Longtime television host Phil Donahue has died, according to his family. Donahue was 88 when he passed away on Aug. 18. Family members said that Donahue died at home while surrounded by his wife, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, his grandchildren, and his dog. The Phil Donahue show, arguably the pioneer of the talk show format, aired for nearly 30 years from 1968-1996. He retired at age 60 and later had a failed comeback attempt on MSNBC. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden. Donahue's drive for quantity over quality has made him a somewhat controversial figure, even 30 years later. RIP
enjoyed having him in my growing up life, he was a trailblaizer in media world.. Oprah supposedly said, she would not be Oprah if not for Phil.
I watched his show sometimes. I thought it was amusing how he'd rush to different people in the audience to get their comments. Several comedians included it in their routines - falling on top of other audience members, etc. He did have interesting guests: I like this imitation - especially the hair:
I wasn’t too thrilled with Phil when he married Marlo. I mean, she was That Girl right after I mentally broke up with Annette Funicello when she started playing house with that other Bobby. I guess I got over it though and eventually forgave Donahue and even watched a few more of his shows albeit I think Danny Thomas would have liked me better than Phil. Admittedly, Phil Donahue did have a pretty good show and I even remember a few episodes. RiP Phil.
His death has stirred up an old controversy that I was unaware of: "She's not Danny's daughter. Look at her nose!" Apparently a big schnoz is supposed to be a dominant trait.