Of Notoriety: Remembering Phil Donahue as the Magic Behind the Microphone

When I lead panel discussions or roam the audience with a handheld microphone, I jokingly call myself a substitute for Phil Donahue. The Purdue University Northwest students I teach have no idea who Phil Donahue was, and why he should be remembered. Oprah Winfrey once said, “Without a Phil Donahue Show,’ there couldn’t have been an ‘Oprah Winfrey Show.’”

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing both Oprah and Phil, and they are as down-to-earth as they appear on TV. Phil Donahue was always a regular and easy interviewee, someone I got to meet three times. He passed away at age 88 on August 18, surrounded by his family.

Donahue was the father of all daytime talk shows. He discussed topics never before seen in mainstream media and ran his syndicated show on a smaller budget. His approach was unique compared to his peers, and he paved the way for shows like Oprah’s.

Phil Donahue was a kind and caring man, as his wife Marlo Thomas and many others can attest to. He leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking television, memorable guests, and important conversations that will never be forgotten.

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Of Notoriety: Phil Donahue was magic behind the microphone, a regular nice guy