Yahoo News Sir Michael Parkinson dies, aged 88
Legendary chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has died aged 88, his family have confirmed.
"After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family," read the family statement.
"The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."
Parkinson is best known for presenting his late-night chat show Parkinson, which first aired on the BBC back in 1971.
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The show ran for 11 years and included high-profile stars from the world of screen and stage. His most famous guests included singers Madonna and Sir Elton John, boxer Muhammad Ali and actress Dame Helen Mirren.
It came back to the BBC for another series in 1998, before moving to ITV and running until December 2007, when the broadcaster announced his retirement.
Parkinson later returned to screens between 2012 and 2014 for the Sky Arts series Michael Parkinson: Masterclass.
BBC director-general Tim Davie paid tribute to Parkinson calling him "king of the chat show".
"He defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed," he said. "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," Davie said, adding that the star would be "hugely missed".
"Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed"
BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, pays tribute to Sir Michael Parkinsonhttps://t.co/8g3G8TK08y pic.twitter.com/wmufsoBTTZ— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) August 17, 2023
Eddie Izzard was one of many celebrities to lead the tributes to the late broadcaster.
"Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview," she wrote on Twitter.
The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar also marked his passing, tweeting: "Very sad news on the passing of Michael Parkinson. End of a era RIP."
Parkinson was awarded a CBE in 2000 and knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2008.
He leaves behind wife Mary Parkinson and their three sons Michael Parkinson Jr, Andrew Parkinson and Nicholas Parkinson.
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