Parkinson was close friends with the former cricket umpire Dickie Bird, who says:
Quote Message: There will never be a chat show host like Michael Parkinson. He was the best.
There will never be a chat show host like Michael Parkinson. He was the best.
Quote Message: There will never be anyone better than him in your lifetime, my lifetime or anyone else's lifetime."
There will never be anyone better than him in your lifetime, my lifetime or anyone else's lifetime."
Bird and Parkinson had known each other since "they were youngsters" and played for Barnsley Cricket Club together.
Their fathers worked in the mines together.
Sir David Attenborough: He was the best in the business
BBCCopyright: BBC
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World at One this afternoon, Sir David Attenborough remembered Parkinson as "the best interviewer in the business".
"[He was] extremely professional, you knew he would know all the background and you didn't have to fill in anything.
"You knew that he would do his homework and that he would ask questions that didn't occur to you.
"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," Sir David told the BBC.
Attenborough added that he made guests feel at ease, "it was like meeting a friend" he said.
At a time when broadcasters were overwhelmingly southern, Sir David said Parkinson's northern accent was "a very refreshing voice in those days".
Listen to Parkinson's 1972 Desert Island Discs interview
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Sir Michael Parkinson, sitting in the radio studio after being announced as the new presenter of Desert Island Discs in 1985Image caption: Sir Michael Parkinson, sitting in the radio studio after being announced as the new presenter of Desert Island Discs in 1985
In 1972, Sir Michael Parkinson did a turn as a castaway on BBC Radio Four's Desert Island Discs, talking to Roy Plomley about his life and early career.
Have a listen to hear him talk about how he wanted to be a musician but couldn't "play a note", his father's insistence he didn't go down the mines, his time as a newspaper journalist and how he got into TV.
Parkinson went on to host the Radio 4 show himself, following Plomley's death in May 1985. His first castaway, on 5 January 1986, was the film director Alan Parker. He hosted the show until March 1988, presenting nearly 100 programmes.
'I'll never forget it, it was a great moment'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Over on 5 Live this morning, Nicky Campbell has been asking listeners for their
memories of Michael Parkinson, here's a selection of them:
Chris in Wimborne was on a canal boat holiday in 1976 when he sailed past Parkinson's house and waved.
Quote Message: Would you believe he came up to the window and waved at us as we went by? I'll never forget it, it was a great moment."
Would you believe he came up to the window and waved at us as we went by? I'll never forget it, it was a great moment."
Roy was working as a mechanic and fixed the presenter's car:
Quote Message: I was called to jump start the car because the battery was flat... once I’d finished, he called me back and thanked me. He would talk to you and if you ever passed him, he would always say good morning or good afternoon... he will be missed.”
I was called to jump start the car because the battery was flat... once I’d finished, he called me back and thanked me. He would talk to you and if you ever passed him, he would always say good morning or good afternoon... he will be missed.”
Frank Bruno: Muhammad Ali interviews 'pure gold'
The British boxer Frank Bruno says Sir Michael Parkinson was "able to frame and gift wrap the guest to deliver to TV viewer", calling him "one of the best interviewers ever".
Bruno says he and Sir Michael spoke about his famous Muhammad Ali interview and he remembers Parkinson describing it as "TV pure gold".
Bruno tweeted "I met him on a number of occasions", adding it is a "sad day" with his passing.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Muhammad Ali on the Parkinson show in 1981Image caption: Muhammad Ali on the Parkinson show in 1981
Eric Idle says 'farewell Parky'
Actor and comedian Eric Idle, one of the co-creators of Monty
Python's Flying Circus, references Parkinson's love of cricket and called him a
"great Yorkshireman" in his tribute.
Idle, who also says Sir Michael was "a lovely interviewer
to be with" famously appeared on his talk show in 1982 to talk about the
sketch comedy series.
He recalls how the Monty Python members were first received
rather frostily in the US.
Here's a look at some of the big names that appeared on Parkinson's shows.
ITV/ShutterstockCopyright: ITV/Shutterstock
Comedian Sir Billy Connolly had Sir Michael and Tom Cruise in stitches during an appearance on Parkinson in 2004Image caption: Comedian Sir Billy Connolly had Sir Michael and Tom Cruise in stitches during an appearance on Parkinson in 2004
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Here's Sir Cliff Richard on the set of the show Parkinson One To One, in 1988Image caption: Here's Sir Cliff Richard on the set of the show Parkinson One To One, in 1988
BBCCopyright: BBC
Parkinson with football star David Beckham, from October 2000Image caption: Parkinson with football star David Beckham, from October 2000
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Keeeeeep dancing! Parkinson has a go at Sir Bruce Forsyth's famous stance, in September 2000Image caption: Keeeeeep dancing! Parkinson has a go at Sir Bruce Forsyth's famous stance, in September 2000
BBCCopyright: BBC
And here's anarchic comedian Spike Milligan with Parkinson back in 1976Image caption: And here's anarchic comedian Spike Milligan with Parkinson back in 1976
Comedians remember a showbiz hero
Dara Ó'Briain has been looking back on his three appearances on Parkinson's late night show, describing it as the time he felt like he was "proper showbiz".
"He was a consummate pro on-screen, and generous and encouraging off-screen," Ó'Briain says, and shared an anecdote of Parkinson's lack of nerves before his show on Twitter:
Quote Message: 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." from Dara Ó'Briain Comedian
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."
Matt Lucas also remembered him as a "titan of television" and "the ultimate chat show host".
Lucas highlights his interviews with Muhammad Ali, Dame Edna and Billy Connolly as standouts.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Barnsley Football Club: The town has lost one of its favourite sons
Michael Parkinson was one of Barnsley football club's most famous supporters and the League One team has said it is "deeply saddened" by his death.
Speaking to The Telegraph in 2021, Parkinson said he had gone to his first match at the club's Oakwell ground as a five-year-old and had supported the club for more than eight decades.
"None of us Barnsley fans think we can get up [to the Premier League], but the chance to dream is what football is all about," he said.
The club said in a tweet that "the town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time".
BBC One to air special programme tonight
In a change tonight's scheduled programming, BBC One will show Parkinson at 50 at 21:00 BST.
The documentary is available to watch on iPlayer now.
'People only remember you for the foul-ups'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Michael Parkinson and actor Meg Ryan in 2003Image caption: Michael Parkinson and actor Meg Ryan in 2003
In 2003, Meg Ryan proved to be one of Parkinson's more difficult interviews, as she was famously icy towards him during an interview.
The two clashed when discussing Ryan's then-recently released movie The Cut, in which she had a nude scene. Ryan described him as being rude, and the American actress eventually told him to "wrap it up".
She later said she felt like Parkinson was "berating me for being naked in the movie", likening him to a "disapproving dad".
Parkinson later apologised to Ryan, confessing to Radio Times that: "I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better" and added that "neither of us were on top form".
Parkinson reflected on some of these notorious moments in 2016 during a chat on the perils of fame, saying on the Graham Norton Show that "in the end, people only remember you for all the foul-ups, the things that you most want to forget".
Eamonn Holmes: 'A privilege to know him'
TV presenter Eamonn Holmes says Sir Michael Parkinson was "the king of the chat show hosts" and says "they don't make them like that any more".
Writing on Twitter, Holmes says it was "a privilege to know him on and off screen and to learn from him".
Eamonn Holmes on TwitterCopyright: Eamonn Holmes on Twitter
Stephen Fry: Parkinson was always 100% himself
Stephen Fry on InstagramCopyright: Stephen Fry on Instagram
British writer, actor and comedian Stephen Fry said "having grown up watching him interview greats, my first appearance on Parkinson was impossibly thrilling for me".
Writing on Instagram. he said he "loved that man", adding "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".
Fry shared a picture of his appearance on Parkinson's talk show alongside the former actor Robin Williams.
Gyles Brandreth: 'Parky was one of my heroes'
Broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson, calling him "one of my heroes" and "a lovely guy".
"There were chat shows, of course - but they were much more than that.
"They were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests. A privilege to have known and worked with him," he wrote on Twitter.
Awkward exchanges in that Helen Mirren interview
BBCCopyright: BBC
The two appeared on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show together in 2008Image caption: The two appeared on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show together in 2008
Michael Parkinson was one of the great British interviewers, but even he had his less successful moments.
One infamous example was his interview with Helen Mirren in 1975, when Parkinson asked the then up-and-coming actress if her “equipment” had “hindered” her career.
She ran rings around him, saying “because serious actresses can’t have big bosoms, is that what you mean? I can’t think that can necessarily be true. I would hope the performance… overcomes such boring questions”.
Mirren later described Parkinson as a “sexist old fart”.
Speaking to the BBC in 2016, he admitted that re-watching the interview made him "cringe" because he "behaved like a prat".
And he said he felt he shouldn’t apologise over the incident, insisting that he and Mirren met again in 2008 and "laughed like two intelligent human beings".
Nicky Campbell: ‘He was a hero of mine’
5 LiveCopyright: 5 Live
Speaking during his phone-in on BBC Radio 5 Live, Nicky Campbell describes Sir Michael Parkinson as “the ultimate pro”.
“Me and so many others said growing up, ‘who do you want to be? I want to be Michael Parkinson,” he says.
Nicky says: "Every week we would think, ‘who’s Parkinson got this week’ he got the biggest stars on the planet.
“Can you imagine saying, ladies and gentlemen, Fred Astaire.”
Nicky remembers him as "one of the greatest interviewers of our age and a wonderful person".
Lord Sugar: 'End of an era'
Lord Alan Sugar says the news of Sir Michael Parkinson's death is "very sad" and calls it "the end of an era", writing on Twitter.
British comedian Eddie Izzard says Parkinson was the "king of the intelligent interview".
Izzard wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview."
Memorable meetings with Muhammad Ali
BBCCopyright: BBC
Parkinson said Muhammad Ali was his favourite guestImage caption: Parkinson said Muhammad Ali was his favourite guest
One of Parkinson’s most famous guests was the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
The pair met four times, and the Ali that showed up each time was always slightly different – sometimes cocky, sometimes angry, sometimes vulnerable.
Ali’s famous, often-replayed clip describing latent racism where he asks “how come everything is white?” came during Parkinson’s interview with the boxer in 1971.
But interviewing Ali wasn’t always easy, as Parkinson recalled in a 2016 interview.
"You could only give the impression of getting a grip on him as he flashed by. He'd do you up like a kipper, completely overwhelm you with his huge personality,” he said.
Parkinson expressed his pride at the interviews, calling Muhammad Ali an “extraordinary person”.
"I'm so proud of those interviews. Parts of them are rough and ready but we got some things right and you come away with the impression of a remarkable man,” said Parkinson.
BBC director general: 'Michael was the king of the chat show'
The BBC's director general Tim Davie has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson.
Davie says: "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."
Elaine Paige: 'We will never see his like again'
Actress and singer Elaine Paige says Sir Michael Parkinson was "a legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession".
Writing on Twitter, the BBC radio 2 presenter and former musical theatre star says she had known Sir Michael Parkinson for "many years" and had sung on his TV chat show.
Paige says "we will never see his like again. RIP Michael".
Elaine Paige on X (formerly known as Twitter)Copyright: Elaine Paige on X (formerly known as Twitter)
Live Reporting
Edited by Nathan Williams
All times stated are UK
He was the best - Bird
Parkinson was close friends with the former cricket umpire Dickie Bird, who says:
Bird and Parkinson had known each other since "they were youngsters" and played for Barnsley Cricket Club together.
Their fathers worked in the mines together.
Sir David Attenborough: He was the best in the business
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's The World at One this afternoon, Sir David Attenborough remembered Parkinson as "the best interviewer in the business".
"[He was] extremely professional, you knew he would know all the background and you didn't have to fill in anything.
"You knew that he would do his homework and that he would ask questions that didn't occur to you.
"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," Sir David told the BBC.
Attenborough added that he made guests feel at ease, "it was like meeting a friend" he said.
At a time when broadcasters were overwhelmingly southern, Sir David said Parkinson's northern accent was "a very refreshing voice in those days".
You can listen to Attenborough's full interview on the World at One from 13:00 BST.
Listen to Parkinson's 1972 Desert Island Discs interview
In 1972, Sir Michael Parkinson did a turn as a castaway on BBC Radio Four's Desert Island Discs, talking to Roy Plomley about his life and early career.
Have a listen to hear him talk about how he wanted to be a musician but couldn't "play a note", his father's insistence he didn't go down the mines, his time as a newspaper journalist and how he got into TV.
Parkinson went on to host the Radio 4 show himself, following Plomley's death in May 1985. His first castaway, on 5 January 1986, was the film director Alan Parker. He hosted the show until March 1988, presenting nearly 100 programmes.
'I'll never forget it, it was a great moment'
Over on 5 Live this morning, Nicky Campbell has been asking listeners for their memories of Michael Parkinson, here's a selection of them:
Chris in Wimborne was on a canal boat holiday in 1976 when he sailed past Parkinson's house and waved.
Roy was working as a mechanic and fixed the presenter's car:
Frank Bruno: Muhammad Ali interviews 'pure gold'
The British boxer Frank Bruno says Sir Michael Parkinson was "able to frame and gift wrap the guest to deliver to TV viewer", calling him "one of the best interviewers ever".
Bruno says he and Sir Michael spoke about his famous Muhammad Ali interview and he remembers Parkinson describing it as "TV pure gold".
Bruno tweeted "I met him on a number of occasions", adding it is a "sad day" with his passing.
Eric Idle says 'farewell Parky'
Actor and comedian Eric Idle, one of the co-creators of Monty Python's Flying Circus, references Parkinson's love of cricket and called him a "great Yorkshireman" in his tribute.
Idle, who also says Sir Michael was "a lovely interviewer to be with" famously appeared on his talk show in 1982 to talk about the sketch comedy series.
He recalls how the Monty Python members were first received rather frostily in the US.
Parkinson in pictures
Here's a look at some of the big names that appeared on Parkinson's shows.
Comedians remember a showbiz hero
Dara Ó'Briain has been looking back on his three appearances on Parkinson's late night show, describing it as the time he felt like he was "proper showbiz".
"He was a consummate pro on-screen, and generous and encouraging off-screen," Ó'Briain says, and shared an anecdote of Parkinson's lack of nerves before his show on Twitter:
Matt Lucas also remembered him as a "titan of television" and "the ultimate chat show host".
Lucas highlights his interviews with Muhammad Ali, Dame Edna and Billy Connolly as standouts.
Barnsley Football Club: The town has lost one of its favourite sons
Michael Parkinson was one of Barnsley football club's most famous supporters and the League One team has said it is "deeply saddened" by his death.
Speaking to The Telegraph in 2021, Parkinson said he had gone to his first match at the club's Oakwell ground as a five-year-old and had supported the club for more than eight decades.
"None of us Barnsley fans think we can get up [to the Premier League], but the chance to dream is what football is all about," he said.
The club said in a tweet that "the town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time".
BBC One to air special programme tonight
In a change tonight's scheduled programming, BBC One will show Parkinson at 50 at 21:00 BST.
The documentary is available to watch on iPlayer now.
'People only remember you for the foul-ups'
In 2003, Meg Ryan proved to be one of Parkinson's more difficult interviews, as she was famously icy towards him during an interview.
The two clashed when discussing Ryan's then-recently released movie The Cut, in which she had a nude scene. Ryan described him as being rude, and the American actress eventually told him to "wrap it up".
She later said she felt like Parkinson was "berating me for being naked in the movie", likening him to a "disapproving dad".
Parkinson later apologised to Ryan, confessing to Radio Times that: "I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better" and added that "neither of us were on top form".
Parkinson reflected on some of these notorious moments in 2016 during a chat on the perils of fame, saying on the Graham Norton Show that "in the end, people only remember you for all the foul-ups, the things that you most want to forget".
Eamonn Holmes: 'A privilege to know him'
TV presenter Eamonn Holmes says Sir Michael Parkinson was "the king of the chat show hosts" and says "they don't make them like that any more".
Writing on Twitter, Holmes says it was "a privilege to know him on and off screen and to learn from him".
Stephen Fry: Parkinson was always 100% himself
British writer, actor and comedian Stephen Fry said "having grown up watching him interview greats, my first appearance on Parkinson was impossibly thrilling for me".
Writing on Instagram. he said he "loved that man", adding "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".
Fry shared a picture of his appearance on Parkinson's talk show alongside the former actor Robin Williams.
Gyles Brandreth: 'Parky was one of my heroes'
Broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson, calling him "one of my heroes" and "a lovely guy".
"There were chat shows, of course - but they were much more than that.
"They were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests. A privilege to have known and worked with him," he wrote on Twitter.
Awkward exchanges in that Helen Mirren interview
Michael Parkinson was one of the great British interviewers, but even he had his less successful moments.
One infamous example was his interview with Helen Mirren in 1975, when Parkinson asked the then up-and-coming actress if her “equipment” had “hindered” her career.
She ran rings around him, saying “because serious actresses can’t have big bosoms, is that what you mean? I can’t think that can necessarily be true. I would hope the performance… overcomes such boring questions”.
Mirren later described Parkinson as a “sexist old fart”.
Speaking to the BBC in 2016, he admitted that re-watching the interview made him "cringe" because he "behaved like a prat".
And he said he felt he shouldn’t apologise over the incident, insisting that he and Mirren met again in 2008 and "laughed like two intelligent human beings".
Nicky Campbell: ‘He was a hero of mine’
Speaking during his phone-in on BBC Radio 5 Live, Nicky Campbell describes Sir Michael Parkinson as “the ultimate pro”.
“Me and so many others said growing up, ‘who do you want to be? I want to be Michael Parkinson,” he says.
Nicky says: "Every week we would think, ‘who’s Parkinson got this week’ he got the biggest stars on the planet.
“Can you imagine saying, ladies and gentlemen, Fred Astaire.”
Nicky remembers him as "one of the greatest interviewers of our age and a wonderful person".
Lord Sugar: 'End of an era'
Lord Alan Sugar says the news of Sir Michael Parkinson's death is "very sad" and calls it "the end of an era", writing on Twitter.
British comedian Eddie Izzard says Parkinson was the "king of the intelligent interview".
Izzard wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview."
Memorable meetings with Muhammad Ali
One of Parkinson’s most famous guests was the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
The pair met four times, and the Ali that showed up each time was always slightly different – sometimes cocky, sometimes angry, sometimes vulnerable.
Ali’s famous, often-replayed clip describing latent racism where he asks “how come everything is white?” came during Parkinson’s interview with the boxer in 1971.
But interviewing Ali wasn’t always easy, as Parkinson recalled in a 2016 interview.
"You could only give the impression of getting a grip on him as he flashed by. He'd do you up like a kipper, completely overwhelm you with his huge personality,” he said.
Parkinson expressed his pride at the interviews, calling Muhammad Ali an “extraordinary person”.
"I'm so proud of those interviews. Parts of them are rough and ready but we got some things right and you come away with the impression of a remarkable man,” said Parkinson.
Watch more highlights here.
BBC director general: 'Michael was the king of the chat show'
The BBC's director general Tim Davie has paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson.
Davie says: "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."
Elaine Paige: 'We will never see his like again'
Actress and singer Elaine Paige says Sir Michael Parkinson was "a legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession".
Writing on Twitter, the BBC radio 2 presenter and former musical theatre star says she had known Sir Michael Parkinson for "many years" and had sung on his TV chat show.
Paige says "we will never see his like again. RIP Michael".