TV legend Nicholas Parsons left family and pals £25,000 for huge knees-up after his death
SALE of the Century star Nicholas Parsons left family and pals £25,000 for a huge knees-up.
The comedian, who died aged 96 last January, told them: “It should celebrate happy memories, not be a sad farewell.”
He left £1million to second wife Annie, 81, and his children from his first marriage, Suzy, 62, and Justin, 60.
His entire collection of theatre memorabilia, photos, pictures, posters and his office desk went to daughter-in-law Louise.
The presenter also listed items of furniture and paintings as specific gifts - and handed £5,000 to entertainment charity The Grand Order of the Water Rats.
Parsons battled dyslexia as a child before making his name on Radio 4 panel game Just a Minute.
When he told his parents he wanted to become an actor they were so horrified they sent him to serve an apprenticeship in Clydebank, Dunbartonshire.
But while training as an engineer he honed his comic skills as a way to win over tough work pals.
Parsons later admitted: “It was a total culture shock for a 16-year-old.
"I started work early when it was dark and snow lay on the ground, and I was surrounded by these men talking broad, guttural Glaswegian.
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“Luckily, my ability to tell jokes and do impersonations endeared me to my workmates.”
By 22, Parsons set out to forge a stage career, working in films and as a comedian.
He hosted ITV game show Sale of the Century from 1971, watched by 20million at its peak.
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