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Phil’s family shared the news on Monday, revealing that he peacefully passed away on Sunday night at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas. In their statement, they expressed their gratitude for the support and requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phil Donahue, the beloved television host, who passed away at the age of 88. Phil was a true pioneer in the world of talk shows, and his contributions to television will never be forgotten.
Phil Donahue was more than just a talk show host; he was a trailblazer in the industry. He was the first person to host a talk show on TV, setting the stage for the countless hosts who followed in his footsteps. His show, “The Phil Donahue Show,” aired for an impressive 29 years, making him a household name and an integral part of television history.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Phil’s career began in radio in the 1950s before he made the transition to television. In 1967, he launched “The Phil Donahue Show,” which introduced live audience participation—a groundbreaking concept at the time. The show became immensely popular, and in 1974, after moving to a new station, it was rebranded simply as “Donahue.”
Over the course of his career, Phil Donahue produced more than 6,000 episodes, leaving an indelible mark on both daytime and the talk show genre. His dedication and talent earned him numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards. Ten of these Emmys were for Outstanding Talk Show Host, highlighting Phil’s ability to connect with his audience and foster engaging conversations. In 1993, he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Peabody Award in 1980.
Earlier this year, Phil was recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden—an honor that underscored his influential role in shaping television.
Phil Donahue paved the way for future talk show hosts, inspiring a generation of broadcasters. His impact extended far beyond the screen, as he helped launch the careers of many aspiring hosts, including Oprah Winfrey. In fact, Oprah herself paid tribute to Phil, acknowledging his instrumental role in her success.
“There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” Oprah expressed on Instagram. “He was a leader, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to thank him. Phil, please rest in peace.”
Phil Donahue will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched and the impact he made on the television industry. As we remember and honor this remarkable trailblazer, let us celebrate his contributions and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
