as parties and novelty events to raise initial funds. Notable early activities included a 1956 fundraiser at Elaine Stewart's Malibu featuring a pie-eating contest won by and a won by Jeanne Blair, as well as a 1958 match against professional fighters coordinated by member Mac Krim. The group took its first formal organizational steps by incorporating as a nonprofit public benefit corporation on June 1, 1955, in , , which enabled structured philanthropy. Early affiliations were established with Los Angeles hospitals, including Cedars of Lebanon Hospital (a predecessor to ), to direct donations toward services for children in the entertainment sector.

Evolution and Key Milestones

In the early years following its 1955 founding, The Thalians initially concentrated on supporting children with challenges, but by the , the organization shifted to prioritize broader causes, forging a key partnership with . This evolution led to the creation of the Thalians Mental Health Program, which supported the development of dedicated facilities; groundbreaking for the Thalians Community Mental Health Center occurred in 1971. A significant organizational development came in the 1970s with the establishment of the Thalians by Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff, which enhanced leadership and fundraising capabilities among prominent supporters. By 1998, these efforts had enabled The Thalians to raise more than $28 million for initiatives, primarily directed toward the Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai. In , The Thalians severed ties with Cedars-Sinai as part of a strategic realignment, redirecting philanthropic resources to broader education and support programs, including partnerships with UCLA's Operation Mend for veterans and their families. This change allowed the organization to expand its impact beyond hospital-specific infrastructure to community-wide stigma reduction and accessible services. As of 2025, marking its 70th anniversary, The Thalians continues to adapt to evolving needs in advocacy, with sustained focus on through ongoing donations to Operation Mend—such as a $250,000 gift in late —and utilization of digital platforms for to reach wider audiences amid heightened post-pandemic awareness of issues. Over its , the organization has cumulatively raised more than $50 million for these causes.

Mission and Programs

Mental Health Advocacy

The Thalians' primary mission centers on educating and enlightening the public about mental illness to eliminate the associated stigma through targeted public campaigns and accessible resources. Founded by Hollywood actors in 1955, the organization has positioned itself as "Hollywood for Mental Health," leveraging the entertainment industry's influence to promote awareness and treatment of mental health issues among performers and the broader community. This advocacy emphasizes the unique pressures faced by those in the entertainment sector, such as emotional strain from high-stakes environments, while fostering open dialogue to normalize seeking help. From the onward, The Thalians developed awareness programs through strategic partnerships with medical centers, beginning with their collaboration with , which led to the opening of the Thalians Mental Health Center in 1973. These initiatives included media outreach to highlight needs, particularly for children initially, evolving to address stigma across demographics via community-focused resources and institutional support. In 2025, The Thalians' advocacy continues to prioritize inclusivity for diverse groups, with a strong emphasis on veterans through their ongoing partnership with UCLA Operation Mend, including a $250,000 donation in August 2025, which supports holistic programs like and workshops to reduce stigma and promote healing for post-9/11 service members. This focus extends to broader awareness efforts that encourage early intervention and destigmatization, drawing on the organization's entertainment roots to reach underrepresented populations, including youth impacted by challenges in high-pressure settings.

Educational and Support Initiatives

The Thalians established the Thalians Mental Health Center at in 1973, providing direct support through , day treatment, counseling, therapy, and services for individuals facing challenges. This initiative focused on accessible care for children and families, reflecting the organization's original commitment to addressing issues among . The center operated as a key resource until its closure around 2012, offering specialized treatment to help patients recognize and manage conditions effectively. Prior to 2015, the Thalians Health Program encompassed these inpatient and outpatient services at , enabling early intervention and ongoing therapy for those in need, including professionals from the entertainment industry and their families. Following the center's closure, the organization transitioned to independent supporting counseling and services through partner institutions, ensuring continued access to care without direct facility management. These have emphasized practical aid, such as for therapy sessions tailored to high-stress environments like the entertainment field. In the 2020s, The Thalians expanded support via substantial grants to UCLA Operation Mend, facilitating virtual and in-person counseling for veterans and families, which indirectly benefits broader education efforts in high-pressure professions. While specific virtual support groups sponsored by The Thalians are not documented, their funding has enabled partner programs to offer remote adaptable to industries like . Additionally, ongoing partnerships with academic health systems have supported youth-focused , including school-based resources for recognizing issues, building on the organization's historical emphasis on child welfare.

Events and Fundraising

Annual Galas and Awards

The Thalians have hosted annual galas since the as their primary events, known as the Mr. and Mrs. Thalians Galas, which honor outstanding individuals in and while supporting initiatives. These black-tie events typically feature a multi-course dinner, live , celebrity tributes, and auctions to generate proceeds directed toward programs like those at and UCLA's Operation Mend. The galas culminate in the presentation of the Mr. or Ms. Wonderful Award, a coveted trophy designed by in the likeness of , symbolizing joy and contribution to society. Honorees are selected by the organization's leadership for their significant impacts in the entertainment industry and charitable efforts, particularly those aligned with advocacy. The process emphasizes individuals who embody the Thalians' mission of blending show business glamour with humanitarian service. Notable examples include singer and his wife Marianne Rogers, honored as Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful in 1981 for their musical achievements and philanthropic work; actress , who received the Ms. Wonderful Award in 1986, with tributes from peers like ; and actor himself, awarded Mr. Wonderful in 2008 for his film legacy and support for veterans' causes. Other past recipients span decades, such as , , , and , highlighting the galas' tradition of celebrating Hollywood icons. Over time, the galas have evolved from intimate Hollywood gatherings in hotel ballrooms to large-scale productions attracting hundreds of attendees, incorporating elaborate live performances, video montages of honoree careers, and expanded awards for advocates. Early events in the and focused on close-knit roasts and simple auctions, but by the , they grew into star-studded spectacles with orchestras and surprise guest appearances, reflecting the organization's increasing prominence in . This progression has allowed the Thalians to broaden their reach, blending with to engage younger donors and amplify awareness of issues. In recent years, the galas have adapted to contemporary challenges, returning to fully in-person formats post-COVID-19 while maintaining hybrid elements like live-streamed portions for broader accessibility in some iterations. The 2023 Winter Gala at Brentwood Country Club honored actor and humanitarian with the Mr. Wonderful Award for his work with wounded veterans, featuring performances and auctions that underscored support for service members. The 2024 event continued this tradition with similar structure, and the 2025 Holiday Gala, marking the Thalians' 70th anniversary on December 6 at , will include a three-course dinner, dancing, special awards, and performances by and , with all proceeds benefiting UCLA's Operation Mend program for veterans' care.

Special Events and Partnerships

The Thalians has organized various thematic events to support initiatives, distinct from its annual galas, often in collaboration with medical partners. One prominent example is the Party, held annually during the holiday season to benefit specific programs. In December 2019, the event took place at the , featuring and activities that underscored the organization's commitment to causes. A key partnership underpinning these events has been with UCLA Health's Operation Mend, established in 2007 to provide comprehensive care for post-9/11 veterans and their families. The Thalians has donated over $3 million to the program as of December 2024, including a $250,000 gift presented at the 2024 Holiday Party at , where from DJ Louis of The Jacks of Groove and piano performances accompanied a silent auction to boost proceeds. This collaboration has enabled specialized treatments for trauma-related issues, with the Thalians raising more than $50 million overall for efforts over 70 years, much directed toward veterans. In 2017, the organization co-hosted the Red, White and Denim Backyard Bash to celebrate Operation Mend's 10th anniversary, raising over $1.1 million through a themed gathering that fostered community support for wounded service members. Historically, The Thalians maintained a significant alliance with , endowing the Thalians Mental Health Center there through decades of fundraising. Over nearly 60 years, the organization raised more than $30 million to support the center's operations, focusing on stigma reduction and treatment access in the community. This partnership, active since the 1960s, shifted in the mid-2010s as The Thalians redirected efforts toward veterans' via UCLA, reflecting evolving priorities in . These special events and partnerships have played a crucial role in community engagement, drawing Hollywood figures and philanthropists to amplify awareness and secure funding for mental health programs. By hosting intimate, themed gatherings like the holiday parties, The Thalians builds networks that extend beyond immediate donations, promoting dialogue on issues such as veteran trauma and industry well-being.

Leadership and Membership

Founders and Key Figures

The Thalians was founded in 1955 by a group of young actors and allied professionals from the film industry, including , , Jack Haley Jr., and , who sought to support causes through charitable efforts. Reynolds emerged as the primary founder and driving force, leveraging her celebrity status to attract early involvement from Hollywood figures and establish the organization's focus on raising awareness and funds for mental illness treatment. Debbie Reynolds served as president of The Thalians from 1957 until 2011, a tenure spanning over 54 years, during which she alternated roles with co-leader and solidified the group's celebrity-driven advocacy model. Following her presidency, Reynolds continued as President Emeritus until her death in 2016, marking more than six decades of overall commitment to the organization. Her longstanding leadership was recognized with the 2015 from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, specifically honoring her philanthropy through The Thalians, including efforts to combat the stigma of mental illness. Ruta Lee, who joined The Thalians in the early 1960s, became a key figure as co-host of annual galas and advocate for initiatives, contributing to the organization's growth over more than 50 years. She served in leadership roles, including alternating as president and chair with Reynolds, and was later named Chairwoman Emeritus for her enduring dedication to fundraising and public outreach. Other notable early figures include , a past president who collaborated with Reynolds on events to promote the organization's mission. Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff, a licensed , played a pivotal role by founding the in the organization's later years, enhancing its structure for celebrity and community involvement as Chairman of the Board.

Current Structure and Involvement

As of 2025, The Thalians is governed by a Board of Governors comprising an Executive Board and additional members drawn from entertainment, business, and community sectors. The current leadership includes President Frank Sheftel, who oversees organizational operations; Chairman of the Board Dr. Irwin Lehrhoff, a psychiatrist guiding strategic mental health initiatives; Treasurer Andrew McDonald, managing financial oversight; and Recording Secretary Stephanie J. Hibler, handling administrative records. Other active board members encompass actors and professionals such as Rico Anderson, Patrika Darbo, Joely Fisher, Tricia Lee Fisher, Kathy Garver, and Jacqueline Lewis, reflecting a blend of industry expertise and volunteer commitment. The organization's membership model is volunteer-driven and inclusive, welcoming entertainment professionals, industry allies, and supporters from diverse backgrounds without requiring celebrity status. General membership is open to individuals from all walks of life who share the mission of mental health advocacy, with opportunities to join via an online form that invites applicants to describe their interests and contributions. For major donors, the serves as a premier tier, comprising celebrities, industry leaders, social figures, and community advocates who contribute at least $1,500 annually; this group gains access to exclusive events like galas and holiday parties while supporting core programs such as UCLA's Operation Mend. An elite subset, the Star Walkers, honors lifetime donors of $100,000 or more with commemorative stars at . Participation in The Thalians emphasizes hands-on involvement to foster inclusivity, particularly for non-celebrities eager to contribute. Volunteers can engage in event support, such as organizing fundraisers like the annual Holiday Gala or the Thalians Peanut Butter Cup initiative, which raises funds for veteran mental health services; office-based tasks including administrative assistance and phone outreach; or advocacy efforts promoting mental health awareness through program promotion. Donation programs allow members to direct contributions toward specific initiatives, while board service offers deeper governance roles for qualified individuals, with governors expected to commit to annual meetings and a $25,000 contribution. These opportunities underscore the organization's commitment to broad participation, enabling supporters to play active roles in its humanitarian work. In 2025, The Thalians marked its 70th anniversary with expanded outreach, including a digital membership drive via its updated website to attract a wider audience and the December 6 Holiday Gala to celebrate milestones in fundraising. The board's composition continues to evolve with diverse representation from entertainment and professional fields, enhancing its capacity to address contemporary challenges in and community support.

Impact and Legacy

Financial Contributions

Since its founding in 1955, The Thalians has raised substantial funds through galas, donations, and membership contributions to support initiatives. By 1998, the organization had amassed over $28 million, primarily directed toward child programs at institutions like . By 2023, cumulative fundraising efforts had exceeded $50 million, reflecting sustained growth in support for broader causes. The majority of these funds have been allocated to mental health programs, including grants for hospital-based services, , and educational . Prior to 2015, a significant portion supported the Thalians Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai, where contributions funded clinical care and facilities for children and adolescents. Following the end of this partnership in 2014, The Thalians shifted to independent grants, emphasizing targeted support for underserved populations. Notable specific contributions include ongoing funding for UCLA's Operation Mend program, which provides treatment for post-9/11 veterans and their families. In 2019 alone, The Thalians donated $1 million to expand these services, enabling intensive outpatient programs and family support. This focus has continued, with recent efforts prioritizing wounded warriors' care through direct grants to , including a $250,000 donation in December 2024 that brought total contributions to Operation Mend to $3 million over the past decade. As a 501(c)(3) , The Thalians maintains transparency through annual IRS filings, detailing , expenses, and grant distributions. These reports underscore efficient allocation, with administrative costs kept low to maximize program funding amid increasing national demands as of 2025.

Broader Recognition and Influence

The Thalians garnered significant recognition through the humanitarian efforts of its founding president, , who received the from the of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2015. This honor specifically acknowledged her decades-long leadership in advancing the organization's mission to support initiatives, including raising awareness and funds to combat stigma associated with mental illness. The Academy highlighted Reynolds' role in sustaining The Thalians since 1955, crediting the group with promoting treatment and in the entertainment community. The organization's broader efforts to reduce mental health stigma have been further honored through the preservation of its iconic gala events in the , ensuring the legacy of its celebrity-driven philanthropy endures as a historical record of Hollywood's contributions to social causes. These recognitions underscore The Thalians' pioneering status in providing targeted support for the entertainment industry, where it established early models for addressing psychological challenges faced by performers and professionals—a foundation that has informed subsequent celebrity-led programs focused on wellness in Hollywood. Spanning 70 years, The Thalians' annual galas and events have cultivated a cultural legacy by integrating mental health advocacy into high-profile entertainment gatherings, gradually normalizing open conversations among stars and reducing associated taboos. Extensive media coverage, including features in The Hollywood Reporter on their star-studded fundraisers and their role in industry philanthropy, has amplified this impact, positioning the organization as a trailblazer in leveraging celebrity influence for public education. In 2025, as The Thalians celebrates its 70th anniversary with a dedicated holiday gala benefiting UCLA's Operation Mend program for military , it remains a vital model for , demonstrating sustained influence on awareness efforts through its enduring commitment to stigma elimination and community support.

References

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