Phil Donahue, the iconic TV talk show host whose show aired for nearly 30 years, has passed away at the age of 88. Donahue died on Sunday night after battling an undisclosed illness, as confirmed by a family statement provided to ABC News by a representative for his wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.
Donahue’s career in television began as a local TV reporter in his home state of Ohio before launching a talk show on the local CBS affiliate WHIO in Dayton. He later moved his show, The Phil Donahue Show, to the local NBC affiliate WLWD in Dayton in 1967. Three years later, the show entered nationwide syndication, becoming simply known as Donahue. The show would go on to run for 26 years in syndication, produced at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza, until its final episode in September 1996.
Known for his pioneering open-forum interview style, Donahue’s show featured compelling guests and allowed audience members to ask questions of the guests, as well as allowing fans to call in to the show. This format was groundbreaking at the time and was soon emulated by other talk show hosts who followed, including Oprah Winfrey and Sally Jessy Raphael.
Donahue was not afraid to tackle controversial topics and interview fringe figures, such as Ku Klux Klansman David Duke in 1978. He believed in giving a platform to all voices, even those with extreme views, in order to foster open dialogue and understanding. In discussing the Duke interview, Donahue once said, “You don’t fix racism by throwing a blanket over the people who are racist. Put them on, let’s hear them.”
Throughout his career, Donahue received numerous accolades for his work in television. He earned a total of 20 Emmy Awards for his show, Donahue, and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1980, he was awarded a personal Peabody Award, and in May, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.
Phil Donahue leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of television and will be remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to the talk show format. His impact on the industry and his commitment to open dialogue and diverse perspectives will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters and journalists.
