Chat show king Sir Michael Parkinson won over many an interviewee thanks to his charm, wit, and avuncular interview style, but there was one guest where things didn’t go quite that smoothly – Meg Ryan.
The Hollywood actress appeared on his BBC show back in 2003 to promote her latest film, In The Cut, which was already tanking at the box office.
Immediately, Ryan moved her chair so she was almost facing the presenter and ignored fellow guests Trinny Woodhall and Susanna Constantine, even turning her back to them at one point.
What ensued has since gone down as one of the most awkward clashes in TV history, with Ryan giving one-word answers and looking like she wished to be anywhere but there.
Parkinson, for his part, tried to remain professional, but became increasingly frustrated at the When Harry Met Sally star seeming closed off.
Claiming she was wary of being interviewed, the veteran broadcaster asked in desperation what she would do if she were in his shoes conducting the interview.
“Well I’d just wrap it up,” came the blunt reply, as the audience awkwardly laughed.
Reflecting on their interaction afterwards, Parkinson branded Ryan “an unhappy woman” while she described him as a “nut” and criticised him for speaking to her “like a disapproving dad”.
Ryan told Marie Claire: “I don’t even know the man. That guy was like some disapproving father! It’s crazy. I don’t know what he is to you guys, but he’s a nut. I felt like he was berating me for being naked in the movie.”
By 2007, however, he appeared to have had a change of heart, telling the Radio Times: “I wish I hadn’t lost my temper with Meg Ryan. I wish I’d dealt with it in a more courteous manner.
“I was quite obviously angry with her and it’s not my business to be angry towards the guests. I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better.”
Asked what he would say to Ryan if he saw her again, Parkinson replied: “I’m sorry. But you must understand that you played a part in it too.”
Adding: “Neither of us were on top form, and we were both discomforted.
Parkinson interviewed thousands of celebrities during a career which spanned over seven decades.
He passed away aged 88 on August 16 following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
