Sir Michael Parkinson, former discuss present host and journalist, has died
Broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died on the age of 88.
His agent stated he died peacefully at residence within the firm of his household on Wednesday evening following a quick sickness, and requested that his household be given privateness and time to grieve.
Sir Michael, a former journalist, was certainly one of British tv’s most well-known faces by his discuss present Parkinson, which initially ran on the BBC from 1971 to 1982. He relaunched the present on the BBC in 1998 earlier than it moved to ITV in 2004, remaining on air till he retired the programme in 2007.
Over greater than 800 episodes, the TV host affectionately referred to as Parky interviewed a number of the world’s most high-profile figures – together with Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John and George Michael – and helped make comic Sir Billy Connolly a family identify.
Reaction as ‘greatest interviewer of our time’ dies – follow live updates
Sir Michael Parkinson interviewed a number of A-list stars – together with Tom Cruise. Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
Sir Michael with Sir Billy Connolly in 1987. Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
Despite his lengthy and industrious profession, it was his 2003 interview with Meg Ryan that went down in historical past as certainly one of his most memorable reveals.
The chat present king was confronted with a stony-faced Ryan, who delivered one-word solutions as she promoted her poorly obtained erotic thriller The Cut.
More than 20 years later, he offered an apology to the actress and admitted neither of them had been on “top form”.
In 2013, Sir Michael revealed he was being treated for prostate cancer – however stated he had no intention of stopping working.
Michael Parkinson obituary: The host A-listers wanted to share their secrets with
Pictured with soccer legend George Best, and beneath with Muhammad Ali in 1979
BBC bosses to buddies and interviewees – the celeb tributes to Sir Michael
As tributes had been shared following the announcement of his dying, many remembered him as “the king of the chat show”.
Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie stated in a press release: “Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.
“He interviewed the largest stars of the twentieth century and did so in a approach that enthralled the general public. Michael was not solely good at asking questions, he was additionally a beautiful listener.
“Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.”
Writing on X, previously referred to as Twitter, BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson stated: “He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year.
“Michael Parkinson – king of the chat present – has died.”
Sir Michael obtained his Knighthood from the Queen at Buckingham Palace
Pictured with the late Cilla Black
Meanwhile, former BBC News anchor Simon McCoy posted: “Simply the Best. Anyone who was anyone was interviewed by him. What an amazing career he had. Thoughts with his family.”
Comedian Stephen Fry described being interviewed by Sir Michael as “impossibly thrilling” as he shared his recollections.
“The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people… and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100% himself,” he wrote on Instagram. “On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose.
“For one of many reveals I used to be on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comedian velocity and brilliance. Now they’re each gone. One ought to get used to the parade of individuals continually falling off the sting, however frankly one would not. So lengthy #parky.”
Comedian Eddie Izzard remembered Sir Michael as the “king of the clever interview”, while British singer and actress Elaine Paige described him as “legendary”.
Sharing a picture of the pair on X, she wrote: “Such very unhappy breaking news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died. Have recognized him for a few years, sang on his TV chat present & attended many occasions with him.
“A legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession. We will never see his like again.”
Broadcaster and creator Gyles Brandreth described the broadcaster as “one of my heroes”, saying it was a privilege to have recognized and labored with him.
“They were chat shows, of course – but they were mjuch (sic) more than that: they were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests,” he stated.
“And what an array of guests. ‘Parky’ was one of my heroes – and a lovely guy. A privilege to have known and worked with him.”
The world of sport additionally mourned Sir Michael’s dying, with Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Barnsley FC each sharing tributes.
Sir Michael was a lifelong fan of cricket, together with his childhood goals of enjoying for Yorkshire dashed when he left college aged 16 and as a substitute started working at an area paper.
The cricket membership introduced a minute’s silence earlier than play on Thursday, whereas Barnsley FC stated the membership had “lost one of its favourite sons”.