Celebrity

‘Trailblazing television icon’ Phil Donahue passes away, age 88

Matthew Hart
Aug 20, 2024
Donahue's show broke new ground by addressing subjects once considered taboo on television, such as abortion, the sexual revolution, and race relations. Source: AP PHOTO.

Phil Donahue, the influential figure who revolutionised US daytime television, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.

Donahue, known for his groundbreaking talk show The Phil Donahue Show, which tackled a wide range of provocative social and political issues, died on Sunday, August 18.

He was surrounded by his family, who have released a statement announcing his passing.

“Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie,” the statement read.

“Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully following a long illness.”

Born on December 21, 1935, in Cleveland, Donahue’s broadcasting career began after graduating from the University of Notre Dame. He worked his way up through the industry until he was given the opportunity to host The Phil Donahue Show in 1967.

Donahue’s show broke new ground by addressing subjects once considered taboo on television, such as abortion, the sexual revolution, and race relations. He earned a reputation for his relentless questioning and dynamic style, which allowed the audience to voice their opinions.

The success of his show paved the way for other daytime talk-show hosts, notably Oprah Winfrey, whose program eventually surpassed Donahue’s in the ratings.

As the daytime talk show landscape became more crowded with similar formats, Donahue’s program saw a decline in popularity, leading to its cancellation in 1996 after a remarkable 26-year run, the longest for a syndicated US talk show.

In his later years, Donahue hosted a talk show on MSNBC from 2002 to 2003 and co-directed the 2006 documentary Body of War, which critically examined the US invasion of Iraq through the experiences of a US soldier who was paralysed in the conflict.

As news of his passing broke, fellow media personalities, public figures and fans alike took to social media to offer their tributes and reflect on his remarkable career.

Donahue is survived by his wife, Marlo Thomas, along with his children and grandchildren.

-with Reuters.

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