Sir Michael Parkinson, chat show host and broadcaster, dies aged 88

Virgin Radio

17 Aug 2023, 09:29

Legendary broadcaster and interviewer Sir Michael Parkinson has died aged 88.

A statement from his family confirming the sad news said (via BBC News): "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.

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

The presenter previously received treatment for prostate cancer in 2013. He got the all-clear from doctors two years later.

Sir Michael began his incredible career after moving from newspapers into television in the 1960s, originally working on news programme Twenty-Four Hours in 1966. 

In July 1971, he began his eponymous BBC series, Parkinson, during which he interviewed over 2,000 huge names, including Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John, Madonna and Dame Helen Mirren. 

The hugely successful interview chat show ran from 1971 to 1982 on the BBC and from January 1998 to 2007 on ITV. 

Sir Michael’s other TV credits include TV-am in 1983, Give Us a Clue, Parkinson One to One and Ghostwatch. He also had cameo appearances in Love Actually and Neighbours. 

While he announced his retirement in 2007, he returned to hosting in 2012 for Sky Arts series, Parkinson: Masterclass. 

Being recognised for his hard work within broadcasting, Sir Michael was made a CBE in 2000 and was knighted in 2008.

Tributes have started flooding in for the iconic TV star. Elaine Paige wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "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."

Fellow broadcaster Simon McCoy wrote: "Sir Michael Parkinson. Simply the Best. Anyone who was anyone was interviewed by him. What an amazing career he had. Thoughts with his family. #RIP."

Actor Jess Conrad added: "I'm devastated to hear that that Michael Parkinson has passed away.

"We spent many happy golf days together over the years. He was without doubt one of the greatest broadcasters this country has ever produced."

The thoughts of everyone at Virgin Radio go out to Sir Michael’s family and friends.