History of Phil Donahue in Timeline
Phil Donahue is an American media icon known for creating and hosting "The Phil Donahue Show." This pioneering talk show, which ran for 29 years, was the first to feature audience participation, a format widely adopted by others. Beginning in Dayton, Ohio in 1967 and concluding in New York City in 1996, "Donahue" became a staple of daytime television, engaging viewers in discussions on a wide array of topics.
December 21, 1935: Birth of Phil Donahue
Phillip John Donahue was born on December 21, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio.
1949: Donahue Graduates from Our Lady of Angels
In 1949, a young Phil Donahue graduated from Our Lady of Angels elementary school in Cleveland, Ohio.
1953: Donahue Graduates from St. Edward High School
Phil Donahue graduated as part of the first graduating class of St. Edward High School, a prestigious all-boys Catholic school in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1953.
1957: Donahue Earns Business Degree from Notre Dame
Phil Donahue graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1957 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
1957: Donahue's Entry into Broadcasting
Phil Donahue's career in broadcasting began in 1957 as a production assistant at KYW radio and television in Cleveland.
1958: Donahue's First Marriage
Phil Donahue married Margaret Cooney in 1958.
1963: "Conversation Piece" Talk Show Begins
Donahue hosted "Conversation Piece," an afternoon phone-in talk show, on WHIO radio in Dayton, Ohio from 1963 to 1967.
November 6, 1967: Donahue Moves to WLWD
On November 6, 1967, Donahue left WHIO and took "The Phil Donahue Show" to WLWD, another station in Dayton.
1967: Donahue's Notable Interviews in Dayton
While working in Dayton, Ohio, Donahue conducted significant interviews with prominent figures, including presidential candidate John F. Kennedy, talk show host Johnny Carson, activist Malcolm X, and anti-Vietnam War figures like Jerry Rubin.
1967: The Phil Donahue Show Begins
In 1967, Phil Donahue began his groundbreaking talk show, "The Phil Donahue Show," in Dayton, Ohio.
January 1970: "The Phil Donahue Show" Goes National
January 1970 marked a turning point for "The Phil Donahue Show" as it entered nationwide syndication, expanding its reach significantly.
1974: Donahue Show Relocates to Chicago
In 1974, "The Phil Donahue Show" made a significant move, relocating from Dayton, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois.
1975: Donahue's First Marriage Ends
Phil Donahue's marriage to Margaret Cooney ended in divorce in 1975.
1979: Donahue Joins "The Today Show"
Expanding his presence in television, Phil Donahue became a contributor to NBC's "The Today Show" in 1979.
May 21, 1980: Donahue Marries Marlo Thomas
Phil Donahue married actress Marlo Thomas on May 21, 1980.
1980: Donahue Honored with Peabody Award
Phil Donahue's impactful work in television was recognized in 1980 when he was honored with a prestigious Peabody Award.
1984: Donahue Show Moves to New York City
The "Donahue" show made its final move in 1984, relocating to New York City and broadcasting from a studio at the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
1987: Donahue Receives Planned Parenthood's Highest Honor
In recognition of his advocacy, Phil Donahue was honored with the "Maggie" Award in 1987, the highest accolade bestowed by the Planned Parenthood Federation. The award pays tribute to Margaret Sanger, the organization's founder.
1988: "Free to Be... A Family" Airs
In 1988, Marlo Thomas, Phil Donahue's wife, created a children's special titled "Free to Be... A Family," inspired by the groundbreaking book and album series celebrating diversity and acceptance.
1988: Donahue Concludes "The Today Show" Role
After nearly a decade, Phil Donahue concluded his run as a contributor on "The Today Show" in 1988.
1991: "Posner/Donahue" Premieres
Phil Donahue and Vladimir Posner teamed up again in 1991 to co-host "Posner/Donahue," a weekly discussion program focused on current events. The show aired on CNBC and in syndication.
November 20, 1993: Donahue Inducted into Television Hall of Fame
In a testament to his significant contributions to the television industry, Phil Donahue was inducted into the prestigious Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame on November 20, 1993.
1994: "Posner/Donahue" Concludes
After three years of facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, the program "Posner/Donahue," co-hosted by Phil Donahue and Vladimir Posner, came to an end in 1994.
September 13, 1996: Final "Donahue" Episode Airs
The last original episode of "Donahue" aired on September 13, 1996, concluding its impressive 29-year run, with 26 of those years in syndication, totaling almost 7,000 daily hour-long episodes.
1996: End of an Era: Donahue Concludes
After a remarkable 29-year run, "Donahue" aired its final episode in 1996, marking the end of a pioneering era in television.
1996: Donahue Ranked Among TV Guide's Greatest
Phil Donahue's impact on television was solidified in 1996 when TV Guide ranked him #42 on their list of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.
2000: Donahue Campaigns for Ralph Nader
A testament to his political engagement, Phil Donahue actively campaigned for Ralph Nader during the 2000 US presidential election.
July 2002: Donahue Returns to Television on MSNBC
After a period away from the small screen, Phil Donahue made his return to television in July 2002 with a new talk show, "Donahue," airing on MSNBC.
July 2002: Donahue Returns to Television
In July 2002, Phil Donahue returned to television after a seven-year hiatus to host a new show, simply titled "Donahue," on MSNBC.
February 25, 2003: MSNBC Cancels "Donahue"
On February 25, 2003, MSNBC made the decision to cancel "Donahue," marking the end of the talk show host's return to the network.
March 2003: MSNBC Cancels "Donahue"
Donahue's return to television was short-lived; MSNBC canceled his show in March 2003.
2006: Donahue Co-Directs "Body of War"
In 2006, Phil Donahue stepped behind the camera to co-direct the documentary film "Body of War" alongside filmmaker Ellen Spiro. The film centers on the experiences of Tomas Young, an Iraq War veteran who sustained severe injuries.
November 2007: "Body of War" Shortlisted for Oscar
The documentary film "Body of War," co-directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, was named as one of fifteen films in contention for an Oscar nomination in the documentary category in November 2007.
2007: Donahue Speaks Out About MSNBC Cancellation
In 2007, Phil Donahue publicly addressed the cancellation of his MSNBC show, suggesting that his opposition to the Iraq War played a role in the network's decision.
June 2013: Donahue Supports Chelsea Manning
In June 2013, Phil Donahue joined a chorus of celebrities in expressing public support for Chelsea Manning, a former US Army soldier who was convicted of leaking classified information.
2013: Donahue Featured in "Finding Vivian Maier"
Donahue, who briefly employed Vivian Maier as a nanny in the 1970s, was interviewed for the 2013 documentary film "Finding Vivian Maier." The film explores the life and work of the enigmatic street photographer who gained posthumous recognition.
2014: Death of James Donahue
Phil Donahue's youngest son, James Donahue, tragically passed away in 2014 at the age of 51 due to a ruptured aortic aneurysm.
May 25, 2016: Donahue Speaks at Ralph Nader Conference
On May 25, 2016, Phil Donahue was a featured speaker at Ralph Nader's "Breaking Through Power" conference held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
2024: Donahue Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
Phil Donahue's enduring legacy was celebrated in 2024 when he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, one of the nation's highest civilian awards.