Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88
Sir Michael Parkinson was last seen at the Hay Festival bookshop signing copies of his book My Sporting Life and was said to be in “good spirits”.
He later made a rare public appearance at cricket umpire Dickie Bird’s 90th birthday party back in April.
The BBC broadcaster appeared to be in jovial spirits as he was seen laughing with guests at the bash held at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium.
The broadcaster could be seen socialising with guests as he posed for pictures with his friend Dickie, who was celebrating the big occasion.
The pair posed alongside one another as they beamed at the camera during the birthday celebrations.
The TV star cut a suave figure in a light blue collared shirt, black trousers and a navy checkered blazer for the occasion, with his grown out tresses on display.
Dickie and Michael had been friends for years and were teammates at Barnsley Cricket Club in the 1950s, before Sir Michael’s successful TV career.
Sir Michael presented his programme Parkinson from 1971 to 1982 and again from 1998 to 2007.
The legendary broadcaster has died at the age of 88 after a short illness.
A statement from his family confirmed today: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinsson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.
“The family request that they are given privacy at this time.”
His TV career spanned seven decades, and he interviewed the world’s biggest stars on his long-running chat show.
BBC director general Tim Davie led the tributes, describing Sir Michael as “truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed”.
“Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed,” Davie said.
“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.”
Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson said:”He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year.”
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