BBC Director-General Tim Davie has led tributes to Sir Michael Parkinson, describing the late star as the "king of the chat show".
Tributes to Sir Michael Parkinson have flooded in following his death aged 88
The legendary broadcaster - who was best known for interviewing celebrities on his 'Parkinson' talk show - passed away "peacefully" on Wednesday evening (16.08.23) aged 88 following a "brief illness", and Tim has remembered Michael as "one of a kind".
He said in a statement: "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."
Several other stars have also paid tribute to the TV presenter, who was affectionately known as "Parky", including Stephen Fry, who said it was "impossibly thrilling" being interviewed by the TV great.
He wrote on Threads: "Loved that man. Having grown up watching him interview greats, my first appearance was impossibly thrilling for me. 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. For one of the shows I was on with Robin Williams, a genius of unimaginable comic speed and brilliance. Now they’re both gone, damn it #parky (sic)"
Singing icon Elaine Paige wrote on X: "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. RIP Michael."
'Apprentice' star Lord Sugar posted: "Very sad news on the passing of Michael Parkinson . End of a era RIP.
A post on BAFTA's official X account read: "We’re saddened to hear that presenter and chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has died age 88. Parkinson’s TV career spanned seven-decades and saw him interview the world’s biggest stars on his long-running chat show Parkinson, for which he won a BAFTA in 1999."
Earlier on Thursday (17.08.23), Michael's family confirmed he had died.
They said in a statement: "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."
Over his seven-decade-long career, Michael interviewed the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John, Madonna Dame Helen Mirren, and Sir Billy Connolly.
In 2013, he underwent radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer, but he received the all-clear from doctors two years later.
Michael - who was knighted in 2008, and made a CBE in 2000 - estimated he interviewed more than 2,000 guests throughout his career, and previously said his chat with legendary boxer Ali was his favourite.
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