Michael Parkinson death: Presenter said ‘mutual loathing’ was behind infamous Helen Mirren interview
Broadcaster died ‘peacefully’ at home in the company of his family
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Tributes to Sir Michael Parkinson are pouring in after the legendary broadcaster died aged 88.
Parkinson’s family confirmed the news in a statement to the BBC on Thursday (17 August).
“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” said the family. They have requested “privacy and time to grieve”.
Born the son of a miner in Cudworth, South Yorkshire, Parkinson started his career in local journalism, taking on roles at The Guardian and The Daily Express before he pivoted to screen roles.
Over an illustrious career that spanned seven decades, Parkinson interviewed a number of high-profile guests including Muhammad Ali, Sir Billy Connolly, and Helen Mirren.
His flagship talk show, Parkinson, ran for 11 years on the BBC starting in 1971. It was later revived in 1998, ending in 2007.
Michael Parkinson interviews George Michael in hilarious exchange
In the wake of Parkinson’s death, a number of his most memorable interviews are resurfacing on social media.
One such clip is of Parkinson interviewing George Michael in 1998. The Wham! star was brought on a guest after he had been arrested over “lewd” behaviour in Losa Angeles.
The humorous exchange, in which the singer told Parkinson that he had been allowed to stay up late as a child only to watch his chat show, has delighted fans.
‘Two legends'
Also making the rounds on social media is Parkinson’s 2002 interview with the late Robin Williams.
During their chat, the duo spoke about the changes to airport security post-9/11, and Williams’ early comedic influences.
Michael Parkinson apologised to Meg Ryan over the infamous 2003 interview
Sir Michael Parkinson once welcomed Meg Ryan as a guest on his BBC chat show, in what many fans will remember as one of his most notorious interviews.
The frosty chat that ensued has become one of the most memorable interviews of all time, with Parkinson growing increasingly frustrated with the When Harry Met Sally star and vice versa.
Eighteen years later, in 2021, the TV host offered Ryan an apology over his behaviour during the interview.
See the clip here...
Michael Parkinson’s apology to Meg Ryan over infamous 2003 interview
Frosty interaction became one of BBC’s most memorable interviews
‘You shone just as bright as the stars you would interview'
Michael Parkinson’s best TV moments
Matt Lucas remembers a ‘titan of television'
The Little Britain star paid tribute to Parkinson on X, formerly Twitter.
“Michael Parkinson was a titan of television, the ultimate chat show host,” wrote Lucas.
“We’ll never forget his brilliant interviews with Muhammad Ali, Dame Edna, Billy Connolly and, of course, ‘that bloody emu’.”
One of Parkinson’s most memorable TV encounters took place on 27 November 1976.
Comedian Rod Hull appeared on the programme together with his puppet Emu, who apparently did not take kindly to Parkinson and kept pecking at the presenter until he fell off his chair.
Watch the iconic Emu encounter here...
Victoria Beckham let Parkinson in on her nickname for David
It was during her interview with chatshow legend Michael Parkinson that Victoria Beckham let slip her “Golden Balls” nickname for husband David.
Parkinson replied: “That’s a good one!”
Who was Michael Parkinson’s favourite interviewee?
Of the long list of A-listers he interviewed, Parkinson said that Muhammad Ali was his favourite.
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