NEW YORK CITY — Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre, died at his home here after a long illness. He was 88.
Dubbed “the king of daytime talk,” Donahue was the first to incorporate audience participation in a talk show, typically during a full hour with a single guest. Dubbed “the king of daytime talk,” Donahue was the first to incorporate audience participation in a talk show, typically during a full hour with a single guest.
“Just one guest per show? No band?” he remembered being routinely asked in his 1979 memoir, “Donahue, My Own Story.”
MSTies may remember that his show was mentioned in a host segment in episode 211- FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS.
) to help our users cope with "trolls" and other commenters whom they find annoying. Go to our
Phil Donahue pioneered talk shows.
He dealt with topics that other shows refused to deal with or simply ignored.
He also did celebrity interviews that didn’t fall under the trite category of “What was it like working with (insert name of actor/director).”
Every talk show since, starting with Oprah’s talk show, exist because Donahue’s wit, intelligence, and compassion.
My condolences to his family and friends.
RIP to Phil Donahue and his best impressionist Phil Hartman