WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Television talk show pioneer and journalist Phil Donahue (C), RootsAction.org co-founder Norman Solomon (L) and national security attorney Jesselyn Radack, who has NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden as a client, participate in a news conference where he and other journalists and journalism advocates talked about the Justice Department's pursuit of Risen's confidential sources at the National Press Club August 14, 2014 in Washington, DC. Risen could face jail or punshing fines for not revealing his source of classified information for his 2006 book that detailed the CIA's efforts against Iran's nuclear program. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Phil Donahue, the groundbreaking talk show host who revolutionized daytime television, died on Sunday at his home in New York City after a prolonged illness. He was 88 years old.
Donahue’s innovative approach to television talk shows, which included engaging his studio audience in discussions on controversial topics, paved the way for future hosts and transformed the landscape of daytime programming. His show, The Phil Donahue Show, aired for nearly 30 years from 1967 to 1996.
Born Phillip John Donahue on December 21, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, he began his career in broadcasting as a radio and TV news anchor in his home state. His breakthrough came in 1967 when he launched The Phil Donahue Show on WLWD TV in Dayton, Ohio.
Donahue’s format, which encouraged audience participation and tackled sensitive subjects like women’s rights, quickly gained popularity. The show’s success led to its relocation to Chicago and later New York, expanding its reach across the United States through national syndication.
His influence on the industry was profound, inspiring future talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey. Following the news of his death, Winfrey shared a tribute on social media, crediting Donahue for proving that “daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously.”
Donahue’s personal life also made headlines when he met actress Marlo Thomas, star of That Girl, during a taping of his show. The couple married in 1980 and remained together for 44 years until his death.
Despite retiring from television nearly three-decades ago, Donahue continued to receive recognition for his contributions to broadcasting. In May, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by President Joe Biden.
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