Phil Donahue, Pioneering Talk Show Host, Dies at 88

Television legend Phil Donahue has passed away at the age of 88, his family confirmed. The iconic host died peacefully at his home on Sunday after a long illness, surrounded by loved ones.

Widely hailed as the “King of Daytime Talk,” Donahue transformed American television with The Phil Donahue Show, which debuted in 1967 and later became simply Donahue. His groundbreaking format—mixing candid interviews with live audience participation—reshaped daytime TV and inspired future generations of broadcasters.

Over nearly three decades and more than 6,000 episodes, Donahue interviewed global icons including Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Elton John, Robin Williams, and Dolly Parton. His show broke barriers by engaging women in deeper social and political discussions, paving the way for talk show evolution.

Even Oprah Winfrey once said, “If there had been no Phil Donahue Show, there would be no Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Honored with 20 Emmy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Donahue leaves behind his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, and four children. His pioneering spirit and fearless curiosity will forever define the golden age of daytime television.