Michael Parkinson

Biography

Michael Parkinson was an English broadcaster and journalist who presented the television talk show Parkinson. Born in Cudworth, Barnsley, he began in newspapers after leaving school and wrote features for the Manchester Guardian before joining the Daily Express. During the 1960s he moved into television, contributing to current-affairs shows for the BBC and Granada and presenting Twenty-Four Hours from 1966 to 1968. After hosting Granada's Cinema from 1969, he launched Parkinson on the BBC in 1971. It ran until 1982 and then again from 1998 to 2007, with ITV1 carrying part of the later run. He also hosted Desert Island Discs, Parkinson on Sport, and Parkinson's Sunday Supplement on radio, and he wrote books and an autobiography, Parky. His screen credits included Ghostwatch (1992), where he played the studio presenter in a fictitious paranormal broadcast, and the 2003 comedy Love Actually. He received a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2008.

88years old at death

Born March 28, 1935Cudworth
Died August 16, 2023Bray
Star sign: AriesThe sign runs March 21 to April 19
Also credited as Sir Michael Parkinson

Movie Career

Films: 3
Career span: 38 years1974 to 2012

Every film, newest first

2012McCullinIMDb rating 8.2
1992GhostwatchIMDb rating 7.3
1974MadhouseIMDb rating 6.2

Genres

Did you know?!

A first
In 2011, Parkinson delivered the keynote address on Australia Day in Sydney. He was the first person who was not Australian to do so.
A change of course
Parkinson appeared on the cover of Paul McCartney and Wings' 1973 album Band on the Run after McCartney promised to appear on his show if Parkinson posed for the cover.
A role that slipped away
Parkinson was nominated as Rector of the University of Dundee in 1971 and lost to Peter Ustinov after two recounts, in one of the closest contests for the position.