Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88.

Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88

Sir Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88

The legendary TV broadcaster's family have confirmed he passed away "peacefully" on Wednesday evening (16.08.23) following a "brief illness".

According to the BBC, a statement from Sir Michael's family 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."

Michael - who was affectionately known as "Parky" - was known for interviewing several high-profile celebrities over his seven-decade long career, including the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John, Madonna and 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.

The star hosted his first TV talk show, 'Parkinson', from 1971 to 1982, and he later returned to the BBC in 1998 for another run.

Michael - who was knighted in 2008, and made a CBE in 2000 - estimated he interviewed more than 2,000 guests throughout his career in more than 800 episodes of his show.

He previously said his chat with legendary boxer Ali was his favourite.

Michael apologised to actress Meg Ryan in 2021, following his interview with her in 2003.

The chat has become known as one of his most infamous, when Meg delivered several one-word answers while being interviewing about her erotic thriller 'The Cut'.

But Michael apologised nearly 20 years later, admitting neither of them were on "top form".

He told the Radio Times magazine: "I wish I hadn't lost my temper with Meg Ryan. I wish I'd dealt with it in a more courteous manner. I was quite obviously angry with her and it's not my business to be angry towards the guests. I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better."

Michael also presented Sky Arts series 'Michael Parkinson: Masterclass' from 2012 to 2014, and worked on ITV's breakfast show 'TV-am', 'Give Us a Clue', and BBC One's 'Going For a Song'.

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