Phil Donahue

Donahue in 2012, photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Phillip John Donahue

Date of Birth: December 21, 1935

Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

Date of Death: August 18, 2024

Place of Death: New York City, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity: Irish

Phil Donahue was an American media personality, writer, and film producer. He was the host of The Phil Donahue Show/Donahue, which he created, from 1967 to 1996; and, in a new version, from 2002 to 2003. His original show was the first well-known talk program to feature an audience participation format; it focused on cultural and political issues, including abortion, civil rights, consumer protection, and war conduct. He was known as the “king of daytime talk.”

Phil was the son of Catherine/Katherine (McClory), a department store shoe clerk, and Phillip Donahue, a furniture sales clerk. He grew up in a Catholic family. Phil was married to actress and producer Marlo Thomas, until his death. He had five children with his former wife Margaret Cooney.

Phil’s paternal grandfather was John B. Donahue (the son of John B. Donahue and Mary Burns). Phil’s grandfather John was born in Zanesville, Ohio.

Phil’s paternal grandmother was named Clara Kiernan.

Phil’s maternal grandfather was John B./R./P. McClory (the son of Patrick McClory and Ann D. Darrell). John was born in New Jersey.

Phil’s maternal grandmother was named Loretta McGinty. Loretta was born in Wisconsin.

Sources: Genealogy of Phil Donahue – http://www.geni.com

Phil Donahue on the 1940 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Phil’s parents – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Phil’s paternal grandfather, John B. Donahue – https://familysearch.org

Phil’s mother on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Obituary of Phil’s maternal grandfather, John B./R./P. McClory – https://familysearch.org