'ONE OF THE GREATS'
Nicholas Parsons – Tributes to ‘legend’ who ‘brought pleasure to millions’ after Sale of the Century host dies aged 96
SALE of the Century and Just a Minute host Nicholas Parsons was today hailed as a broadcasting legend after he died aged 96 following a short illness.
The veteran entertainer was remembered for his "sharp wit" after an illustrious career of more than 70 years in radio and television.
And tributes today poured in for the popular presenter after his family confirmed he had passed away in the early hours of January 28 after a short illness.
In a statement issued by his agent, his family said: "He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital."
And in the wake of the sad announcement, fans praised the veteran broadcaster for his "sharp wit" and "brilliant poise".
A highlight of Parsons' career was hosting the comedy radio game show Just a Minute since its inception in 1967.
He also fronted Sale of the Century between 1971 and 1983 - setting a record with 21million viewers.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Nicholas Parsons, 96. A wonderful man who brought so much fun, charm, wit & pleasure to so many millions of people over so many decades. What a life."
And BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: "Very few people have done so much to entertain audiences over the decades, and no one deserves to be called a broadcasting legend more than Nicholas Parsons.
"His charm, inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him."
Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4, added: "Nicholas Parsons was one of the greats, a first class broadcaster and an icon in the world of British comedy.
"Nicholas always brought his sharp wit, brilliant poise and warmth to everything he did - but particularly as host of Just a Minute where his excellence shone in each episode without hesitation, deviation or repetition.
"He was that rare beast - a presenter whose appeal spread right across the generations - and he was a unique member of the Radio 4 family. He will be greatly missed by us all, as well as the many, many listeners who he entertained so brilliantly."
Graham Norton added: "The sound of the final whistle. Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I've ever worked with. His continued delight at being a part of show business should be an inspiration to us all!
"Huge love to his wife Annie and his whole family."
Stephen Fry also chimed in, saying: "Oh no. Nicholas Parsons gone? He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime. A stunning achievement: never scripted, always immaculate.
"From comedian's sidekick to great institution, via Sale of the Century & much more.
"Unrivalled continuity, professionalism & commitment. Farewell x"
And GMB host Ben Shepherd said: "So sad to hear Nicholas Parsons has passed away. I’ve loved Just a Minute for years - since sitting in the car with my mum waiting for my sister to finish her piano lesson, right up till the most recent series, sitting + waiting for my kids to finish theirs. What a legend."
Jeremy Vine also joined in the flood of tributes, saying: "I saw Nicholas Parsons last summer at an event in honour of Oscar Wilde hosted by his close friend @GylesB1 .
"Nicholas was in a wheelchair after being unwell, and was complaining that 'I have had to cancel a speaking event in Dubai,' which I found amazing. #RIPMrP"
Phillip Schofield also added his own condolences, saying: "He was - and you'll hear this from everyone - one of the nicest, kindest sweetest men.
"Anyone you talk to about Nicolas Parson is going to say what a lovely gentleman he was."
Parsons was born on October 10 1923, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, where his father was GP to the family of Baroness Thatcher.
After studying at St Paul's School in London, he headed to Clydebank as an apprentice engineer, despite his own hopes of becoming an actor.
But his impressions were featured in a radio show and, following performances with amateur concert parties after the Second World War, he moved into acting - working in rep at Bromley in Kent.
Comic roles proved to be a speciality and he became resident comedian at the Windmill Theatre in London after working on the cabaret circuit in the 1950s.
He found TV fame appearing with comic Arthur Haynes in his ITV show in the early 1960s, and he was also a regular on The Benny Hill Show.
He then went on to host Just and Minute and Sale of the Century.
His contribution to the entertainment industry saw him recognised with an OBE in 2013 - at the time saying he was "flattered and delighted".
MOST READ IN NEWS
In 2019 Parsons was give a Broadcasting Press Guild (BPG) award for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting.
BPG chairman Jake Kanter said of Parsons: "His warmth, sharp wit and clear-headed determinations in rooms full of fast-talking show offs have kept him at the top of his game."
Parsons married his second wife Ann Reynolds in 1995, and had two children from his first marriage to Denise Bryer.
Topics