Donahue began his media career in the late 1950s, but his groundbreaking talk show debuted in 1967. Starting in Dayton, Ohio, the show later moved to Chicago in 1974, gaining widespread popularity, especially when Donahue introduced audience participation—a feature that would become a hallmark of daytime TV.
His show appealed to a broad audience, especially women, by focusing on meaningful discussions about important social issues, helping reshape the world of daytime television.
Donahue is survived by his wife, actress Marlo Thomas, and four children. His impact on television and his role in transforming talk shows will be remembered for years to come.