Phil Donahue was an American media personality, writer, and film producer best known as the creator and host of The Phil Donahue Show. The television program, also known as Donahue, was the first talk show format that included audience participation. The show had a 29-year run on national television in America that began in Dayton, Ohio, and ended in New York City in 1996.

His shows have often focused on issues that divide liberals and conservatives in the United States, such as abortion, consumer protection, civil rights and war issues.

His most frequent guest was Ralph Nader, for whom Donahue campaigned in 2000.

Donahue also briefly hosted a talk show on MSNBC from July 2002 to March 2003.

In 1996, Donahue was ranked #42 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.

Phil Donahue was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1993.