Phil Donahue, the legendary US talk show host, has passed away at the age of 88. His family confirmed the news to US media, stating that Donahue died peacefully at his home on Sunday after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.
Donahue was widely regarded as the “king of daytime talk” in the United States, having created and hosted The Phil Donahue Show, a program that left an indelible mark on television history. Throughout his illustrious career, Donahue interviewed some of the most iconic figures of the time, including Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., Sir Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Dolly Parton, and Michael J. Fox.
Born in Cleveland in 1935, Donahue’s media career began in the late 1950s with talk radio and television. He launched his groundbreaking talk show in 1967, which would later be known simply as Donahue after moving to Chicago in 1974. The show quickly gained popularity when Donahue started incorporating audience participation, a format that became a staple in daytime television.
A Trailblazer in Daytime Television
Over the span of nearly three decades, Donahue hosted more than 6,000 episodes, making his show a trailblazer in the industry. His innovative approach changed the landscape of daytime television, particularly in how it catered to female audiences. Donahue’s show was among the first to recognize that women were interested in more than just traditional topics; they wanted meaningful discussions about the world around them.
Oprah Winfrey, a talk show icon herself, credited Donahue for paving the way for her success. In a 2002 article for O, The Oprah Magazine, she wrote, “If there had been no Phil Donahue show, there would be no Oprah Winfrey Show.” She praised Donahue for his recognition of women’s intelligence and their desire for a better understanding of the world.
Throughout his career, Donahue was honored with 20 Emmy Awards, split evenly between outstanding host and the talk show itself. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
Donahue is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, whom he married in 1980, and four children from his first marriage. His legacy as a pioneer in television and his contribution to the evolution of talk shows will be remembered for generations.