After a protracted illness, the late daytime television star, who presented over 6,000 episodes of The Phil Donahue Show between 1967 and 1996, passed away on Sunday night at his New York City home. He is left by four children from his former marriage to Margaret Cooney and his wife of forty-four years, Marlo Thomas. James, his youngest son, passed away in 2014.
Many others who have followed in Donahue's footsteps celebrated his legacy on social media after learning of his passing.
"If Phil Donahue hadn't been the first to demonstrate that women should be treated seriously when they watch talk shows during the day, there would never have been an Oprah Show. He was an innovator. I'm happy I had the opportunity to thank him. Oprah Winfrey penned, "Phil, rest in peace.
Even Sally Jessy Raphael, who became well-known in the 1980s with her own talk show, admitted that Donahue was responsible for her career success. It's a pretty depressing day. One of the best broadcasters on American television, Phil Donahue was someone I greatly respected for a variety of reasons. There never would have been a Sally without Phil. With images from his guest appearance on, she wrote, "My thoughts and prayers go out to Marlo and their family."
Co-anchor of 20/20 Deborah Roberts also went into detail about Donahue's laying the groundwork for her. "I'm very sorry to learn that talk show legend Phil Donahue passed away at the age of 88. In my career, he motivated me, as he did so many other journalists. What a life! She said, "Praying for Marlo and his family to find comfort."
Montel Williams, another well-known host of daytime talk shows, also issued a statement. We lost a real pioneer yesterday. The television industry was dramatically altered by talk show pioneer Phil Donahue. Marlo and his family are in my prayers and thoughts. Phil, rest in peace.
"A singular talent who revolutionized daytime television, and the talk show itself," was how Andy Cohen summed up Donahue in a tweet. He was also a vocal supporter for the homosexual community when there was none. I'm grateful, Phil Donahue! RIP.
A picture of Piers Morgan and Donahue from their 2012 CNN interview was posted, along with a statement about spending time together on the show. "One of American television's real trailblazers." In addition to becoming the first to engage with a studio audience, he presented more than 6,000 discussion programs. A few years ago, Morgan tweeted, "Interviewing him for CNN lived up to every expectation.. such a clever, interesting man."
Enregistrer un commentaire