TV legend Phil Donahue was a pioneer in the daytime talk show circuit. He was named the “king of daytime talk.”
The host passed away at the age of 88 years-old. NBC’s “Today” show said Donahue died Sunday after a long illness.
Donahue influenced many who followed in his path, including Oprah Winfrey, Montel Williams and Ellen DeGeneres.
His television program, later known as Donahue, was the first talk show format that included audience participation. The show had a 29-year run on national television in America that began in Dayton, Ohio, and ended in New York City in 1996.
His shows have often focused on issues that divide liberals and conservatives in the United States, such as abortion, consumer protection, civil rights and war issues. His most frequent guest was Ralph Nader, for whom Donahue campaigned in 2000. Donahue also briefly hosted a talk show on MSNBC from July 2002 to March 2003.
Oprah Winfrey has stated, “If it weren’t for Phil Donahue, there would never have been an Oprah Show.”
