Late Talk Show Host Phil Donahue’s Jaw-Dropping Former Megamansion Is on the Market for $27.5 Million

The former home of late talk show host Phil Donahue is on the market in Westport, CT, for the staggering price of $27.5 million—having been put up for sale just weeks before his tragic death at the age of 88.

Hollywood was left reeling over the news that the host of “The Phil Donahue Show” had died on Aug. 18—with tributes quickly pouring in from fans and celebrities alike.

Donahue’s family confirmed that he died at home after a “long illness.” He was surrounded by his nearest and dearest, including his wife, actress Marlo Thomas.

Donahue leaves behind an incredible on-screen legacy, an estimated $150 million fortune, and, as it turns out, an incredible Connecticut home that he and Thomas once shared.

The fabulous 6.6-acre estate overlooks the Long Island Sound and features 10,544 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and 5.5 baths.

The Roger Ferris–designed home is straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie, complete with elegant white-on-white rooms and French doors that swing wide to bring in the fresh air and stunning water views.

The elegant main room, sunroom, and huge kitchen all flow to the patio that faces south, flooding the spaces with light. The kitchen boasts an enormous island with seating and a restaurant-size hood over the stove. Throwing a party is a snap thanks to the butler’s pantry and cocktail room.

In the main bedroom, a roughhewn ceiling made from barn planks soars overhead and a curvy wall of windows allows more vistas of the sound. A newly updated sitting room, sleek bath, and dressing room are nearby.

Among the other bedrooms are two with multiple rooms and two with their own bath and entry hall. Outside, the waterfront property includes a tennis court and pavilion. There are four garages, storage, a catering prep room, and a basement with “hotel-level” laundry facilities.

Donahue created the modern talk show in 1967 with his eponymous TV program and interviewed movie stars, presidents, and regular people from all over, covering a wide array of topics.

Donahue was a pioneer in the talk show space as he was the first to feature regular audience participation, which caught on in popularity. “Donahue” aired more than 6,000 episodes and won 20 Daytime Emmys. The final show was in 1996.

The talk show host had been married to Thomas for 44 years at the time of his death. While the pair did not have any biological children together, Thomas readily took on the role of stepmother to Donahue’s five children from his previous marriage to childhood sweetheart Margaret Mary Cooney.

However, tragedy struck the family in August 2014 when Donahue’s youngest child, son James “Jim” Patrick Donahue, died of an aortic aneurysm at the age of 51.