THE UNDISPUTED KING OF TV TALK SHOWS
OK! UK|August 28, 2023
MICHAEL PARKINSON'S CELEBRITY CHATS GAVE US SOME OF THE SMALL SCREEN'S MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS
MATT ROPER
THE UNDISPUTED KING OF TV TALK SHOWS

Sir Michael Parkinson, who died last week at the age of 88, was surely the greatest talk show host of all time.

Before Parky, TV audiences had never seen his style of intimate, comfy chats with stars of stage and screen.

Where he led, the rest followed, trying, but ultimately never quite succeeding, to emulate that relaxed, warm and sympathetic style that would make every celebrity want to share their secrets - with a few notable exceptions.

Sir Michael described the job of an interviewer as "to bring out the best in his guests, and not to treat them like a receptive audience for the display of his own wit and opinions".

In more than 600 shows, the Yorkshireman interviewed some 2,000 stars, including Muhammad Ali, John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Fred Astaire.

From crying with laughter at Billy Connolly to listening intently as George Michael gave his first interview after he came out, his interviews were TV gold.

His ability to make his guests feel at ease produced some of TV's most memorable moments, including when Rod Hull's Emu attacked him in 1976.

His 2003 interview with a frosty Meg Ryan was one of the most awkward ever as she gave one-word answers after taking offence over his questioning.

Meanwhile Sir Michael always regretted the fact he never got to interview Frank Sinatra, describing him as "the one that got away".

An only child, Michael Parkinson was born on 28 March 1935 on a council estate at Cudworth, near Barnsley, in South Yorkshire. When he was 12, his cricket-mad dad took him down the local pit to put him off ever becoming a miner like him and his grandfather.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 28, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 28, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS OK! UKAlle anzeigen
SEASONAL SHOPPING
OK! UK

SEASONAL SHOPPING

Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
OK! UK

BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
OK! UK

'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'

Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
OK! UK

I'm happy to be the one who says no'

TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
OK! UK

My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'

I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
OK! UK

'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'

Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
OK! UK

"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'

MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
OK! UK

KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE

\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
OK! UK

I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'

JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 25, 2024