Legendary broadcaster and TV interviewer Sir Michael Parkinson’s cause of death has been announced following his death aged 88 after a short illness.
The legendary TV interviewer died after a short illness, eight years after receiving the all-clear following treatment for prostate cancer. In a heartbreaking statement shared by Michael’s family on A they 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 was known for doing painstaking research and asking his famous guests all the right questions. It has now been revealed the TV legend died of frailty of old age’, per his death certificate, seen.
Following the news of Sir Michael’s death, many celebrities and industry friends paid tribute to the star. Among those paying tribute was the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie, who hailed Parkinson as “the king of the chat show” and an “incredible broadcaster and journalist”. He 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.”
Former BBC newsreader India Willoughby also shared a touching anecdote about the time she met Parkinson in the 80s, writing: “V sad to hear about Michael Parkinson. When I was doing my journalism training, he came to give us a talk at Stradbroke College (later Richmond College) in Sheffield. Mid 1980s. All in awe of him. Said was the best job in the world. Well for a time, you WERE the best. RIP Parky.”
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.”