Phil Donahue

Television talk show host and producer

Phil Donahue - Television talk show host and producer
Born

December 21st, 1935
89 years ago

Died

August 18th, 2024
0 years ago — 88 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

A television talk show host and producer played a central role in pioneering the daytime talk show format. The career began in local television before launching a nationally syndicated program, 'The Phil Donahue Show', in 1970. The show became one of the longest-running talk shows in history, renowned for addressing controversial topics and encouraging audience participation. This innovative format set the stage for future talk shows and established a new genre of programming.

Created 'The Phil Donahue Show', running for 29 years

Introduced audience interaction in talk shows

Influenced many subsequent talk show formats

Other People Born on December 21st

Max Maven

Magician and mentalist best known for mentalism
Born
December 21st, 1950 74 years ago
Died
2022 3 years ago — 72 years old

A magician and mentalist, gained recognition for innovative performances that showcased mentalism and psychological illusions. Contributed to magic as a writer and lecturer, sharing knowledge on the art of deception. Also hosted and appeared on television shows including 'The World's Greatest Magic' and 'Riding the Bus with My Sister'. A prolific creator of magic effects and mentalism routines, influential in the development of modern mentalism.

Continue Reading

Barry Gordon

Actor and Voice Artist; SAG President
Born
December 21st, 1948 76 years ago

An American actor and voice artist gained prominence through numerous television roles and animated characters. Served as the longest-serving president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1988 to 1995. Acted in the series 'The Sid Caesar Show' and provided the voice for various animated characters including 'Chip' from 'Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers'.

Continue Reading

Ernest de Munck

Belgian cellist and composer
Born
December 21st, 1840 184 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1915 110 years ago — 74 years old

Ernest de Munck contributed to the world of classical music as a distinguished cellist and composer. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his works primarily focused on chamber music and orchestral compositions. De Munck's skills on the cello gained recognition, and he performed with notable ensembles. His compositions, while less frequently performed today, showcased his command of melody and harmony.

Continue Reading

Walter Spanghero

Rugby player and coach
Born
December 21st, 1943 81 years ago

A prominent rugby player and later a coach, played primarily as a winger. Represented France in the 1960s and 1970s. Contributed to France's success in several international tournaments during his playing career. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, guiding teams and sharing expertise in the sport.

Continue Reading

Lorenzo Perosi

Italian composer of sacred music
Born
December 21st, 1872 152 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1956 68 years ago — 83 years old

Ordained as a priest, dedicated a significant portion of life to composing sacred music. Performed as a choirmaster and led various musical initiatives. Served as the Director of the Sistine Chapel Choir. Created numerous compositions, including oratorios, masses, and hymns, contributing to the body of liturgical music in the Catholic Church.

Continue Reading

Freddy Sanchez

Professional baseball player and All-Star
Born
December 21st, 1977 47 years ago

Played Major League Baseball primarily as a second baseman and third baseman from 2002 to 2010. Achieved success with the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Caught attention with an All-Star selection in 2006 while playing for the Pirates. Known for strong defensive skills and effective batting during his career.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 18th

Khaled al-Asaad

Syrian archaeologist and author
Born
1932 93 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2015 9 years ago — 83 years old

Contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient sites in Syria, particularly within the Palmyra region. Worked as the head of antiquities at the Palmyra Museum and dedicated efforts to preserve and document archaeological artifacts. Authored publications on the history and significance of the Palmyra ruins, influencing the field of archaeology. Captured and executed by ISIS in 2015 for refusing to reveal the location of hidden artifacts.

Continue Reading

Robert Novak

American journalist and author
Born
February 26th, 1931 94 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2009 15 years ago — 78 years old

Robert Novak was a prominent American journalist and author. With a career spanning several decades, Novak contributed significantly to political commentary and analysis. He co-authored the influential column 'Inside Politics', which provided insights into American politics. Novak also worked as a television commentator, appearing on networks such as CNN. The journalist authored multiple books covering political figures and events, reflecting on the evolution of American political discourse.

Continue Reading

Erwin Schulhoff

Czech composer and pianist with notable works
Born
June 8th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1942 82 years ago — 48 years old

Born in 1894 in Prague, a prominent composer and pianist contributed significantly to early 20th-century music. Schulhoff studied under influential teachers including Claude Debussy and later became aligned with avant-garde movements. His works often incorporated elements of jazz and folk music, reflecting the cultural currents of his time. Notable compositions include symphonies, concertos, and chamber music, as well as the piano sonatina and the opera 'Flammen'. His career faced interruption due to the rise of the Nazi regime, which led to his persecution. Schulhoff died in a concentration camp in 1949, leaving behind a legacy of innovative music that merged various styles.

Continue Reading

Jean Kahn

French lawyer and civil rights activist
Born
1929 96 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2013 11 years ago — 84 years old

Played a significant role in advocating for civil rights in France and worked with various organizations to promote social justice. Contributed to the legal framework regarding individual liberties and public policies. Engaged in numerous campaigns focused on minority rights, anti-racism, and civil liberties throughout a lengthy career in law. Held leadership positions in several human rights organizations and served on advisory panels concerning human rights issues.

Continue Reading

Louis de Freycinet

French explorer and navigator
Born
1779 246 years ago
Died
August 18th, 1842 182 years ago — 63 years old

Served as a prominent French navigator and explorer during the early 19th century. Led the Freycinet Expedition from 1817 to 1820, which conducted detailed surveys of the Australian coastline and charted previously unrecorded land. The expedition contributed to the mapping of the Pacific region and included scientific observations of flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures. Authored the 'Voyage autour du monde,' which documented the findings of the expedition.

Continue Reading

Rose Friedman

Economist and author of Capitalism and Freedom
Born
1910 115 years ago
Died
August 18th, 2009 15 years ago — 99 years old

An economist and author, contributed significantly to economic thought through the promotion of free-market principles. Co-founded the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice to advocate for school choice. Collaborated with husband Milton Friedman on important works in economics, including 'Capitalism and Freedom' and 'Free to Choose', which discussed the role of capitalism in promoting individual liberty. Engaged in numerous debates and wrote extensively on economic policy and education reform.

Continue Reading