With a career spanning decades and a celebrity marriage that lasted even longer, small screen legend and pioneer Phil Donahue has died at the age of 88.
(Video credit: NBC)
Known for his eponymous daytime talk show, “Donahue,” which set the standard for shows that interacted with their live studio audiences, the Cleveland, Ohio-born media personality was said to be surrounded by people loved ones at home on Sunday.
A statement from the family read: “Innovative television talk show host Phil Donahue died Sunday night at his home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren and dear golden retriever Charlie.”
“Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully after a long illness,” he continued, offering no further details on the cause of death as he spent his final moments at his home on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
The New York Times detailed that, after a career in radio, its nearly 30 years of syndication and approximately 7,000 episodes that won 20 Emmys began under the title “The Phil Donahue Show” on WLWD-TV in 1967. “Almost since From the beginning, 'The Phil Donahue Show' dispensed with familiar elements. There was no opening monologue, no couch, no sidekick, no band, just the host and guests, focused on a single topic.
Donahue had five children with his first wife, Margaret Cooney, before their marriage ended in divorce in 1975. In 1980, he had begun his second marriage to actress Marlo Thomas, which lasted until the day of his death. dead, more than 44 years later.
People from all walks of life took to social media to remember his career and legacy, which included the sincerest form of flattery courtesy of an impression of the late Phil Hartman on “Saturday Night Live.” .
This is just a wonderful interview. You could say that Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas were soul mates even back then. We will miss you Phil. https://t.co/el6157w7ut
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) August 19, 2024
There is no better honor than being parodied by the great Phil Hartman! RIP Phil Donohue https://t.co/Cj1qDniRAA
— RJ Justavick (@RJ_TMC) August 19, 2024
Phil Donahue was an American icon ♀️
— Hi, I'm KellyJo ♀️ (@BiologicalWoma2) August 19, 2024
A true pioneer for the day. Countless memories watching with my mom growing up.
— Jzon Azari (@JzonAzari) August 19, 2024
RIP Phil Donahue, 88.
One of the true icons of American television. He hosted more than 6,000 talk shows and was the first to interact with a studio audience. Interviewing him on CNN a few years ago lived up to all expectations…such a smart and interesting man. pic.twitter.com/vxJwCu0OSt— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 19, 2024
Sad to hear about it #PhilDonohue dying, but I feel lucky to have attended his show many moons ago pic.twitter.com/uCQV9QBTWG
— Peter Katevatis (@KatevatisWM) August 19, 2024
RIP Phil Donahue dies at 88.
I rarely agreed with him. But I liked that he often looked for the BEST counterarguments…instead of raising straw men. https://t.co/KTtklJfDVn— David Asman (@DavidAsmanfox) August 19, 2024
RIP Phil Donahue, the daytime TV host of my generation. Phil and a friend of mine worked for Ralph Nader's presidential campaign in 2000. I was asked to write a top ten list for Ralph's appearance on Letterman. Phil liked my jokes; Ralph decided against it. It cost him the election. pic.twitter.com/1xp3S7W5Tn
— Dennis Perrin (@DennisThePerrin) August 19, 2024
When he was an NBC page, no one among the on-air personalities at 30 Rockefeller Plaza was friendlier or more respectful of those of us in the peacock logo, the crested blazers, than Phil Donahue. He always took the time to ask about our goals and interests. He didn't have to. good boy
— Michael Shure (@michaelshure) August 19, 2024
Earlier this year, Donahue had been one of the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom, and during the ceremony, President Joe Biden had said: “And before the social media news and the clicks, Phil Donahue brought the power of personal stories to living rooms across America. He helped change hearts and minds through honest and open dialogue. And throughout a defining career on television thousands of conversations a day, Phil Donahue led the nation's speech and spoke to our best angels. Wish you were still there, mate.”
Following his wife's honor 10 years earlier, Donahue said during an interview with People, “Sometimes I'll shout my question to a guest on the screen and hope they somehow hear me. But, to be honest, though the medium has changed a bit: the sets are fancier, the productions are fancier, and thankfully the hosts are more diverse; I recorded 7,000 episodes, and that's a curiosity.”
“I still believe that despite our differences, we are all part of this expanding global family and we just need to get to know each other, so we can share the world together,” he added as the family asked for donations. made in St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.
oh no
Peace and comfort to his wife Marlo Thomas and his children. pic.twitter.com/IeknwV00R3— Ms Maxine (@MsMax17) August 19, 2024
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