Sir Michael Parkson's devastating death has been announced, months after he made a rare public appearance to celebrate his autobiography.
The broadcaster, 88, very rarely made public appearances since taking a step back from his television show in 2008 when he announced his retirement on June 26. But in May, just three months before his passing, he was out signing copies of his 2022 memoir.
Appearing at the Hay Festival on May 28, Sir Michael was all smiles as he met fans over the course of the weekend. Prior to this, in April this year, he appeared at pal Dickie Bird's 90th birthday party at Leeds' Headingley Stadium.
Michael and Dickie had been friends since they met one another on the cricket pitch in the 1950s and remained close until his death. Before becoming a well-established television broadcaster, Parkinson was known for playing for Barnsley Cricket Club.
Sir Michael Parkinson was all smiles as he made a rare appearance in May three months before his death (Alamy Live News.)
The broadcaster has died aged 88 (John Lawrence/REX/Shutterstock)The Cudworth-born star died aged 88 his family confirmed. In a statement, they 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."
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At the event to celebrate his pal, Sir Michael was all smiles as he was snapped posing with Dickie. The telly legend opted for a snappy blue suit and a light blue shirt as he beamed towards the cameras and lit the room up.
Parky proudly showed off a full head of white hair which he'd had freshly trimmed for the occasion. Dickie looked equally as smart in a grey pinstriped blazer with an electric blue shirt and matching tie.
Sir Michael Parkinson made another rare appearance in April (Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com/REX/Shutterstock)Over the course of his career, Parkinson racked up over 2,000 interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry as well as senior members of The Royal Family. However, perhaps his most infamous interview was with the late Prince Philip. Writing in his 2022 memoir, My Life in Sport: Memories, Moments and Declarations, Parkinson said he believes the late Duke instantly took a disliking to him.
He penned: "I did have to chat to him once, for a charity, and it was not a success – at all." In his heyday, he sat down with the likes of Madonna, David Beckham, Muhammad Ali and Billy Connolly. "I had the best of it, in terms of the guests I could choose from..." he said.
Paying tribute following the news of his death, Gyles Brandreth said: "They were chat shows, of course – but they were much (sic) more than that: they were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests. And what an array of guests. 'Parky' was one of my heroes – and a lovely guy. A privilege to have known and worked with him."
Suzy Izzard penned: "Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview." Meanwhile, Elaine Paige went on to say: "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."
The BBC's director general, Tim Davie said: "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."
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