Phil Donahue was a longtime talk-show host whose signature program all but created the template that daytime TV would follow for years to come.
- Died: August 18, 2024 (Who else died on August 18?)
- Details of death: Died in New York City after a long illness at the age of 88.
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Phil Donahue’s legacy
Before Phil Donahue became a household name, he was already interviewing other household names for radio and television news as a local journalist in Michigan and Ohio. His talks with then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy, activist Malcolm X, boxing great Muhammad Ali, and infamous union leader Jimmy Hoffa all received national syndication.
Based on the strength of that work, in 1967, while at WLWD in Dayton, Ohio, he launched “The Phil Donahue Show,” which focused on long-form, in-depth interviews with notable people. The format proved to be a success, and, by 1970, it began to be syndicated nationally. The show moved to Chicago in 1974. A decade later, “The Phil Donahue Show,” its title shortened to “Donahue” in the mid-’70s, moved to New York City, shot at the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Donahue built his reputation on discussing serious issues and having open, sometimes confrontational talks with noteworthy and often-controversial figures on “Donahue.” These included academics, activists – even Ku Klux Klan members. When he began to allow and encourage audience participation – querying, commenting, cheering, booing, and other interactions – Donahue helped changed the tone of talk shows in a way countless others would imitate in the years to come.
By the time the show finished its run in 1996, he had been on the air for 29 seasons and had broadcast more than 5,500 episodes.
Donahue’s work received numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards overall, a Peabody Award in 1980, and many more. In 1993, he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. In May 2024, President Joseph Biden awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Donahue was married to actress Marlo Thomas since 1980. He also had five children from his previous marriage to Margaret Cooney.
Notable quote
“I still believe that, despite our differences, we’re all part of this sprawling global family, and we just need to get to know each other, so that we can share the world together.” — Interview with People, 2024
Tributes to Phil Donahue
Full obituary: The New York Times
