Legendary UK broadcaster and celebrity interviewer Michael Parkinson dies aged 88
- Many stars – from Hollywood A-listers to sporting and royalty – had appeared on his eponymous Saturday night chat show
- He also secured scoops, such as in 2006 when PM Tony Blair told him he believed he would be judged by God for the divisive Iraq War
Well-known British journalist and chat show host Michael Parkinson was a regular first port of call for reporters looking for a tribute on the passing of the rich and famous, so much so that he often picked up the phone and asked: “Who’s died now?”
But it was a reflection of how many stars – from Hollywood A-listers to sporting and actual royalty – had appeared on his eponymous Saturday night chat show, which first ran from 1971 to 1982.
When he finally bowed out in December 2007 after his show was revived for a second stint, “Parky”, as he was often called, reckoned he had interviewed some 2,000 celebrities.
“Sinatra was the one that got away”, he recalled. The great Australian cricketer Don Bradman was another. “Otherwise, I’ve met everyone I have ever wanted to meet”, he added.
Parkinson, whose death aged 88 was announced on Thursday, won fans for his laid-back interviewing style that encouraged guests to talk, in stark contrast to some modern chat show hosts who are often billed as the main attraction.
But it was also the calibre of people he attracted, in an age when big-name celebrities were rarely seen on prime-time television.