BBC stars lead tributes as Michael Parkinson dies at 88
TELLY stars have paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Michael Parkinson after his death aged 88.
Famous faces from across the BBC have taken to social media to pay their respects after the presenter’s passing was sadly revealed today.
The chat show king sat down with 2,000 celebrity guests after becoming a pioneer of the one-on-one interview format.
A statement from Sir Michael’s 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.”
Celebrities have been quick to react, with BBC presenter Nick Robinson taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: “He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year. Michael Parkinson – king of the chat show – has died.”
Former BBC News presenter Simon McCoy added: “Sir Michael Parkinson. Simply the Best.
“Anyone who was anyone was interviewed by him. What an amazing career he had. Thoughts with his family.”
Fellow TV presenter Lizzy Cundy wrote: “So very sad to hear legendary talk host Michael Parkinson has died.
“Michael gave me the best advice on interviewing .. he said to me , ‘sit back and just listen…’ thank you Michael, your star studded shows were legendary and no one did it like you did.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie also added: “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.”
Sky Sports pundit Geoff Shreeves shared a picture with Sir Michael, writing on Twitter: “They say never meet your hero’s . I did and held Sir Michael Parkinson in even greater esteem.
“Consummate pro, brilliant interviewer and warm genuine down to earth proper journalist. The undisputed king of chat shows. Condolences to his family.”
Comedian Stephen Fry said being interviewed by Sir Michael was “impossibly thrilling”.
He wrote: “The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100% himself. On camera and off. “Authentic” is the word I suppose.
“For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.
One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”