Phil Donahue, the acclaimed host of “The Phil Donahue Show,” has passed away at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness. His family confirmed the news, noting that he died surrounded by loved ones.
Donahue, who hosted over 6,000 episodes of the groundbreaking show that later became known simply as “Donahue,” was a trailblazer in the talk show genre. His show tackled contentious issues such as alcoholism, abortion, and incest, and he was instrumental in popularizing the audience participation format.
Oprah Winfrey honored Donahue on Instagram, praising him as a pioneer whose work paved the way for other talk shows, including her own. “There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” Winfrey wrote.
Donahue’s show began in 1967 and went national in 1970 before being renamed “Donahue” in 1974. It was known for its provocative content and willingness to explore divisive topics. Notably, it featured a filmed abortion, an episode that many local stations were reluctant to broadcast.
A vocal supporter of Democratic candidate Ralph Nader, Donahue also advocated for women’s rights, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. He criticized institutional homophobia and was outspoken about various social issues throughout his career.
After “Donahue” ended in 1996, Donahue hosted a show on MSNBC from 2002 to 2003, where he was criticized internally for his anti-war stance. In 2006, he co-directed the documentary “Body of War,” which focused on a disabled Iraq war veteran.
Donahue’s contributions to television were recognized with 20 Emmy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded earlier this year by President Joe Biden.
Former talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael also paid tribute, expressing her admiration for Donahue and noting his significant impact on American television.
Donahue once shared his views on American values and rights, emphasizing his commitment to the Bill of Rights and the importance of separation between church and state. His legacy remains influential in the realm of talk show television.
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