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Ian Robinson · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2023 9:42 am Post subject: Sir Michael Parkinson

Broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88, his family has confirmed.

A statement from Sir Michael's family said: "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.

"The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."

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BBC director general Tim Davie led the tributes, describing Sir Michael as "truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed".

"Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed," Davie said.

"He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th Century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener."

Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson said:"He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year."

Elaine Paige: "Such very sad breaking news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died. Have known him for many years, sang on his TV chat show & attended many events with him. A legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession. We will never see his like again. RIP Michael."

David Morrissey "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"

Eddie Izzard "Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview"

Tina Daheley (sitting in for Jeremy Vine) will be paying tribute between 12-2pm today

oldraver · Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Posts: 1189 Location: London

I watched Parky interviewing Michael Crawford only last week. He was the best, no question. It was never about him, unlike most chat show hosts. But there was so much more about Parky. His love of Yorkshire cricket, good music, films (I originally saw him fronting 'Cinema' on ITV before being a chat show host). He liked the fruity films!

Back to the Michael Crawford one, which is still available on iPlayer. He just gets the best out of people. When Crawford sang Music of the Night with some children, it was so beautiful and moving that I wept. I don't think that's ever happened to me before. Then I had to order his autobiography the next morning!

Parky on a Saturday night, when BBC 1 was the place to be.
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life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19385 Location: Cheshire

Yes he was the best and Saturday night's were always great.

Apart from the ones that always get mentioned was one from 1980 that featured Cliff Richard, Placido Domingo and Sammy Cahn. They sang Time After Time if my memory is correct. I think it's still on You Tube.

RIP

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6855

Sad news

Saturday night was Parky night.

His close friend Dickie Bird has paid a moving tribute to Sir Michael.

The legendary cricket umpire said he had spoken to him only on Wednesday morning.

'In an emotional conversation, he told LBC's Shelagh Fogarty: "We had a long chat on the phone and he said to me 'Dickie, I think I'm getting towards the end.'

"And I said 'no, you've got to keep going mate... we shed a few tears together as friends, and we said our goodbyes yesterday morning."

He added: "At least I had the conversation with him in the morning... he gave me a gift that I shall always treasure. As long as I live, I'll always treasure that."

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/tributes-michael-parkinson-dies-aged-88/

FleetingEileenM · Joined: 30 Mar 2010 Posts: 5789 Location: Hampshire

Oh, so very sad to lose him. His interviews were always good fun and interesting and he knew how to listen. I also loved his radio shows featuring swing music, jazz and the Great American Songbook standards.

RIP Parky.

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19385 Location: Cheshire

I enjoyed his Sunday morning radio show as well Eileen.

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005