As a gamer who grew up watching television and being inspired by the pioneers of talk shows, I can’t help but feel a sense of profound loss with the passing of Phil Donahue. He was an iconic figure whose groundbreaking work paved the way for many daytime television personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Sally Jessy Raphael, and Montel Williams, to name just a few.
TV personalities are paying their respects to pioneering talk show host, Phil Donahue.
The evening television legend who hosted over 6,000 episodes of The Phil Donahue Show from 1967 until 1996, passed away on Sunday night at his New York City residence following a prolonged illness. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, along with four children from his earlier marriage to Margaret Cooney. His youngest son, James, had preceded him in death in 2014.
Upon hearing about Donahue’s passing, numerous individuals who walked in his path shared heartfelt tributes on social media platforms, commemorating his impact.
“Oprah Winfrey stated, ‘The Oprah Show wouldn’t have existed without Phil Donahue paving the way by showing that daytime talk shows and female audiences deserved respect. He was a trailblazer. I’m grateful for the opportunity to thank him for it. Farewell, Phil.'”
Sally Jessy Raphael, who became well-known in the 1980s with her own talk show, also admitted that Donahue played a significant role in her career success. “Today is a sad day. I’ve always admired Phil Donahue for numerous reasons, and he was one of the greatest broadcasters on American television. Without Phil, there wouldn’t have been a Sally. My thoughts and prayers are with Marlo and their family,” she wrote on Twitter, sharing pictures of his guest appearance on her show.
20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts also shared heartfelt thoughts about the demise of talk show legend Phil Donahue, expressing, “It’s truly sad to learn that talk show icon Phil Donahue has passed away at 88. He was a source of inspiration for many journalists, including myself, throughout my career. What an extraordinary life! My sympathies go out to Marlo and his family during this difficult time.”
Yesterday, we bid farewell to a genuine trailblazer – Phil Donahue, often referred to as the ‘godfather’ of talk shows, significantly reshaped the television industry. My sympathies go out to his wife Marlo and their family during this difficult time. Farewell, Phil, may you rest in peace.
Andy Cohen paid tribute to Phil Donahue on Twitter by saying he was “an exceptional talent who transformed daytime TV and the talk show genre.” Additionally, he stood up fearlessly for the LGBTQ+ community during a time when there were few advocates. Thank you, Phil Donahue! Rest in peace.
Piers Morgan recently posted a picture of himself alongside Donahue from their 2012 CNN interview, accompanied by a tribute about spending time together on air. “One of the pioneering figures in American television history, he hosted more than 6,000 talk shows and was the first to engage with a live studio audience,” Morgan wrote in his tweet. “Interviewing him for CNN years ago met every anticipation… such an intellectually stimulating man.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Oprah (@oprah)
Phil Donahue stood out as a unique innovator who significantly transformed daytime TV and the talk show genre. Moreover, he courageously championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community during a period when few dared to do so. A heartfelt thank you to Phil Donahue, whose contributions will continue to echo. Rest In Peace.
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) August 19, 2024
Today is truly disheartening. I held Phil Donahue in high regard for numerous reasons, and he was undoubtedly one of the most exceptional broadcasters on American TV. If it weren’t for Phil, there might never have been a Sally. My condolences to Marlo and their family during this difficult time. #RestInPeace #Legend #TalkShows
— Sally Jessy Raphael (@SJRaphael) August 19, 2024
Man, it’s really tough learning about the demise of the legendary talk show host, Phil Donahue, at 88. Just like countless journalists before me, he was an inspiration in my gaming and broadcasting journey. What a remarkable life he led! My thoughts go out to Marlo and his family during this difficult time. May they find peace and strength amidst their sorrow.
— Deborah Roberts (@DebRobertsABC) August 19, 2024
A great in memoriam piece on Phil Donahue by @ap’s @jcarrsmyth!
My statement below:
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) August 19, 2024
Phil Donahue, aged 88, has sadly passed away following a prolonged illness. He was surrounded by his beloved wife Marlo Thomas and their family during his final moments. His demise leaves me heartbroken. A trailblazer in the talk show world, he inspired me to delve into the genre he pioneered. What an influential figure in history. I am deeply saddened by this loss.
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) August 19, 2024
🌟 Sadly, Phil Donahue, who was 88 years old, passed away yesterday. He revolutionized the talk show genre by making it more about genuine human interactions rather than just a host and guest setup. One memory that stands out is an episode from the ’80s where he hosted both punk rockers and their startled parents, creating quite a scene!
— Martha Quinn Ⓥ (@MarthaQuinn) August 19, 2024
On The Phil Donahue Show, I came across discussions about the idea that same-sex couples might be allowed to marry in the future. These insightful daytime conversations contributed significantly to making our nation more intellectually enriched.
— Guy Branum (@guybranum) August 19, 2024
From this wise, compassionate individual, I absorbed a wealth of knowledge on interacting with others. Although fate never brought us together in person, his talent and the path he forged have always captivated me. Rest In Peace, Phil Donahue!
Obituary: Pioneering Talk Show Host Phil Donahue Dies at 88 – The Hollywood Reporter
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) August 19, 2024
This is just a wonderful interview. You could tell Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas were soulmates even then. We’ll miss you, Phil.
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) August 19, 2024
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2024-08-19 20:55