Sir Michael Parkinson’s family have confirmed that the broadcaster has passed away at the age of 88 years.
Across his seven-decade career he was best known as a TV talkshow host, but Sir Michael also presented many radio programmes.
He hosted BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs for three years from 1986. Between 1994 and 1996 he hosted Parkinson on Sport on BBC Radio Five Live.
From 1996 until 2007, he presented Parkinson’s Sunday Supplement on BBC Radio 2, which included interviews with media personalities.
He also spent time presenting a mid-morning programme on London’s LBC Newstalk 97.3FM and, in 2021 hosted a series for Jazz FM sharing his passion for his favourite jazz songs.
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.”
I had the privilege of doing the Michael Parkinson show 3 times and it the most I ever felt like I was in “proper showbiz”. He was a consummate pro on-screen, and generous and encouraging off-screen. He also did the coolest thing I ever saw pre-show: (1/2)
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) August 17, 2023
"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
‘Confidence has a lot to do with interviewing – that, and timing.’ Michael Parkinson. One of the greats! pic.twitter.com/5cgkeMnf1w
— Rob Rinder (@RobbieRinder) August 17, 2023
Sir Michael Parkinson did what so many other interviewers don’t.
He listened.#RIPSirMichaelParkinson— Simon McCoy (@SimonMcCoyTV) August 17, 2023
Very sad news on the passing of Michael Parkinson . End of a era RIP.
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) August 17, 2023
So sad to hear about Sir Michael Parkinson. An interviewer who only had to touch the tiller…and a keen cricket fan…we were discussing Statham, Washbrook & Worrell at length only a few weeks ago @TalkingPicsTV Pictures TV. A standing ovation on the final walk to the pavilion. pic.twitter.com/phpoOyKr8A
— Mike Read (@MikeReadUK) August 17, 2023