Much-loved TV host Phil Donahue has passed away aged 88.
The star, who rose to fame in the late 1960s, was one of the first acts to interact with a studio audience. The sad news was confirmed by his family.
A statement from his family read: “Groundbreaking TV talk show journalist Phil Donahue died Sunday night at home surrounded by his wife of 44 years Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever Charlie.
“Donahue was 88 years old and passed away peacefully following a long illness.” A talk show icon, famed for his programme, The Phil Donahue Show, was one of the first of its kind.
(Image: Getty Images)
The host is known as one of the greats to the likes of Oprah Winfrey, who dubbed him as Donahue as a trailblazer. “If there had been no Phil Donahue show, there would be no ‘Oprah Winfrey’ show,” Oprah said in 2002.
“He was the first to acknowledge that women are interested in more than mascara tips and cake recipes — that we’re intelligent, we’re concerned about the world around us, and we want the best possible lives for ourselves.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Good Morning Britain star is one of the many celebrities to come forward to pay tribute to the late star. He wrote on X: “RIP Phil Donahue, 88. One of the true trail-blazing icons of American television.
“He hosted over 6,000 talk shows, and was the first to interact with a studio audience. Interviewing him for CNN a few years ago lived up to every expectation.. such a clever, interesting man.”
(Image: WireImage)
One fan also wrote: “I remember watching the show the day Marlo was his guest and their attraction to each other was so funny and cute so it wasn’t a surprise when they married. He was such a lovely man – RIP dear Mr. Donahue!”
A second added: “I just read Phil Donahue has passed. In 1980, he brought his show to Sacramento. I was working at KCRA-TV & was tapped for a very minor role in the local production team. I even had the chance to meet him at a lunch. He was, at that time, the undisputed “King of Daytime TV.” RIP.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
