The television world has lost a pioneer with the passing of Phil Donahue, whose groundbreaking daytime talk show paved the way for future stars like Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams, and Ellen DeGeneres. Donahue, dubbed “the king of daytime talk,” passed away on Sunday after battling a long illness, as reported by NBC’s “Today” show.
Donahue’s show, which started in Ohio in 1967 and was later renamed “Donahue,” was known for tackling controversial social issues and embracing audience participation. The format set it apart from other interview shows of its time and made it popular with female viewers.
During its 26-year run on national television, the show earned 20 Emmy Awards and a Peabody for Donahue. In recognition of his contributions, President Joe Biden awarded Donahue a Presidential Medal of Freedom in May.
Besides his hit talk show, Donahue engaged in various other projects, from hosting a TV discussion series with a Soviet journalist during the Cold War to co-directing an Oscar-nominated documentary in 2006.
