Sir Michael Parkinson, former talk show host and journalist, has died at the age of 88
Sir Michael Parkinson, the former talk show host and journalist, has died at the age of 88. His family said he died peacefully at his home in Warwickshire on Tuesday afternoon after a long illness.
Parkinson was born in Cudworth, South Yorkshire, England, on March 28, 1935. He began his career as a journalist, working for the Manchester Guardian and the Daily Express. He moved into television in the 1960s, working as a reporter and presenter for Granada Television.
Parkinson’s first talk show, Parkinson, premiered on BBC One in 1971. The show was an instant hit, and Parkinson quickly became one of the most popular presenters in the UK. He interviewed a wide range of guests, from politicians and celebrities to sports stars and authors.
Parkinson’s show was praised for its relaxed and informal style. He was known for his ability to put his guests at ease and get them to open up. He also had a knack for asking the tough questions, but always in a respectful way.
Parkinson’s show was cancelled in 1982, but it returned to BBC One in 1998. It ran for another nine years, before Parkinson retired in 2007.
In addition to his talk show, Parkinson also hosted a number of other programs, including Desert Island Discs, A Question of Sport, and Parkinson on Sunday. He also wrote several books, including his autobiography, Parky: My Autobiography.
Parkinson was knighted in 2008 for his services to broadcasting.
Parkinson’s death was met with widespread tributes from the worlds of broadcasting, entertainment, and politics. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Parkinson was “one of the greats of broadcasting”.
Parkinson’s long career spanned over six decades, and he interviewed some of the biggest names in the world, including Muhammad Ali, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Margaret Thatcher. He was also a popular presenter of other programs, such as Desert Island Discs and A Question of Sport.
Parkinson was survived by his wife, Mary, and their two children.
Tributes
- “Michael Parkinson was one of the greats of broadcasting, a brilliant interviewer who put his guests at ease and got the best out of them. He was a national treasure and will be sorely missed.” – Prime Minister Boris Johnson
- “Michael Parkinson was a true gentleman and a master of his craft. He will be remembered as one of the greatest talk show hosts of all time.” – BBC Director-General Tim Davie
- “Michael Parkinson was a legend of British broadcasting. His interviews were always insightful and entertaining, and he had a unique ability to get his guests to open up. He will be greatly missed.” – ITV Chairman Charles Allen
- “Michael Parkinson was a giant of broadcasting. He was a brilliant interviewer who had a gift for making his guests feel at ease. He will be remembered as one of the greatest talk show hosts of all time.” – Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon
Legacy
Sir Michael Parkinson was a true broadcasting legend. He was a master interviewer who was able to get the best out of his guests. He was also a charming and witty host who made his shows a pleasure to watch. He will be remembered as one of the greatest talk show hosts of all time.
source:nsemwokrom.com
