RIP.
I posted this is the Abe Vigoda thread, but I think it fits better here:
When we used to visit my grandmother, then in her eighties, she would talk about the Phil Donahue show.
“His guests talk about anything! Just anything! It didn’t use to be like that.”
When we were driving home, I mentioned this and how it seemed to bother her.
“She keeps watching, though,” said Dad.
RIP, Phil, and thanks for giving my grandmother insights into the changing world.
I was a young adult who enjoyed watching his programming. I especially enjoyed his collaboration with the Soviet journalist Vladimir Pozner in the late 1980s I believe. I was impressed with that back then.
All the older folks will eventually leave us. But their work remains to be discovered by new generations.
A toast to Mr. Donahue and his many years of interviews!
Is the caller there??
Apparently, not any more 
In the early 90s, I was a producer for a local daily talk show in Fairfield County, CT, and since Phil was based right down the road, we always wanted him on.
One day, I happened to answer the phone first when his agent called, so I got all the credit for “landing” the big interview with Phil and Vladimir on News12. It was momentous enough that we gave them a double segment, and I got a lot more cred with the other producers for my “achievement.”
Timing is everything.
What an awesome accomplishment and memory!
My mom was a huge fan of this show so I saw my share of episodes as a kid. I remember her yelling at the tv when Madalyn Murrey O’ Hair was the guest. Interestingly enough, I think those shows started my mom’s distancing herself from religion.
RIP, Phil. You were one of the better ones.
He got raw deal being fired for speaking out against the Iraq war. RIP