King of the BBC chat show Sir Michael Parkinson’s career from prickly Meg Ryan interview to sparring with Muhammad Ali-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro

Sir Michael Parkinson has died (Picture: Rex Features)

Sir Michael Parkinson was one of the most revered figures on British television, enjoying a stellar career spanning seven decades.

The talk show host died on August 17 at the age of 88 after a ‘brief illness’, and was surrounded by loved ones.

His career in TV was enjoyed by millions of viewers and admired by his industry peers.

After a stint at the Manchester Guardian, the journalist began his TV career in the 1960s at the BBC and Granada, working on current affairs programmes. He fronted film review show Cinema for Granada from 1969 before launching his career-making talk show, Parkinson, on the BBC in 1971.

He interviewed a plethora of celebrities over the years until 1982, then again from 1998 until 2007. Some of his high-profile guests have included Clint Eastwood, David Bowie, Helen Mirren, Muhammad Ali, Sir Tony Blair, Naomi Campbell and Sir Paul McCartney.

Many viewers remember his infamous 2003 sit down with actress Meg Ryan who came across as prickly throughout and gave one-word answers. The American star went on to describe Sir Michael as being like ‘a disapproving dad.’

The broadcaster’s career spanned 25 years (Picture: Getty)

Sir Michael Parkinson during his classic interview with late boxing legend Muhammed Ali in 1974 (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)

The two struck up a great rapport, with Sir Michael once revealing the trick to making his guests feel comfortable (Picture: BBC Picture Archives)

Sir Cliff Richard was also interviewed by the TV legend (Picture: Getty Images)

Reflecting on one of the biggest moments of his career, Sir Michael said of their meeting in 2017: ‘We were both in a fairly grim mood. I don’t know what happened, I just took against her.

‘There was another way to handle that actually and extract more fun than I got.’

He later told Radio Times in 2021 of the awkward interaction: ‘I wish I hadn’t lost my temper with Meg Ryan. I wish I’d dealt with it in a more courteous manner.’

Another of his best known TV moments was the chaotic encounter with entertainer Rod Hull and his puppet Emu in 1976, in which Emu ‘attacked’ Sir Michael, wrestling him to the floor.

His other TV credits include Give Us A Clue, TV-am, Going For A Song and Parkinson One to One.

Sir Michael has seen his fair share of the silver screen also, appearing as himself in 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually and controversially in the drama Ghostwatch in 1992, a fictional ghost hunt that drew complaints from viewers who believed it to be real.

By his estimation, he had interviewed over 2000 celebrities before retiring in 2007.

‘I think you must learn how to interview, but the reason why some people are better than others is about a capacity they might have for settling people.

‘I think it’s about body language; it’s about convincing people they should be comfortable with you,’ he said of his disarming technique.

The broadcaster had taken a step back from public life in recent years after having to learn how to walk again in 2017 following spinal surgery.

Sir Michael had undergone surgery to correct two ruptured discs, telling the Sunday Mirror: ‘I’ve been ill for the last five years.

‘I’ve overcome prostate cancer, but it’s been a difficult period of my life. And my spinal operation has involved a long and unpleasant recovery.

‘But in many ways what gets me through is the thought of not becoming redundant. I don’t want to be on the waste heap – and that more than anything else is the best motivation for anyone growing old.’

The legendary moment Sir Michael was attacked by Emu during his Rod Hall interview (Picture: Sky News, BBC Picture Archives)

Sir Paul McCartney gave Sir Michael a jamming session during their 2007 interview (Picture: ITV)

Sir Michael believes he has had over 2000 interviews over the years (Picture: Getty)

Sir Michael said a good interview comes from ‘convincing people they should be comfortable with you’ (Picture: ITV)

With his wife Mary (Picture: Getty Images)

He told Sydney Morning Herald about his chats over the years that how an interview turns out is completely up to fate.

In 2013 he revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radiotherapy.

He told The Sun at the time: ‘My wife Mary has been a tremendous support and while she has been, of course, very upset, she can see how I have approached this. Once she realised I wouldn’t let it affect me, Mary was fine.’

Six years later, he suddenly pulled out of a public appearance at Jersey Festival of Words due to a ‘mild’ health issue.

He married wife Mary in 1959 and the couple have three sons.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More