Michael Parkinson: The Life and Career of a British Television Legend

Michael Parkinson was an English television presenter and journalist who was best known for his long-running chat show, Parkinson. He was born in Cudworth, Yorkshire, England, on 28 March 1935 to a miner and a housewife. He studied English at the University of Sheffield, and after graduating, he worked as a journalist for the BBC.

In 1967, Parkinson began hosting his own chat show, Parkinson, on the BBC. The show was an immediate success, and it ran for over 20 years, making Parkinson one of the most popular television presenters in Britain. He interviewed a wide range of guests, including actors, musicians, politicians, and sports stars.

Parkinson was known for his relaxed interviewing style and his ability to get his guests to open up. He was also known for his dry wit and his Yorkshire accent.

In addition to his chat show, Parkinson also hosted a number of other television programs, including The Michael Parkinson Show (ITV), Parkinson on Sunday (BBC One), and Parkinson's Sunday Supplement (BBC Radio 5 Live). He also wrote several books, including his autobiography, Parky: My Life in Television.

Parkinson was awarded the CBE in 1998 for his services to broadcasting. He was knighted in 2002.

Michael Parkinson died on 16 August 2023 at the age of 88. He was survived by his wife, Mary, and their two children.

Parkinson's death was met with widespread sadness and tributes from the worlds of television, journalism, and politics. He was remembered as a talented broadcaster and a national treasure.

Michael Parkinson's legacy

Michael Parkinson was a true broadcasting legend. He was a master interviewer who could get his guests to open up and tell their stories. He was also a gifted storyteller himself, and his chat show was always entertaining and informative.

Parkinson's legacy will live on for many years to come. He was a true gentleman of the television world, and he will be missed by many.

What made Michael Parkinson a great interviewer?

• He was a good listener. He gave his guests the time and space to tell their stories.
• He was respectful. He never interrupted his guests or tried to make himself the center of attention.
• He was insightful. He asked probing questions that got his guests to think and reflect.
• He was witty. He had a dry sense of humor that made his interviews both entertaining and informative.

Parkinson's chat show was a cultural institution in Britain. It was a place where people could come to hear from the biggest names in the world, and it was always a must-watch.

Parkinson's death is a sad loss for the world of broadcasting. He was a true gentleman and a gifted interviewer, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.