Another great has passed away: Phil Donahue, the daytime TV icon who paved the way for many who came after him.
Phil was a huge part of television life for many babies of the ’70s and ’80s, and his death is truly heartbreaking.
His family shared the news today show August 19, and the cause of his death at the age of 88.
He left quite a legacy.
Phil Donahue’s cause of death: Talk show host’s long illness
The legendary TV talk show host passed away on Sunday, August 18, after battling a long illness.
While they didn’t provide further details about his health struggles, it sounds like his death was expected as he was able to pass away “peacefully” at home surrounded by his family.
Among them are his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, as well as his sister, children and grandchildren. His beloved golden retriever Charlie was also by his side, his family shared in a statement to the Today Show.
While his family is touched by the outpouring of support, they also requested in their statement that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.
In her first statement about his death, Marlowe told fans on Instagram that she would now take time for herself. She also hinted that she and others had been caring for Phil for some time and might have helped him face the illness he was battling before his death.
“I’m sure by now you’ve heard the sad news that I lost my love last night,” the actress wrote on Instagram on Monday.
“So I know you understand that I will be taking a break from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who care for Phil and hold him close to my heart,” friends continued.
“Thank you… for the wonderful and generous ways you allowed Phil and me to share our life adventures with you over the years,” she gushed. She called her late husband “a man who was a constant presence throughout his career.” People who love the audience.”
Phil Donahue’s Television Legacy
Maybe Phil’s name doesn’t make any impression on you. But if Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Springer and Sarah Jesse Raphael are named, you have Phil to thank (Phil) contributes to their careers.
Phil was a broadcast journalist turned television personality who pioneered the first audience-participating talk show.
“The Phil Donahue Show” was nationally syndicated in 1969 and renamed “The Donahue Show” in 1974, eventually airing on more than 200 stations nationwide. It lasted until 1996, when the daytime talk show landscape changed dramatically, leaning more toward tabloid antics and a more female audience (enter Oprah).
But Phil was a trailblazer in many ways, covering stories that were both controversial and accessible.
His first guest was Madalyn Murray O’Hair, an atheist whose case against school prayer had been successfully argued before the Supreme Court. He later became the only talk show host to invite Nelson Mandela immediately after his release from prison in South Africa.
In an era when everything seemed taboo, there were no limits to anything: premarital sex, homosexuality, AIDS, even the KKK.
Donahue has received a total of nine Daytime Emmy Awards and 21 nominations, and won a Primetime Emmy Award for his special “Donahue and the Kids.”
Shortly after news of his death broke, tributes began to pour in from those who admired him in the television world.
“One of the true seminal icons of American television,” Piers Morgan said in X. “He hosted more than 6,000 talk shows and was one of the first to interact with a studio audience. He lived up to expectations when he was interviewed on CNN a few years ago… He’s a smart, funny guy.
“He’s certainly been a staple of daytime for decades,” Craig Melvin said on the air. today show when the news was announced. “Pioneering the talk show format that has been copied many times since.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear the news that talk show icon Phil Donahue has passed away at the age of 88,” ABC’s Deborah Roberts wrote. Like many journalists, he inspired me in my career. What a life! Prayers of comfort to Marlowe and his family.
Hours later, Oprah finally found the words to pay tribute to the icon.
“There wouldn’t be an Oprah show without Phil Donahue who was the first to prove that daytime talk and women’s viewing should be taken seriously,” she posted on Instagram. “He was a pioneer. I’m glad I have to thank him for that. Rest in peace Phil.
