Phil Donahue, the iconic daytime talk show host, has passed away at the age of 88. He died peacefully on Sunday, August 18, at his home, following a long illness. His wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, was by his side, along with his sister, children, grandchildren, and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie, according to a statement shared with Today.
Born in 1935, Donahue began his career in media in the late 1950s. He started as a local reporter in his home state of Ohio before launching his talk show, The Phil Donahue Show. Initially aired on a local CBS affiliate, the show later moved to a local NBC affiliate in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967. Three years later, it was picked up for national syndication, reaching audiences across the country.
Donahue’s talk show became known for addressing controversial and groundbreaking topics, ranging from child abuse within the Catholic Church to interviewing a former grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. His fearless approach to these subjects set a new standard for daytime television.
The Phil Donahue Show, later shortened to Donahue, revolutionized the format of daytime talk shows. It was the first to involve the audience directly, allowing them to question the guests. Reflecting on this innovation, Donahue once shared, “One day, I just went out in the audience, and it’s clear there would be no Donahue show if I hadn’t somehow accidentally brought in the audience.”
Donahue’s influence on television extended beyond his own show, paving the way for future hosts such as Oprah Winfrey and Sally Jessy Raphael. Throughout his career, Donahue won 20 Emmy Awards and was most recently honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden.
In lieu of flowers, Donahue’s family has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.
Phil Donahue’s contributions to daytime television have left an indelible mark. His legacy will be remembered, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.
