Michael Parkinson | Veteran broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88.
Michael Parkinson: Chat show host dies aged 88
Sir Michael Parkinson television career spanned seven decades, and on his long-running chat show As he interviewed the world’s biggest stars.
According to Sir Michael’s family said that he passed away after a brief illness at home last night in the company of his family.
Sir David Attenborough says,
Sir David, who appeared on Parkinson several times, told BBC Radio 4’s The World At One: “With Michael, it was always friendly, always thorough, always intelligent, always a pleasure to do it, and I think that came across regardless of who was interviewee.”
He always completed his studies, was aware of the noteworthy passages, and guided you.
The speaker added, “As a viewer, you knew the questions would be good questions, and they would elicit good answers, if Michael was asking them.”
BBC director general Tim Davie says
“Michael was the king of the chat show, and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed,” said Davie.
He conducted captivating interviews with the top stars of the 20th century. In addition to being a great questioner, Michael was also a great listener.
The host stated in 2013 that he was undergoing radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer and that physicians gave him the all-clear two years later.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer says
He was one of our most beloved TV celebrities and spent his life entertaining millions of us with his Saturday night discussion program, she said. “Michael’s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Yorkshire County Cricket Club announced a minute’s silence before play on Thursday in York “to show our respects” for Sir Michael.
Barnsley Football Club announced it had “lost one of its favourite sons” and was “deeply saddened” to learn of Sir Michael’s death.
