Phil Donahue, a pioneering television host who gained prominence in the late 1960s for his unique engagement with studio audiences and his introduction of innovative concepts to American television, passed away on Sunday at the age of 88, according to his family.
The family did not disclose the exact cause of death but mentioned that he had been dealing with a “long illness.”
In a statement, the family shared that Donahue died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, along with his sister, children, grandchildren, and his cherished golden retriever, Charlie.
Marlo Thomas announced on Instagram that she would take a break from social media to focus on her well-being following her husband’s passing. She expressed her gratitude for the support they’ve received and reflected on the joy that Phil found in their community.
At the height of his career, Donahue’s nationally syndicated show, “The Phil Donahue Show,” later known simply as “Donahue,” became a significant ratings success and set the stage for various other talk shows hosted by figures like Montel Williams and Jerry Springer.
Oprah Winfrey praised Donahue as a trailblazer who introduced intelligent discussions to daytime television and emphasized important societal issues to his audience. She credited him for recognizing that women sought more than superficial interests, advocating for their concerns about the world.
Donahue’s innovative audience participation format first emerged during a taping in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967, when attendees turned up for a canceled variety show and ended up engaging with him during an interview with controversial figure Madalyn Murray O’Hair. This spontaneous change laid the groundwork for the style of many talk shows that followed.
He was a contributor to NBC’s “TODAY” show from 1979 to 1988 and made a brief return to television as a prime-time host on MSNBC in 2002, although that show was canceled after a short run.
In addition to being a talk show host, Donahue was a fervent advocate for women’s rights, reflecting on the difficulties women faced in the workplace in earlier decades. He acknowledged the progress made since then and the importance of women’s roles in media.
In 1993, Donahue was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, Thomas highlighted her husband’s ability to present complex issues in a relatable manner, helping viewers understand various societal challenges.
Donahue won nine Daytime Emmy Awards during his career, dominating the talk show host category for many years. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, recognizing his contributions to television and society.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund. Donahue was married to Thomas in 1980, forming one of the entertainment industry’s enduring couples. Thomas gained fame for her role in the groundbreaking sitcom “That Girl,” which focused on the aspirations of a single woman seeking a career.