Donahue, himself, also earned his own recurring interview segment onToday, between 1979 to 1988.
He was a pioneer.
Im glad I got to thank him for it.
Donahue in 1982Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
Rest in peace Phil.
Several other newscasters, TV personalities, and daytime talk stars weighed in as well.
Andy CohencalledDonahue a singular talent who revolutionized daytime television, and the talk show itself.
He was an outspoken advocate for the gay community at a time when we had none.
If there wasnt a Phil, there would have never been a Sally.
What an historic figure…
He was the most important talk show host ever.
He recognized that the daytime tv audience was under served.
He remembered the home makers, and gave them an avenue to the rest of the world.
A giant has passed.
But from the start, Donahue welcomed the crowd into his show.
Donahueoften cajoled his subjectswith the simple line, Were here to learn.
Along with OHair, the first week ofDonahuefeatured another jolting segment, one with an anatomically correct male doll.
Do you think this is appropriate for children?
Donahue asked, before encouraging folks to call in with their opinions.
That garnered so many calls, it paralyzed the local phone company.
During his nearly three-decade run, Donahue never shied from a topic.
WhileDonahueenjoyed a devoted audience throughout his run, he proved especially popular with women.
The people around me who were making decisions about who we had on the show were women.
Donahues success ultimately waned in the Nineties.
He even referred to successors like Jerry Springer and Sally Jessy Raphael as his illegitimate children.
We didnt want you to be able to predict us or put using a niche.
We wanted to surprise you everyday.
This story was updated at 5:09 p.m.
ET on Aug. 19 with additional tributes to Phil Donahue.
This story was updated at 12:14 a.m.
ET on Aug. 20 to include a statement from Marlo Thomas.
