Oprah Winfrey owes her career to the late Phil Donahue.
The media mogul joined the flood of famous faces paying tribute to late daytime TV icon Phil after it emerged on Aug. 19 he had died at 88 on Aug. 18. She said she believed she would have never had her show without the influence of the television trailblazer.
“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. He was a pioneer. I’m glad I got to thank him for it. Rest in peace, Phil,” she told People.
Winfrey shared the same statement on her Instagram, along with a black-and-white photo of her and Donahue hugging.
Donahue’s death was first reported by “Today” when his family announced he died in his home on Aug. 18.
They said his final moments were spent surrounded by his wife of 44 years, actor Marlo Thomas, as well as his sister, children, grandchildren and his “beloved golden retriever, Charlie.”
His cause of death has not yet been revealed, but the family’s statement added his passing came “following a long illness.” They also said he died “peacefully”.
Donahue broke barriers by broaching controversial topics on his talk shows, which started in the 1950s.
“The Phil Donahue Show” tackled issues including child abuse in the Catholic Church, as well as civil rights, racism and feminism.
Donahue won 20 Emmy awards — 10 for Outstanding Host and 10 for his talk show — which paved the way for daytime hosts such as Winfrey, Sally Jesse Raphael, Ricki Lake and Montel Williams.
Williams also paid tribute to the late talk-show host after news of his death broke, saying he was a “true pioneer.”
“Yesterday, we lost a true pioneer. Phil Donahue, the godfather of talk shows, forever changed the landscape of television. My thoughts and prayers are with Marlo and his family. Rest in peace, Phil.” Williams added.
