Briton Michael Parkinson, famous in his country for his programs in which he interviewed personalities such as Muhammad Ali, Marlon Brando and David Beckham, has died at the age of 88, his family announced on Thursday.
Parkinson, known as the “king” of “talk shows”, died “peacefully” on Wednesday night after a short illness, his family told the BBC.
“Parky”, as he was often known, was a familiar face on British television, with his intimate celebrity interviews, most notably on the BBC’s “Parkinson”, which first aired with immediate success in June 1971. relaunched in 1998 and received good reviews.
The journalist claimed to have interviewed 2,000 celebrities during his career. His interview with boxer Muhammad Ali is one of the most emblematic. “He is the most remarkable human being I have ever known,” he said at the time.
He also interviewed actors Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, Orson Welles and Fred Astaire, among others, as well as members of the royal family, such as Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. In the 2000s, he also spoke to footballer David Beckham and actress Judy Dench.
In 2008, the presenter was honored by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes multiplied across the UK.
BBC Director General Tim Davie praised “the incredible presenter and journalist who set the format for all presenters and programs to come after”.
Source: DN
