Phil Donahue, “who invented afternoon smart talk,” dies at 88
Aug. 19 (UPI) – Legendary talk show host Phil Donahue, who according to Oprah Winfrey “invented intelligent afternoon talk,” has died. He was 88 years old.
“Groundbreaking television talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren and beloved golden retriever Charlie,” his family said.
The statement did not elaborate on the long illness he had been battling, but said he “died peacefully.”
The Phil Donahue Showwhich was broadcast in the late 1960s, became known for engaging his audience, and earlier this year Donahue was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his groundbreaking work.
“If there is no Phil Donahue show, there would be no Oprah Winfrey “Show,” Winfrey said in a 2002 interview that coincided with Donahue hosting a new show on MSNBC.
“He was the first to recognize that women are interested in more than mascara tips and cake recipes – that we are intelligent, that we care about the world around us and that we want the best possible lives for ourselves.”
Donahue was also Today Since 1979, he worked as a show employee for almost a decade.
“You know, we sometimes use the word trailblazer too often, but he was indeed,” said Today’s Sheinelle Jones at the announcement of his death.
Phil Donahue
Legendary talk show host Phil Donahue attends the Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala on January 5, 2008 in Palm Springs, California. Donahue, who hosted the “Phil Donahue Show” and appeared on “Today,” died on August 18 at the age of 88. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | Licensed Photo
