Tributes pour in for broadcasting Titan Sir Michael Parkinson following his death at 88
The veteran journalist and chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88.
Chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88 https://t.co/Pi3ryECUXN
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) August 17, 2023
A family statement simply said –
“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.”
Famously and proudly a Yorkshiremen, Sir Michael was born in Cudworth, near Barnsley, in 1935 and, despite dreams of a cricketing career, went straight into journalism after leaving school.
His television career saw him work as a reporter, a quiz show host and a film reviewer, but it is as an arguably matchless interviewer that he was best known, chatting with some of the biggest stars of stage, screen, music, literature, politics and the world of sports during around 2,000 interviews.
Highlights include interviews with Orson Welles, Lauren Bacall, Muhammad Ali, Ingrid Bergman, and of course his many conversations with Billy Connolly.
He is survived by his wife Mary, their three children and eight grandchildren.
His death has led to a flood of tributes, including these.
1.
Michael Parkinson was magnificent. We shall not see his like again. RIP
— Les Dennis (@LesDennis) August 17, 2023
2.
Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview https://t.co/jUF6hE79q3
— Eddie Izzard (@eddieizzard) August 17, 2023
3.
I remember so many of Michael Parkinson’s interviews. He talked to people who weren’t on the promotional merry go round, just people he was interested in. Ali, Ustinov, Billy Connolly, Dame Edna. He was a master of his craft. RIP
— David Morrissey (@davemorrissey64) August 17, 2023
4.
We're deeply saddened to hear the news about Michael Parkinson. He was an absolute delight to work with when he filmed with us and charmed us all with his wit and friendliness. We send our love and condolences to his many friends and family. pic.twitter.com/VIuJA9iSiR
— Yorkshire Tea (@YorkshireTea) August 17, 2023
5.
Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable, he was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh. He brought the best of everyone he met.
Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.— Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine) August 17, 2023
6.
So sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has died. A great journalist, a wonderful interviewer and a real source of warmth, energy and zest for life. He and his wife Mary were also a real source of support and encouragement when things got a bit tough at times. RIP Parky.
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) August 17, 2023
7.
Saddened to hear that Michael Parkinson has died. A truly brilliant broadcaster and wonderful interviewer. He was very much part of Saturday nights growing up: Parkinson then Match Of The Day. RIP Parky.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 17, 2023
8.
RIP Sir Michael Parkinson. A hero from my younger days in journalism to a colleague and friend. We even shared an office for a time at TV-am. A broadcasting giant and great man. Such a terribly sad day. Thoughts with Mary and the family.
— Nick Owen (@nickowentv) August 17, 2023
9.
‘Confidence has a lot to do with interviewing – that, and timing.’ Michael Parkinson. One of the greats! pic.twitter.com/5cgkeMnf1w
— Rob Rinder (@RobbieRinder) August 17, 2023
10.
Parky was a great interviewer, the best. He didn’t try to top you. He let you shine. #MichaelParkinson
— Pam Ayres MBE (@PamAyres) August 17, 2023
11.
Amongst other matters, Michael Parkinson was one of few sports writers in 1968 who opposed apartheid South Africa banning black sports players. And he was a founding member of the Anti-Nazi-League. And he did an insurance advert that offered a free pen. Bless him all round.
— Mark Steel (@mrmarksteel) August 17, 2023
12.
I had the privilege of doing the Michael Parkinson show 3 times and it the most I ever felt like I was in “proper showbiz”. He was a consummate pro on-screen, and generous and encouraging off-screen. He also did the coolest thing I ever saw pre-show: (1/2)
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) August 17, 2023
I was standing with the guests, waiting for the show to start. Michael arrived, chatted away to us, not a nerve in sight, when the band starting playing the theme tune. Michael paused, smiled and said “They’re playing my tune” and walked straight out and started the show. Lovely.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) August 17, 2023
This excerpt from his interview with Sir Michael Caine shows the ease with which he dropped prompts that would go on to elicit entertainment gold.
Michael Parkinson (1935-2023). Michael Caine (90 Today), discussing his early career with Parkinson in 1982. pic.twitter.com/bvdYSzAy4v
— Prof. Frank McDonough (@FXMC1957) August 17, 2023
He also knew when and how to stay quiet.
Muhammad Ali’s powerful interview with Michael Parkinson in 1971.
“How come is everything white?”
“Tarzan was the king of the jungle in Africa and he was white”.pic.twitter.com/zXfeQWsDj7
— Deirdre Heenan (@deirdreheenan) August 17, 2023
His appearance on the album sleeve for Band on the Run surprised a lot of people.
For those keeping count, the sad loss of Sir Michael Parkinson leaves only Macca, Denny Laine and John Conteh as still on the official At Large list from the Band On The Run album cover. pic.twitter.com/otvMQuIaqy
— John Porter 🇺🇦 (@Pieandapint) August 17, 2023
But they weren’t as surprised as Kenneth Williams was here.
Kenneth Williams attacked workers for going on strike.
This was Michael Parkinson's response.
Rest in Peace Parky. pic.twitter.com/hz8h178wPa
— Trades Union Congress (@The_TUC) August 17, 2023
Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE. 1935 to 2023. A broadcasting genius.
Rest In Peace.
Image Screengrab