Phil Donahue, who changed the face of U.S. daytime television with a long-running syndicated talk show that highlighted topical and often provocative social and political issues, has died at age 88.
Donahue's show tackled subject matter once considered taboo for television including abortion, the sexual revolution and race relations, making him a pioneering force in daytime talk.
With his boyish charm, Donahue was known for aggressively questioning his guests and bounding through the studio to give his audience a chance to be heard, creating a participative environment.
If it weren't for Phil Donahue, there never would have been an Oprah show, Winfrey has said, highlighting Donahue's influence on future talk shows and hosts.
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