• Phil Donahue, pioneer of daytime talk, dies on Sunday
• Donahue’s hosted his influential talk show for nearly three decades
• Donahue’s net worth was $105 million at the time of his death.
Phil Donahue, pioneer of daytime talk, dies age 88
Longtime talk show host Phil Donahue, a pioneering figure who revolutionized daytime TV with his groundbreaking weekday program, passed away Sunday night at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness, his family confirmed.
Donahue’s influential show, which he hosted for nearly three decades, set the standard for talk show formats and sparked critical conversations on social issues.
Donahue was surrounded by family at his home during his final moments, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren, and his beloved golden retriever.
It was back in 1967 when Donahue launched “The Phil Donahue Show” on Dayton’s WLWD TV station.
Later in 1974, the show moved to Chicago and then in 1985 relocated to New York.
“The Phil Donahue Show” was way ahead of its time and was the first national TV program to feature breakdancing, many believing it responsible for introducing hip-hop culture to mainstream American audiences.
The show ran to 1996 and in recent years Donahue was co-directed with
filmmaker Ellen Spiro the documentary “Body of War.” The film told the story of a disabled Iraq War veteran adjusting to life back home, winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and made the Oscar shortlist of documentaries.
Donahue’s net worth was $105 million at the time of his death.
