UK broadcaster Michael Parkinson dies
London | Sir Michael Parkinson, one of Britain’s most celebrated broadcasters, died on Wednesday night at the age of 88, it was revealed on Thursday evening (AEST).
In a television career spanning seven decades, Sir Michael was known as one of Britain’s most renowned interviewers with his long-running chat show.
Shane Warne with Michael Parkinson in Sydney in 2007. AP
In a statement released to the BBC, his 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.”
The BBC is showing a repeat of Parkinson at 50, first aired in September 2021, at 9pm on Thursday and said a collection of classic interviews will be available to watch on iPlayer.
Director-general Tim Davie said: “Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.
“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.
“Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.”
Michael Parkinson and Dame Edna Everage.
Parkinson first aired on the BBC on June 19, 1971, and enjoyed a successful run until 1982. In 1998, the chat show was revived on the BBC and proved an instant hit.
It switched from the BBC to ITV1 in 2004 and ran until 2007 – the same year Sir Michael retired from his Sunday morning Radio 2 program.
He welcomed the likes of cricketer Shane Warne, boxer Muhammad Ali, pop star Elton John and soccer player David Beckham onto his chat shows during a long and distinguished
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