Renowed British talkshow host Sir Michael Parkinson is being remembered as “the king of the chat show” after his death, aged 88.
Parkinson’s family said in a statement that he died at home following a brief illness.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said Parkinson would be hugely missed.
“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.”
Actor Matt Lucas called Parkinson “a titan of television, the ultimate chat show host”.
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“We’ll never forget his brilliant interviews with Muhammad Ali, Dame Edna, Billy Connolly and, of course, ‘that bloody emu’,” the final guest a reference to his interview of British comedian Rod Hull who was a double act with an emu puppet, which harrassed the host throughout the show.
Australian commentator Peter FitzSimons paid tribute to a “wonderful man”. “And was a very engaging man over lunch and dinner!”
Eddie Izzard described Parkinson as “the king of intelligent interview”.
Actress Elaine Paige said “we will never see his like again”.
Barnsley Football Club said “the town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time”.
