Piers Morgan and Michael Caine lead heartbreaking tributes to ‘genius’ Michael Parkinson following his death at 88
TELLY stars have paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Michael Parkinson who has died aged 88.
Actor Michael Caine, singer Elton John and presenter Piers Morgan are among the celebs who have shared their sadness about the chat show king’s death.
“Michael Parkinson was irreplaceable, he was charming, always wanted to have a good laugh,” said Oscar winner Michael.
“He brought the best of everyone he met. Always looked forward to be interviewed by him.”
The Sun columnist Piers said: “RIP Parky. The GOAT of TV interviewers.
“Wonderful character, great writer, sublimely talented broadcaster, and hilarious lunch partner. Loved him.”
Sir David Attenborough said being interviewed by Parky was like ‘meeting a friend’, adding: “He was extremely generous, he wanted you to shine and would always laugh at your jokes and give you an opportunity to make them sound funnier than in fact they were.
“It was always friendly, it was always thorough, it was always intelligent, it was always a pleasure to do it and I think that came over no matter who his interviewee was”.
And Elton John said Parky was “a real icon who brought out the very best in his guests” saying: “Michael Parkinson was a TV legend who was one of the greats. I loved his company and his incredible knowledge of cricket and Barnsley Football Club.”
Famous faces from across the BBC and ITV have also taken to social media to pay their respects after the presenter’s passing was sadly revealed today.
Judge Rinder star Rob Rinder took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: “Michael Parkinson. One of the greats!”
Former Labour spin doctor and Celebrity Gogglebox star Alastair Campbell wrote: “So sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has died. A great journalist, a wonderful interviewer and a real source of warmth, energy and zest for life.
“He and his wife Mary were also a real source of support and encouragement when things got a bit tough at times. RIP Parky.”
Davina McCall added: “Want to celebrate #parkinson. He was totally unique. Always so well researched. Loved by ALL THE BIGGEST stars in the world and they were all desperate to be interviewed by him.
“Funny, self deprecating , sharp, charming, strong, honest and a fantastic listener. His legacy is enormous.”
Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid wrote: “He was the King of Interviewers. He also enjoyed being interviewed. Lucky to have had that pleasure. He was authentic, funny and charming. Thank you for being the best. RIP Sir Michael Parkinson.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige added: “Such very sad breaking news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died. Have known him for many years, sang on his TV chat show & attended many events with him.
“A legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession. We will never see his like again. RIP Michael.”
TV presenter Eamonn Holmes shared a snap of him with the late legend.
“Parky. King of The Chat Show Hosts,” he captioned it.
“A privilege to know him on and off screen and to learn from him.
“They don’t make them like that anymore. Rip Sir Michael Parkinson”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said: “Saddened to hear that Michael Parkinson has died. A truly brilliant broadcaster and wonderful interviewer.
“He was very much part of Saturday nights growing up: Parkinson then Match Of The Day. RIP Parky.”
Boxer Frank Bruno added: “Let’s be honest he was one of the best interviewers ever.
“It was not about him looking look he just was able to frame and gift wrap the guest to deliver to the TV viewer. Sad day.”
Comic Dara O’Briain told fans: “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:
“I was standing with the guests, waiting for the show to start. Michael arrived, chatted away to us, not a nerve in sight, when the band starting playing the theme tune.
“Michael paused, smiled and said ‘they’re playing my tune” and walked straight out and started the show. Lovely.
“The other guest was Samuel Jackson, as far as I remember, rather adding to how cool it all was.”
The chat show king sat down with after becoming a pioneer of the one-on-one interview format.
A statement from 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.”
Well-known faces have been quick to react, with BBC presenter Nick Robinson taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: “He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year. Michael Parkinson – king of the chat show – has died.”
Former BBC News presenter Simon McCoy added: “Sir Michael Parkinson. Simply the Best.
“Anyone who was anyone was interviewed by him. What an amazing career he had. Thoughts with his family.”
Fellow TV presenter Lizzy Cundy wrote: “So very sad to hear legendary talk host Michael Parkinson has died.
“Michael gave me the best advice on interviewing .. he said to me , ‘sit back and just listen…’ thank you Michael, your star studded shows were legendary and no one did it like you did.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie also added: “Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.
“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.
“Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.”
Sky Sports pundit Geoff Shreeves shared a picture with Sir Michael, writing on Twitter: “They say never meet your hero’s . I did and held Sir Michael Parkinson in even greater esteem.
“Consummate pro, brilliant interviewer and warm genuine down to earth proper journalist. The undisputed king of chat shows. Condolences to his family.”
Comedian Stephen Fry said being interviewed by Sir Michael was “impossibly thrilling”.
He wrote: “The genius of Parky was that (unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100% himself. On camera and off. “Authentic” is the word I suppose.
“For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone.
One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long #parky.”
