Parkinson, who became affectionately known as ‘Parky’, estimated he had interviewed more than 2000 guests in total, with the most high-profile including Muhammad Ali, Elton John, John Lennon and Madonna.
“He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year,” BBC journalist Nick Robinson said in a post on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Michael and Mary Parkinson at their Berkshire home in 1983. Credit: Companion Pictures
Parkinson was also known for two uncomfortable interviews with actors Helen Mirren and Meg Ryan. With Mirren, he was accused of sexism after he asked if her “physical attributes” had hindered her career and whether her figure could detract from her performance.
With Ryan, the two engaged in a frosty, terse interview before Ryan told him to “wrap it up”. Parkinson later said he regretted getting angry with the actress.
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