Oprah Winfrey has led tributes to US talk show host Phil Donahue following his death aged 88.
“There wouldn’t have been an Oprah Show without Phil Donahue being the first to prove that daytime talk and women watching should be taken seriously,” she shared on social media.
“He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace Phil.”
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Along with her post Winfrey shared a photo of the pair embracing during one of their many meetings.
Donahue was dubbed the “king of daytime talk” for being the first to include audiences as part of the talk show, effectively paving the path for Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres and many other stars.
The US Today show reported Donohue has passed away following a long illness.
Over the decades, Donohue’s eponymous show collected 20 Emmy Awards before the curtain fell in 1996.
Former talk show host Ricki Lake paid tribute to Donahue on social media. She wrote: “Raising a glass in honor of the great #phildonohue. Phil was an absolute legend and a pioneer in the talk show space.
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“So honored to stand beside him at Oprah’s show celebrating talk show icons in 2010. Such a warm, super supportive and brilliant man. Grateful for the path he paved and the legacy he has left behind. May he rest in peace.”
Rosie O’Donnell took to social media, describing Donahue as “a beautiful man in every way”.
“I will miss him – all my love to marlo and the grown kids,” she wrote.
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Montell Williams, fellow TV host, released a statement about Donahue’s death describing him as a “true pioneer.”
“Yesterday, we lost a true pioneer,” he wrote on X. “Phil Donahue, the godfather of talk shows, forever changed the landscapes of television.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Marlo and his family. Rest in peace, Phil.”
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Donahue’s wife, Marlo Thomas, also shared her thoughts following the death of her husband.
“I’m sure by now you’ve heard the very sad news that I lost my sweetheart last night, so I know you understand that I’ll be stepping away from this page for a while to take care of myself and the many people who took care of Phil, and held him close to their hearts,” she shared.
“But I didn’t want to disappear without saying thank you for the beautiful messages of love and support that have been coming in all day, and for the wonderful and generous way that you’ve let Phil and me share our life adventure with you over the years.”
She continued: “As a man who spent his career loving his audiences, Phil got such a kick out of our cozy little community here, and I know he would be very touched by the heartwarming thoughts and memories you’ve been sharing. Until I return, I wish you good health and happy days in the company of family and friends, and I hope that you will continue to hold close those you cherish most, just as I was blessed to do with my beloved Phillip.”
Bravo host Andy Cohen described Donahue as a “singular talent who revolutionized daytime television, and the talk show itself.”
“He was also an outspoken advocate for the gay community at a time when we had none,” Cohen continued. “Thank you Phil Donahue! RIP.”
Talk how host Geraldo Rivera described him as a “hero, a talk show pioneer who inspired me to try my hand at the genre he invented.
“What an historic figure. I am profoundly sorry for the loss his death represents to Marlo and his family and to society,” he continued.
“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. And my wife Erica joins me in sending condolences to Marlo and remembering our friend and hero, Phil Donahue.”
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