Daytime talk show host Phil Donahue dies at 88

Phil Donahue, pioneering talk show host, dies at 88. He was known as the father of the modern talk show.

Phil Donahue, the pioneering TV talk show host, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 88 following a long illness, his family confirmed. Donahue died at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren, and his cherished golden retriever, Charlie. The family shared the news in a statement to TODAY, though no further details about the cause of death were provided.

Donahue was best known for The Phil Donahue Show, a groundbreaking program that revolutionized the talk show format by incorporating audience participation. “One day, I just went out in the audience, and it’s clear there would be no Donahue show if I hadn’t somehow accidentally brought in the audience,” Donahue reflected in an interview with WGN-TV in 2023. His innovative approach set the stage for future talk show hosts like Geraldo Rivera, Jerry Springer, and Oprah Winfrey.

“Phil Donahue is basically the father of the modern talk show,” Steve Novak, a longtime director and producer at WGN-TV, told the network last year. Donahue's show, which aired from 1967 to 1996, became a template for many popular talk shows that followed, making him a legend in the industry.

Donahue is survived by his wife Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren, and his beloved dog Charlie. His contributions to television and his lasting impact on the talk show genre will be remembered by audiences and colleagues alike.