Bold and the Beautiful Alum Talk Show Host Phil Donahue Died At 88

The Bold and the Beautiful alum and daytime talk show host Phil Donahue died. The daytime legend was 88 years old.

Rest In Peace

Today reported that Donahue died on Sunday, August 18, following a long illness. He was surrounded by his wife of 44 years, Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, and grandchildren, along with his dog, Charlie.

In 1991, Donahue played a TV host in one episode of B&B, which long-time viewers may remember. The host pioneered the modern talk show format, which includes audience participation. He hosted his show, The Phil Donahue Show, and later, Donahue, from 1967 to 1996. For his work, People reported, he won 20 Emmy Awards, 10 as a host, and 10 for the show. The show rebooted briefly on MSNBC from 2002-2003.

President Joe Biden awarded Donahue the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor, last May. He received the medal alongside Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky and actress Michelle Yeoh.

He is survived by his wife, Thomas, and four children from his first marriage —  Michael, Kevin, Daniel, and Mary Rose. On son, James “Jim” Patrick, preceded him in death in 2014. In lieu of flowers, Donahue’s family requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.