Sir Michael Parkinson – the raconteur ‘king of the chat show’ who will go down as one of the greatest broadcasters in history – has died aged 88, his bereft family revealed today.

Sir Michael, who was fondly called ‘Parky’ by friends and fans, passed away surrounded by his wife Lady Mary and their children at his Berkshire home last night.

The down-to-earth Yorkshireman became one of the most famous names in Britain after his seminal interviews with Muhammad Ali, John Lennon, Billy Connolly, Orson Welles and most of the world’s biggest stars in an extraordinary TV career spanning five decades.

There were also wildly comical – and uncomfortable interviews – including being attacked while speaking to Rod Hull and Emu as well as a prickly Meg Ryan in 20 years of more than 2,000 BBC interviews beamed into up to 17million homes on a Saturday night.

He said his greatest regret was never being able to interview Frank Sinatra – and recently revealed that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was his most formidable interviewee.

Parky presented his programme Parkinson from 1971 to 1982 and again from 1998 to 2004 on the BBC. He then switched to ITV where his chat show ran from 2004 to 2007. He was last seen in public in April. The cricket-mad journalist was frail as he celebrated his friend Dickie Bird’s 90th birthday bash at Headingley, Leeds. His last TV appearance was last November.

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.’ 

He is survived by his wife Lady Mary Parkinson and they lived together in Bray, Berkshire. They had three children, Michael Jr, Nicholas and Andrew. Sir Michael, from Barnsley, and Lady Mary, from nearby Doncaster, met as young journalists and enjoyed a 64-year marriage.

In 2013, he spoke openly about being diagnosed with prostate cancer following a routine health check. In 2017, Michael learned to walk again after undergoing spinal surgery to correct two ruptured discs. But his family said today that his death was as a result of a brief illness. 

Sir Michael Parkinson, pictured with his friend and famous interviewee Muhammad Ali, has died aged 88

Celebrations: The broadcaster was last seen in April with his friend and cricket umpire Dickie Bird (pictured), who was marking his 90th birthday in Leeds. Dickie said today: ‘He was the best’

Sir Michael was all smiles as he left the restaurant Scott’s in Mayfair with a friend during a lunch to mark his 88th birthday in March

Classic: In 1971, he spoke to John Lennon and Yoko Ono, in one of his earliest episodes of his seminal show

Michael Parkinson interviewing Rod Hull and Emu in 1976 where he was famously, and comically, attacked

Parky was married to his wife Lady Mary since 1959. He died surrounded by his family

Footballer George Best was one of Michael Parkinson’s favourite guests and became a close friend

In their first major television interview together as a couple, Victoria and David Beckham chose Michael Parkinson in 2001

TV legends Bruce Forsyth and Michael Parkinson in 2002

Parky in 2007 with Peter Kay where he was dressed as a lollipop man on his final BBC show 

Parkinson was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to television in 2008

Dickie Bird paid tribute to his close friend today and said: ‘There will never be a chat show host like Michael Parkinson. He was the best. There will never be anyone better than him in your lifetime, my lifetime or anyone else’s lifetime.’

Parky began his journalism career reporting for his hometown paper the Barnsley Chronicle, The Guardian and then the Daily Express before moving into broadcasting, first at ITV’s Granada and then to the BBC.

All in all, Parkinson racked up 2,000 interviews over the years with some of the best-known names from all walks of life, including royalty. After 20 years on the BBC, his last major series was as the host of two seasons of Parkinson: Masterclass on Sky Arts in 2012 and 2013. 

He also presented Desert Island Discs and his own sports show on 5Live.

In his 2022 book My Life in Sport: Memories, Moments and Declarations, the presenter revealed his most formidable guest was the Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who he suspects took a dislike to the broadcaster right from the start.

‘I did have to chat to him once, for a charity, and it was not a success – at all,’ he confessed. 

The TV star, who lived in Berkshire with his wife Mary, has previously spoken about his long-running chat show.

Of his heyday – which saw him sit down one-on-one, often for a whole hour, with the likes of Orson Welles, Madonna and David and Victoria Beckham – he said: ‘I had the best of it, in terms of the guests I could choose from. The older ones and the newer ones, and also the kind of television that was being shown in those days. It was bliss.’

Of his favourites, Parkinson counted iconic footballer George Best, with whom he developed a deep friendship before his premature death aged 59, following a liver transplant.

He also counted Sir Billy Connolly among his favourite interviews, and praised the comedian as ‘a natural funny man’. His series of successful appearances on the show put Sir Billy Connolly, then a jobbing Scottish comedian and singer, on the road to worldwide fame.

Reacting to the news, BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson said on Twitter: ‘He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year.

‘Michael Parkinson – king of the chat show – has died.’

Meanwhile former BBC News anchor Simon McCoy tweeted: ‘Simply the Best. Anyone who was anyone was interviewed by him.

‘What an amazing career he had. Thoughts with his family.’

Tributes to the TV great, who died last night

Parky’s beloved Yorkshire and opponents Hampshire lining up today for a minute’s silence to remember Sir Michael Parkinson who died last night

The director-general of the BBC has also paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson as ‘the king of the chat show’ and an ‘incredible broadcaster and journalist’.

In a statement, Tim Davie said: ‘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.’

Comedian Stephen Fry has said being interviewed by Sir Michael Parkinson was ‘impossibly thrilling’.

On Instagram, Fry wrote: ‘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.

‘One should get used to the parade of people constantly falling off the edge, but frankly one doesn’t. So long Parky.’

His friend and former colleague Anne Diamond told MailOnline: ‘I worked with him at TVam and I loved him. He ‘taught the world’ to interview – with fun, integrity, and no fawning! I’m proud to have known and worked with him. I send all my love and deepest sympathies to his family and especially Mary. ‘ 

Lord Alan Sugar tweeted: ‘Very sad news on the passing of Michael Parkinson. End of a (sic) era RIP.’

Mark Wells, who was executive producer of Parkinson’s TV talk show between 2004 and 2007, said: ‘Sir Michael Parkinson was one of the giants of British broadcasting.

‘His charisma, sense of humour and endlessly inquiring mind made his talk show unmissable television. He was at heart an exceptional journalist, and that – combined with his love of show business – made him our greatest talk show host ever.’

British singer and actress Elaine Paige paid tribute to Sir Michael Parkinson describing him as a ‘legendary interviewer’.

Sharing a picture of the pair on X, formerly Twitter, she said: ‘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.’

Young presenter Michael Parkinson fronting ‘Granada In the North – Michael Parkinson in 1958

Parkinson with wife Mary and their three sons Andrew, Michael and Nicholas

Parky with Muhammed Ali in 1974 – he became one of his most famous and best-loved guests

Michael Parkinson at a charity football match in 1975

Icon: The 86-year-old TV star fronted Parkinson between 1971 to 2007, and two seasons of Parkinson: Masterclass on Sky Arts in 2012 and 2013, chatting to an array of major names from the world of entertainment, sport and politics [pictured in 1987]

Pals: Sir Michael still counts Sir Billy Connolly as one of his favourite guests, and he praised the comedian as ‘a natural funny man’ [pictured together in 1987]

Paul McCartney and Michael Parkinsonpicturd in 1998. Parkinson was photographed for the cover of McCartney’s 1973 album ‘Band on the Run’ 25 years earlier

The talkshow host has interviewed over 2000 people from all walks of life throughout his career, pictured in 2006 with Jane Fonda

Michael Parkinson’s awkward interview with Hollywood actress Meg Ryan in 2003

Chat show host Michael Parkinson poses for pictures after he was awarded the Most excellent order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2000

Journalist David Frost; Viscount Linley and interviewer Michael Parkinson sit on Centre Court for the semi-final match between Tommy Haas of Germany and Roger Federer in 2009

Parky and and wife Mary in the Royal Box at Wimbledon in 2022

Sir Michael was assisted into the passenger seat of a car by a valet at Scott’s in March on his final birthday 

Comedian Dara O Briain recalled Sir Michael Parkinson doing ‘the coolest thing I ever saw pre-show’ after the interviewer’s death.

He tweeted: ‘I had the privilege of doing the Michael Parkinson show 3 times and it the most I ever felt like I was in ‘proper showbiz’.

‘He was a consummate pro on-screen, and generous and encouraging off-screen. He also did the coolest thing I ever saw pre-show: I was standing with the guests, waiting for the show to start.

‘Michael arrived, chatted away to us, not a nerve in sight, when the band starting playing the theme tune. Michael paused, smiled and said ‘They’re playing my tune’ and walked straight out and started the show. Lovely.’

Eddie Izzard remembered Sir Michael Parkinson as the ‘king of the intelligent interview’. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Izzard wrote: ‘Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview.

Broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth said Sir Michael was ‘one of my heroes’ in a moving post on social media.

He tweeted: ‘They were chat shows, of course – but they were much more than that: they were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests.

‘And what an array of guests. ‘Parky’ was one of my heroes – and a lovely guy. A privilege to have known and worked with him.’

Eamonn Holmes said that knowing ‘on and off screen’ Sir Michael Parkinson was a ‘privilege’.

He wrote on Twitter, now known as X: ‘Parky. King of The Chat Show Hosts. A privilege to know him on and off screen and to learn from him.

‘They don’t make them like that anymore. Rip Sir Michael Parkinson.’

Monty Python star Eric Idle, who was interviewed by Sir Michael Parkinson in 1982, described the interviewer as ‘a great Yorkshireman’. Idle tweeted: ‘Farewell Parky. A great Yorkshireman and cricket fan and a lovely interviewer to be with.’

Yorkshire County Cricket Club will hold a minute’s silence before play in York on Thursday ‘to show our respects’ for Sir Michael Parkinson, the club said.

Barnsley FC said the club has ‘lost one of its favourite sons’ following the death of Sir Michael Parkinson.

The club tweeted: ‘Barnsley Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Parkinson CBE.

‘The town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.’

Sir Michael made a TV appearance on Good Morning Britain in November. 

He appeared on the show alongside his son Mike, 55, where he discussed the art of interviewing and reminisced on his time spent with footballer George Best.

Asked about the art of the interview by hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, Sir Michael said: ‘It takes some doing to actually be frank in an interview, to ask the questions properly and not be delicate around certain subjects. 

‘You’re aware of that as the interviewer. It’s a fascinating subject. There’s lots of other things that come into it. 

He added: ‘I enjoy watching interviews as well nowadays, particularly when they don’t get it right.’

Sir Michael was good friends with George and interviewed the footballer more than a dozen times during his career.

Mike recalled playing football with the Manchester United winger as a child and his schoolteachers not believing him.

He said: ‘George used to come down and he would try and avoid dad because dad would try and lecture him. 

‘He’d run out in the garden and play football with me and the two brothers and the game was get the football off George Best which was impossible. 

Michael Parkinson presents programme ‘Scene At 6.30’ on Grenada in 1963

Parkinson pictured with his wife Mary at TV-AM studios, who he married in 1959

Parkinson with the king of Hammer horror films Vincent Price in 1974

Parkinson’s interview with Helen Mirren in 1975 was famously prickly. In another interview years later the pair laughed about their edgy first meeting

Another hilarious interviewee of Parkinson’s was muppet Miss Piggy, whose shameless flirtation with the host brought the house down

Michael Parkinson interviews Muhammad Ali and Freddie Starr on ‘Parkinson’ in 1981

Another of Parkinson’s most memorable guests was Dame Edna Everage, who frequently flirted with the TV talk show host

Parkinson pictured with guest, revered actor Richard Harris, who starred as Professor Dumbledore in the first Harry Potter film, in 1987

Michael Parkinson pictured with 1960s singer and Blind Date host Cilla Black in 1999

Parkinson grew up in Barnsley and his wife Mary was from nearby Doncaster, they had three children during their 64 year marriage

In the 1970s, Parkinson campaigned for birth control, after having a vasectomy in 1972 to allow his wife to stop taking the Pill

Parky and Bird in April

‘I went back to primary school and they asked me what I did for the weekend and I said, I played football with George Best.

‘I kept repeating this claim and was given detention. I then saw George next time and said to him, George you got me in trouble and he said what can I do? 

‘He signed a football and wrote, to Sister Cross, he did play football with George Best, love George. I gave it to her next day at school and I’m sure she blushed.

Sir Michael became a familiar face on both the BBC and ITV because of his intimate celebrity interviews, most notably on the BBC show Parkinson.

Parkinson first aired on the BBC on June 19 1971, and enjoyed a successful run until 1982. In 1998, the chat show was revived on the BBC and proved an instant hit.

It switched from the BBC to ITV1 in 2004 and ran until 2007 – the same year Sir Michael retired from his Sunday morning Radio 2 programme.

His career saw him welcome the likes of boxer Muhammad Ali, sporting star David Beckham and Rod Hull – with puppet Emu – onto his chat shows during a long and distinguished career.

During the hundreds of episodes of his talk show, he also interviewed stars including David Bowie, John Lennon and Celine Dion.

Headline making interviews throughout his career included those with actresses Dame Helen Mirren and US star Meg Ryan.

He famously introduced stage and screen star Dame Helen as the ‘sex queen’ of the Royal Shakespeare Company during their 1975 chat show encounter, and asked if her ‘equipment’ hindered her being recognised as a serious actress.

Michael Parkinson arriving with his wife Mary at the Royal Albert Hall in London, for a BAFTA Award ceremony in 1997

Fashion designer Mary Quant tries out one of her new range of neckties on Michael Parkinson in 1976

Michael Parkinson and Germaine Greer pose for a portrait session for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day telethon in 1997

Parkinson in 1999 with his BAFTA Television award for Best Light Entertainment Performance at Grosvenor House in London

Parkinson at a London photocall holding a birdcage in 1995

Parkinson, pictured in 2004, three years before the end of his show Parkinson 

Parkinson (right) and Piers Morgan with Joey the War Horse in 2014

In 2003, his interview with Ryan made headlines following a frosty one-on-one with the Hollywood actress while she was promoting the poorly received erotic thriller In The Cut.

Ryan sat stony-faced for the sit-down, delivering one-word answers after allegedly being rude to her fellow guests on the show, the fashion double act Trinny and Susannah.

Before his TV career, he started life as an only child, growing up in a council house in the coalmining village of Cudworth, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

As a teenager, his father, a miner, took him down the pit to put him off working there.

When his dreams of playing cricket for Yorkshire were dashed, he left school aged 16 and began working at a local paper, later joining the Manchester Guardian and then the Daily Express.

His first TV job was as a producer at Granada, and he later moved to Thames TV, before landing his chat show Parkinson at the BBC.

He had a short-lived term at TV-am as part of the original presenting line-up alongside the likes of Angela Rippon and David Frost, and appeared on the shows Give Us A Clue, one-off drama Ghostwatch and Going For A Song.

Sir Michael brought down the curtain on more than 30 years of his chat show at the end of 2007 with a final show featuring Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Edna Everage, Sir Billy Connolly, Peter Kay and Jamie Cullum in a two-hour special.

Speaking on the final show, he said: ‘Over the years it has been a privilege to meet some of the most intelligent and interesting people. It has always been a great joy and I shall miss it.’

As well as his television career, he was a respected radio broadcaster, having hosted Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 as well as his own sports shows on Five Live. He was also an award-winning sports writer, having been a lifelong cricket fan.

He received an honorary doctorate in 2008, alongside cricket umpire and his good friend Dickie Bird, at the Barnsley campus of Huddersfield University.

He was knighted by the late Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2008, and said of the accolade: ‘I never expected to be knighted – I thought there was more chance of me turning into a Martian really.’

In 2013, he spoke openly about being diagnosed with prostate cancer following a routine health check.

He had three sons with wife Mary, who he married in 1959.