Phil Donahue is an American television personality and producer, best known for creating and hosting the talk show The Phil Donahue Show. The program, which aired from 1967 to 1996, was one of the first of its kind, focusing on social issues and encouraging audience participation. Donahue's style was characterized by his ability to engage with guests and viewers, making him a pioneer in the talk show format. Born on December 21, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, Donahue began his career in radio before transitioning to television. He has received numerous awards for his work, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. After his talk show ended, he continued to work in television, including hosting a show on MSNBC in the early 2000s.