Phil Donahue, daytime talk show pioneer, dies at 88

Phil Donahue, who revolutionized U.S. daytime television with his pioneering talk show, has passed away at age 88. According to NBC’s “Today” show, Donahue died on Sunday while surrounded by his family after an illness.

The “Phil Donahue Show” debuted in 1970, introducing audiences to topics that were previously considered too controversial for daytime TV, such as abortion, the sexual revolution, and race relations. This was a marked departure from the usual lineup of soap operas, game shows, and homemaking programs that dominated daytime television at the time.

Donahue’s boyish charm, energetic persona, and thick white hair made him instantly recognizable. He was known for his thorough questioning of guests and for involving his studio audience actively in discussions. His show’s success paved the way for other influential daytime talk shows, including Oprah Winfrey’s program, which eventually surpassed his in viewership. “If it weren’t for Phil Donahue, there never would have been an Oprah show,” Winfrey once remarked.

The popularity of Donahue’s show inspired a wave of daytime talk shows, some of which became infamous for their sensationalism and occasional violent episodes. Jerry Springer, Geraldo Rivera, Sally Jessy Raphael, and Maury Povich were some of the personalities who followed in Donahue’s footsteps. Donahue referred to these shows as his “illegitimate children,” expressing a form of endearment for them despite their sometimes controversial content.

Over time, with the increasing competition and sensational nature of newer shows, Donahue’s program experienced a decline in popularity. It was eventually canceled in 1996 after an impressive 26-year run, marking it as the longest-running syndicated U.S. talk show.

During its peak, People magazine hailed Donahue’s show in 1979 as “a national forum for America’s housewives.” Reflecting on his program’s appeal, Donahue told People that viewers appreciated the challenging topics and enjoyed becoming emotionally and intellectually involved. “There are no prizes and nobody screams. We put on an honest sharing of ideas,” he said. The show typically dedicated one hour per episode to a single topic.

Donahue, who often spoke about his Roman Catholic upbringing, was among the first TV personalities to tackle the sensitive issue of child sexual abuse by clergy. He brought this explosive topic to national attention with an episode in 1988 and revisited it in later seasons, providing victims a platform to share their stories.

In his later years, Donahue continued to engage in media work. He hosted a talk show on MSNBC from 2002 to 2003 and co-directed a 2006 documentary film, “Body of War,” which criticized the U.S. invasion of Iraq by focusing on an American soldier paralyzed in the conflict.

Besides serious topics, Donahue occasionally delved into lighter issues, such as misdiagnosed allergies, and shared humorous moments with various celebrity guests, ranging from comedian Jerry Lewis to shock rocker Marilyn Manson. In one memorable episode about cross-dressing, Donahue even appeared in a skirt.

Over his illustrious career, Donahue won nine Daytime Emmys for Best Talk-Show Host. Born on December 21, 1935, in Cleveland, Donahue was the son of a furniture salesman and a department store clerk. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, he climbed the broadcasting ranks, eventually launching “The Phil Donahue Show” on a Dayton, Ohio, television station in 1967. His first guest was an atheist, a choice that stirred controversy.

The show gained national syndication in 1970, moving to Chicago in 1974 and later to New York in 1984 to be closer to his second wife, actress Marlo Thomas, daughter of actor-comedian Danny Thomas. Donahue’s first marriage to Marge Cooney ended in divorce in 1975; they had four sons and a daughter. He married Thomas in 1980.

Source: Reuters