Phil Donahue

Donahue in May 2024

Phillip John Donahue (December 21, 1935 – August 18, 2024) was an American talk show host.[1] He was best known for hosting The Phil Donahue Show from 1967 to 1996.[2] He also hosted other talk shows. His career began in 1957.

Donahue's shows focused on issues that were controversial between liberals and conservatives in the United States, like abortion, consumer protection, civil rights and war issues.

Donahue also hosted a talk show on MSNBC for a short time from July 2002 to February 2003. He was seen as one of the most important talk show hosts and was often called the "king of daytime talk".[3]

In 1996, Donahue was ranked #42 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.[4] During his career, Donahue won nine Emmy Awards and a lifetime achievement award.

Donahue was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He studied at the University of Notre Dame.

Donahue was married to Margaret Cooney from 1958 until they divorced in 1975. They had five children. He then married actress Marlo Thomas on May 21, 1980.[5] He and Thomas did not have any children together.

In May 2024, Donahue was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.[6]

Donahue died from a long-illness at his home in New York City on August 18, 2024, at the age of 88.[7][8]

References

  1. ↑ Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue. www.pushkin.fm. Retrieved Jaunary 1, 2022.
  2. ↑ Oprah Talks to Phil Donahue. www.oprah.com. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  3. ↑ "The Titans of Talk". Oprah.com. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Special Collectors' Issue: 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time". TV Guide. No. December 14–20. 1996.
  5. ↑ Ravo, Nick, "Eyesore or Landmark? The House Donahue Razed", The New York Times, July 10, 1988
  6. ↑ "President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom". The White House. May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  7. ↑ Hampton, Deon J. (August 19, 2024). "Phil Donahue, talk show host pioneer and husband of Marlo Thomas, dies at 88". NBCNews.com. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  8. ↑ Haberman, Clyde (August 19, 2024). "Phil Donahue, Talk Host Who Made Audiences Part of the Show, Dies at 88". The New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2024.

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