August 17th 2023.
Today marks a sad day for the world of broadcasting with the news that Sir Michael Parkinson, the legendary presenter, has passed away at the age of 88. With a career spanning seven decades, Sir Michael was a titan of entertainment, leaving an everlasting mark on the industry.
He was at the forefront of numerous unforgettable moments on TV on his eponymous chat show Parkinson, from sparring with Muhammad Ali to Victoria Beckham revealing her cheeky ‘golden balls’ nickname for her husband David Beckham. Who can forget when Sir Michael met Muhammad Ali? Or when he was attacked by an emu on TV?
To pay homage to Sir Michael, the BBC has announced that it has changed its programme for the Wednesday August 17 to air Parkinson at 50, a documentary that was originally released in 2021. The documentary recalls how Parkinson endured for such a long time despite its ‘humble beginnings’, becoming a ‘Saturday night staple’, which won four Bafta Awards and was nominated for eight.
The journalist was knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2008, and his career was filled with many successes. However, his encounter with Meg Ryan was not so successful, with many remembering the very tense exchange. A couple of years ago, Sir Michael offered an apology to the You’ve Got Mail actress over their 2003 meeting, admitting that he wished he ‘hadn’t lost his temper’ when she gave curt answers to his questions.
Sir Michael will always be remembered for his impeccable interviews and his legendary career. He was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. To honour him, Parkinson at 50 airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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