Sir Michael Parkinson’s frosty chat with Meg Ryan as TV legend keeps cool during notorious interview with Hollywood diva
THIS is the moment TV legend Sir Michael Parkinson kept his cool during a frosty interview with Hollywood diva Meg Ryan.
The chat show king tragically died last night after an incredible 50-year career interviewing the biggest stars. He was 88.
During his decades on Brits’ telly screens he sat down with 2,000 celebrity guests after becoming a pioneer of the one-on-one interview format.
One of those was American actress Meg Ryan, who made a name for herself after landing leading roles in several 1990s romantic comedies.
It was 2003 and the diva appeared on Sir Michael‘s programme to promote her new erotic thriller In The Cut.
But he was forced to keep his cool as Meg refused to answer questions about the change in role from her usual romantic comedies.
It was one that Sir Michael, who was fondly known as Parky, later dubbed his “most difficult TV moment“.
During the notorious interview, the TV legend had to calmly navigate his way through Meg’s short answers, while crowds could be heard laughing at her awkwardness.
The Hollywood actress appeared as though she didn’t want to be there the entire time, and later made that clear when she joked about the chat ending.
Sir Michael was quizzing Meg on how she gave up studying journalism for acting, mentioning how she was now “weary” of reporters.
He then asked: “What would you do now if you were me?”
A frosty Meg then replied: “Why not wrap it up?”
In the years that followed Sir Michael said the Hollywood diva “shouldn’t do” interviews.
However, in 2021 he revealed he wanted to apologise to her – 18 years after the awkward interview was broadcast.
At the time the TV legend if he ever met Meg again he would say: “I’m sorry. But you must understand that you played a part in it, too.”
Sir Michael then said: “I wish I hadn’t lost my temper with Meg Ryan.
“I wish I’d dealt with it in a more courteous manner.”
The TV legend’s family today revealed he had passed away after a “brief illness“.
He is survived by his wife Mary, and three children.