Phil Donahue, a pioneer of daytime television and talk show legend, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 88. His family shared that he died after a long illness, with his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, and other family members by his side.
Donahue’s impact on television was immense. He hosted “The Phil Donahue Show” for nearly three decades, from 1967 to 1996. What set him apart was his innovative approach to audience engagement. He was the first to bring audience participation into the talk show format, earning him the title “king of daytime talk.”
His contributions to broadcasting didn’t go unnoticed. Earlier this year, President Biden awarded Donahue the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House praised him as “a journalist and television pioneer who pioneered the daytime issue-oriented television talk show.”
Phil Donahue died today at the age of 88.
I never get tired of watching one of Milton Friedman’s greatest Donahue moments: pic.twitter.com/DqiWnPyIr8
— Good Morning Liberty (@GoodAMLiberty) August 19, 2024
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1935, Donahue’s journey in broadcasting began after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. He started in entry-level positions before landing at Dayton’s WLWD television station in 1967, where his famous show began.
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Throughout his career, Donahue tackled tough topics head-on. He wasn’t afraid to discuss controversial issues like feminism, civil rights, and consumer protection. His guest list was equally impressive, featuring interviews with figures ranging from Muhammad Ali to Ronald Reagan, not to mention Donald Trump.
Flashback: Phil Donahue Interviews Donald Trump
Donald Trump appeared on the Phil Donahue Show to promote his book "The Art of the Deal" on December 15, 1987. pic.twitter.com/U5aZKp0kzs
— Wojciech Pawelczyk (@WojPawelczyk) August 19, 2024
Donahue’s influence extended beyond his own show. He paved the way for future talk show hosts like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. Piers Morgan, another figure in the industry, called Donahue “one of the true trail-blazing icons of American television” on social media.
RIP Phil Donahue, 88.
One of the true trail-blazing icons of American television. He hosted over 6,000 talk shows, and was the first to interact with a studio audience. Interviewing him for CNN a few years ago lived up to every expectation.. such a clever, interesting man. pic.twitter.com/vxJwCu0OSt— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 19, 2024
His professional achievements were matched by a rich personal life. In 1980, Donahue married actress Marlo Thomas. The couple celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2020 by co-authoring a book about lasting marriages.
Donahue’s career wasn’t limited to his namesake show. He co-directed an Oscar-nominated documentary in 2006 and even ventured into international broadcasting. During the Cold War, he partnered with Soviet journalist Vladimir Posner for a groundbreaking television series.
The talk show host’s legacy is preserved in his numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. But perhaps more importantly, he’ll be remembered for his signature catchphrase, “Is the caller there?” and for the thoughtful, often challenging conversations he brought into American homes.
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Donahue is survived by his wife and five children from a previous marriage. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.