Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88
Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88. The presenter had a successful career speaking to the likes of Muhammed Ali, Fred Astaire and Orson Welles.
The star was a flagship of the BBC’s primetime schedule and often attracted the biggest names in show business with his show Parkinson One to One.
Throughout the series, Sir Michael spoke to the likes of Billy Connolly, Sir Alec Guinness, Sir Paul McCartney, Muhammad Ali, George Michael, Madonna, John Cleese and Mel Gibson.
He would devote an entire programme to a guest who was considered especially noteworthy, to delve into their life and career.
Sir Michael previously spoke out about Muhammed Ali being one of his most remarkable interviews but felt regret of never having spoken to Frank Sinatra or Sir Don Bradman.
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The TV star opened up about not getting his time with Frank during an appearance on BBC Breakfast alongside Dan Walker.
When asked who his “holy grail” and “the one you never got on your show” Michael quickly uttered the US singer’s name.
He explained: “When I met Sinatra, [musician] Sammy Carr said ‘Meet Mike Parkinson, he does a great talk show’… all that sort of thing.
“Then I wandered around, Sammy went off somewhere else, I wandered around but didn’t know anyone but me and Frank Sinatra.
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“I said, ‘I’m leaving now Mr Sinatra, but it was nice to have met you and hopefully I’ll see you in London’.
“He said, ‘Sure thing, David!’, I thought ‘I’ve really made a mark here’,” before he laughed and revealed that Frank Sinatra had become confused during their interaction.
Speaking on the final show, he said: “Over the years it has been a privilege to meet some of the most intelligent and interesting people. It has always been a great joy and I shall miss it.”
As well as his television career, he was a respected radio broadcaster, having hosted Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 as well as his own sports shows on Five Live. He was also an award-winning sports writer, having been a lifelong cricket fan.
He received an honorary doctorate in 2008, alongside cricket umpire and his good friend Dickie Bird, at the Barnsley campus of Huddersfield University.
He was knighted by the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2008, and said of the accolade: “I never expected to be knighted – I thought there was more chance of me turning into a Martian really.”
A statement released by Michael’s family read: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinsson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.
“The family request that they are given privacy at this time.”
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