History of Phil Donahue in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
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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