History of Phil Donahue in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

Phil Donahue is an American media personality, writer, and film producer, best known as the creator and host of 'The Phil Donahue Show' (later 'Donahue'). This groundbreaking talk show, which premiered in Dayton, Ohio, in 1967, was the first to incorporate audience participation, influencing the talk show genre. Donahue's show ran for 29 years on national television, concluding in New York City in 1996, establishing him as a significant figure in the history of television broadcasting.

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Full Timeline

December 21, 1935: Phillip John Donahue Born

On December 21, 1935, Phillip John Donahue was born.

1949: Graduation from Our Lady of Angels Elementary School

In 1949, Donahue graduated from Our Lady of Angels Elementary School.

1953: Graduation from St. Edward High School

In 1953, Donahue graduated from St. Edward High School.

1957: Began Career at KYW

In 1957, Donahue began his career as a production assistant at KYW radio and television in Cleveland.

1957: Graduation from the University of Notre Dame

In 1957, Donahue graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

1958: Marriage to Margaret Cooney

In 1958, Donahue married Margaret Cooney.

1963: Hosted Conversation Piece on WHIO Radio

From 1963 to 1967, Donahue hosted Conversation Piece, an afternoon phone-in talk show on WHIO radio in Dayton, Ohio.

November 6, 1967: Donahue Moves Talk Program to WLWD

On November 6, 1967, Donahue moved his talk program with The Phil Donahue Show to WLWD in Dayton.

1967: Interviews on WHIO-TV picked up nationally

In 1967, Donahue's interviews with Jimmy Hoffa and Billie Sol Estes were picked up nationally while he was an anchor at WHIO-TV in Dayton, Ohio.

1967: The Phil Donahue Show Debut

In 1967, The Phil Donahue Show, the first popular talk show to feature audience participation, began its 29-year run in Dayton, Ohio.

January 1970: The Phil Donahue Show Enters Nationwide Syndication

In January 1970, The Phil Donahue Show entered nationwide syndication.

1974: Show Moves to Chicago

In 1974, Donahue's syndicated show moved from Dayton, Ohio, to Chicago.

1975: Divorce from Margaret Cooney

In 1975, Donahue's marriage to Margaret Cooney ended in divorce.

1979: Donahue Appears on The Today Show

From 1979 until 1988, Donahue appeared on NBC's The Today Show as a contributor.

May 21, 1980: Marriage to Marlo Thomas

On May 21, 1980, Donahue married actress Marlo Thomas.

1980: Peabody Award

In 1980, Donahue received the Peabody Award.

1985: Show Moves to New York City

In 1985, Donahue moved the show to New York City.

1987: "Maggie" Award

In 1987, Donahue received the "Maggie" Award, the highest honor of the Planned Parenthood Federation.

1988: Donahue Appears on The Today Show

From 1979 until 1988, Donahue appeared on NBC's The Today Show as a contributor.

1988: Free to Be... A Family Created

In 1988, Donahue's wife Marlo Thomas created a children's version of U.S.-Soviet Space Bridge entitled Free to Be... A Family.

1991: Posner/Donahue Program Airs

From 1991 to 1994 Donahue and Pozner co-hosted Posner/Donahue, a weekly, issues-oriented roundtable program, which aired both on CNBC and in syndication.

November 20, 1993: Inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame

On November 20, 1993, Donahue was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.

1994: Posner/Donahue Program Ends

From 1991 to 1994 Donahue and Pozner co-hosted Posner/Donahue, a weekly, issues-oriented roundtable program, which aired both on CNBC and in syndication.

September 13, 1996: Final Original Episode of Donahue

On September 13, 1996, the final original episode of Donahue aired after a 29-year run.

1996: Lifetime Achievement Award

In 1996, Donahue received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

1996: Ranked on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars

In 1996, Donahue was ranked No. 42 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.

1996: The Phil Donahue Show Ends

In 1996, The Phil Donahue Show ended its 29-year run on national television in New York City.

1999: Candidate to host Greed

In 1999, Donahue was one of the lead candidates to host the game show Greed.

2000: Donahue Campaigns for Ralph Nader

In 2000, Donahue campaigned for Ralph Nader, who was also his most frequent guest on his shows.

July 2002: Donahue's Show on MSNBC

In July 2002, Donahue briefly hosted a talk show on MSNBC.

July 2002: Donahue Returns to Television on MSNBC

In July 2002, Donahue returned to television after seven years of retirement to host a show called Donahue on MSNBC.

February 2003: MSNBC Cancels Donahue's Show

In February 2003, MSNBC canceled Donahue's show.

February 25, 2003: MSNBC Canceled Donahue Show

On February 25, 2003, MSNBC canceled Donahue's show due to his opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

2006: Co-Directed "Body of War"

In 2006, Donahue served as co-director for the documentary film "Body of War."

November 2007: "Body of War" Considered for Oscar Nomination

In November 2007, the film "Body of War" was named as one of fifteen documentaries to be in consideration for an Oscar nomination.

2007: Donahue Comments on MSNBC Management

In 2007, Donahue commented on MSNBC's management requiring two conservative guests for every liberal.

June 2013: Support for Chelsea Manning

In June 2013, Donahue appeared in a video showing support for Chelsea Manning.

2013: Interviewed for Finding Vivian Maier

In 2013, Donahue was interviewed for the documentary film Finding Vivian Maier.

August 2014: Death of James Donahue

In August 2014, Donahue's youngest son, James Donahue, died suddenly.

May 25, 2016: Spoke at Ralph Nader's "Breaking Through Power" Conference

On May 25, 2016, Donahue spoke at Ralph Nader's "Breaking Through Power" conference in Washington, D.C.

August 18, 2024: Death of Phil Donahue

On August 18, 2024, Phil Donahue passed away.

2024: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2024, Donahue was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden.

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