Curious World Staff
Phil Donahue, 88, the pioneering chat show host who amused and informed daytime TV viewers for two generations, died Sunday night after a protracted illness, Variety reported. His death was reported on Monday’s “Today” show. Donahue went away quietly, surrounded by his wife, Marlo Thomas, sister, children, grandchildren, and loving golden dog.
“The Phil Donahue Show” debuted in national syndication in 1969, later rebranded as “Donahue” in 1974. The show, known for its issue-oriented content, eventually reached over 200 stations, running until 1996. Donahue’s approach was a stark contrast to the sensationalist tabloid shows that emerged during the ’90s.
Donahue has won nine Daytime Emmys, 21 nominations, a Primetime Emmy, and a Peabody Award. His show frequently addressed contentious issues, involving conversations with a diverse spectrum of guests, including politicians and feminists, Ku Klux Klan members, and porn stars. His show famously featured Nelson Mandela immediately after he was released from prison.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Dec. 21, 1935, Donahue started his broadcasting career at WNDU while studying business at Notre Dame. He rose through the ranks in radio and television before launching his talk show in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967. The show’s success led to its syndication and eventual nationwide popularity.
In 1985, the show relocated to New York and began broadcasting live. Donahue was noted for his insightful interviews and willingness to tackle challenging subjects. Donahue’s ratings fell in the 1990s as the talk show environment evolved toward sensationalism, and his show was cancelled in 1996.
In 2002, Donahue briefly returned to television with an MSNBC talk show, which was canceled after six months. He later co-directed the 2007 documentary “Body of War,” a powerful critique of the Iraq War.
Donahue was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 1993 and received a lifetime achievement award in 1996. He is survived by his wife Marlo Thomas and five children from his first marriage.
