Talk show legend Phil Donahue dead at 88

NY Post ^ | 08/19/2024 | Eric Todisco

[ChicagoConservative27]

Phil Donahue, the legendary TV talk show host, has died. He was 88.

Donahue passed away Sunday night following a long illness, his family confirmed to “Today” Monday morning.

The late star died at home surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, his children, grandchildren and his beloved golden retriever, Charlie.

The family’s statement requested that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.

[dowcaet]

Speaking of Johnny Carson I had no clue he was a Democrat, but watching two interviews he did with Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon, he was courteous and respectful and he allowed both of them to speak freely without jabs or interruptions. A far cry from folks today like Colbert and Kimmel who openly show their political biases on the air. Johnny Carson and Rush Limbaugh were two talk show hosts who can never be duplicated or replaced.

[discostu]

Sweeps week strippers. I remember how completely honest he was that the show would get slightly salacious during sweeps. Never really that salacious, but gotta get the ratings. Sweeps also tended to be when he’d bring the anti-heavy metal people on, and I’d write down all the albums they were waving around to buy. They were great negative indicators.

[CletusVanDamme]

I thought that he was already dead.

[Southern Magnolia]

Wasn’t there something about him challenging the the logic behind the Iraq war (that officially wasn’t declared a “war” per say, ike Vietnam, but a military operation) that got him cancelled? Yeah, he was a Lefty but he was questioning authority.

[libertylover]

Phil Donahue was a liberal. But I don’t remember him being obnoxious

I guess you didn't see the show when he had Rush Limbaugh on where Donahue was super rude and completely obnoxious.

[frogjerk]

The 2 part Milton Friedman interview is the best. Phil, respectfully I might add, argued with Milton and Milton explained his position concisefully and clearly. Probably the greatest Interview from a daytime talk show host ever.

RIP

[Red Badger]

I thought he was already dead.......................

[Red Badger]

Me too!..............I coulda swore he died years ago!............

[DIRTYSECRET]

The episode with Rush had a rather small studio audience as I recall. I could see the motivation behind it.

[Nextrush]

Donahue’s company syndicated Rush’s TV show back in the 1990’s so Donahue was willing to do business with El Rushbo at least.

[OldGoatCPO]

My mother watched his show religiously. In hindsight I cannot blame her. He was all in when it came to women’s rights. My mother (single mom) worked a local factory. They paid her less than the men doing the same job. Early Seventies, overnight, she was giving a pay raise and back pay. It saved us. She believed it was because of women’s rights advocates like Donahue. She may have been correct.

Years later, I was home on leave from the Corps. While getting a cup of coffee I noticed she was watching Phil Donahue. The guest and Phil were going off on men’s expectations in a marriage being unrealistic and at times deeming. I told my mother I agreed with Phil, a husband should only expect one thing in a marriage. My mother ask what? I replied “absolute blind obedience.” Mother missed the sarcasm, all hell broke loose and I had to avoid my mom for a couple of days😂

[OldHarbor]

I had a boyhood crush on Marlo, so I therefore hated Phil Donahue . 😂

Donahue’s show was the first time I saw a transvestite. 🤮

[OldGoatCPO]

Nicely done.

[Leaning Right]

To be honest, I only watched bits and pieces of Donahue‘s show. That’s why I included “I don’t remember…” in my post. My preferred TV at the time was reruns of shows like “Green Acres” and “Petticoat Junction”.

[Bob434]

I don’t have facebook- but Roy c,ark was a true legend- have been watching videos of him last several days-

[DFG]

Phil Donahue interviews John Wayne (1976)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikITxlBTxvE

[Bob434]

I agree totally. It was a real joy to watch his show- he did Crack some liberal jokes from time to time, utthey weren’t mean or nasty- and everyone enjoyed the jokes, even Republicans in the audience im sure.

[srmanuel]

That was fantastic, I also enjoyed when he interviewed Ayn Rand on his show.

[Jane Long]

RIP ...

And, condolences to his longtime wife, Marlo Thomas (daughter of Danny Thomas, devout Catholic).

Both libs, but, not the In Your Face libs, of today.

[Phoenix8]

Then you are not old enough likely:

“ Former talk-show host Phil Donahue on Saturday reflected on President Trump’s administration, calling it “the darkest political moment in American history.””