‘Parkinson understood the power of his platform’
My favourite moment was when Parky interviewed Richard Burton. Burton had recently emerged from a detox programme, battling his demons and white-knuckling his sobriety. The fragility of Burton’s emotional and mental state was palpable, and Parkinson knew that this interview required a delicate touch. Throughout the interview, Parkinson radiated empathy and understanding. He approached Burton with genuine warmth, without judgment. He understood the power of his platform and recognised that this was not just another interview; it was an opportunity to give Burton a safe space to share where he was in his life. Rest easy, Parky. Shaun O’Donnell, 52, Manchester
‘The last show with Peter Kay was brilliant’
I remember watching him with my dad as a kid. The global superstars he interviewed offered brilliant insight for me. It was essentially a lesson in modern history. That, coupled with his northern humour, was so enjoyable. He always appeared such an affable and humble man. As the host, he never wanted to be the star of the show and that shone through. Those clips of Muhammad Ali, Billy Connolly, etc will live for ever. The last show with Peter Kay was also brilliant. I’ve watched that clip six times today. RIP Michael. You are missed. Ian, 44, Cardiff
‘An acerbic but fun guy to work with’
He was a brilliant interviewer and an acerbic but fun guy to work with. I first encountered him in September 1963 as a production trainee straight out of university. Together with Mike Apted and Mike Newell, I sat outside his office for nearly three hours. At 11am, a crapulous Parky strode past us muttering, “production trainees– that’s all I need this morning”. At the time, Parkinson was the producer of Granada’s Scene at 6.30, the news magazine programme that came after the 6pm news. We played cricket together for Granada All-stars (never having appeared in front of the camera at that stage) on hot Sundays against Lancashire league teams, and on rainy nights on steep Pennine slopes beside electricity pylons. Years later at a restaurant (he loved fine dining), he crossed the room to chat. I was very fond of him. Gordon McDougall, 82, Clevedon, Somerset, and Saint-Macoux, France – retired theatre and television producer, director and academic
‘He was the ultimate talkshow host’
Michael Parkinson was like a warm glow wrapped up in a snug blanket. You knew you were in for a treat, whoever he was interviewing. He was the ultimate talkshow host, who allowed his guests to shine. It’s a pity that there are few, if any, like him these days. He clearly did his homework thoroughly for each person and ensured they were the focus, not himself. Still smile when I think of him and that pesky emu. RIP Michael. Cathy, Cardiff
‘His art was to create the atmosphere of an easy, convivial chat’
I watched the Parkinson programme since I was old enough to appreciate it, and so wish I could have seen it from the beginning. Sir Michael provided a masterclass in interviewing, always eliciting the best from his guests. His art was to create the atmosphere of an easy, convivial chat among them, full of humour and anecdotes, and it was a delight to see him in fits of laughter because of the antics of Dame Edna, Billy Connolly, and Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, among others. I cannot contact the Parkinson family and do not wish to disturb them in their grief, but I do hope that the message is somehow conveyed to them that Sir Michael gave so much pleasure, laughter and entertainment – with such skill and professionalism – for so long, and we are all so sorry for their loss. Anonymous, Australia
‘His interview with Barry Humphries as Dame Edna really stood out for me’
I have seen the memorable clips on the web, but one that really stood out for me was an early 1980s episode which started out with Parky interviewing Gloria Swanson, who discussed dignity in film-making. Next up was Olivia Newton-John. Finally, in came Barry Humphries, as Dame Edna, throwing gladioli to his “possums” in the studio audience. Swanson couldn’t get a hold of what was going on and the look on her face was priceless. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find a clip of this great moment. John Lister, New Brunswick, New Jersey, US
