Parkie has died

[Anewuser]

Sad news to hear, Michael Parkinson has died. RIP.

I absolutely hated watching Rod Hull and Emu - I mean that was his hand groping around other people under the guise of it being the beak of a bird. I didn't find it remotely funny or pleasant viewing. It really was uncomfortable viewing.

Yes it made me uncomfortable too but I was too young, now when I watch clips I find it really funny (especially the Larry Grayson ones)

The interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He completely ignored Yoko and talked over her even though they were both there to promote her book! And when she did get a chance to speak, he belittled her by saying 'I think you mean' as if she was unable to make a formed opinion.

I just watched the Meg Ryan one and it’s always said that she was so rude and standoffish, but he is the one in the wrong there. He’s quite aggressive and challenging to her for no reason

that is sad - well he was a good age
my dm is the same age and loved him.

the Mohamed ali interviews were great, as were the billy connolly

His interviews with Billy Connolly are legendary.

Meg Ryan was rude to the other guests, which probably riled MP. He later admitted that he'd been cross with her and regretted it, but also that she had been at fault too.
He interviewed over 2000 people on prime time TV over four decades, so it's not bad that the same couple of interviews are quoted as his failures. Many of his interviewees have left great tributes for him today.

The Billy Connolly interviews were brilliant. It's the end of an era. I'm in my 50s and when I was growing up Parky was 'the' interviewer and everyone watches. May he RIP.

He was a fantastic interviewer, but he was also so fortunate that in his interviews from the 70s & 80s he was able to interview the great stars from Hollywood's Golden Age. I'm watching the tribute to him now on BBC1 and he was so charming and built such a fantastic rapport with his interviewees.

I always hated Emu just an excuse to assault people 🙄

He was a bit scary, but hilarious 😂

My friend is a writer and Parky was at school with her granddad in Barnsley. She shared a picture of herself with him yesterday when they were at the same event. He remembered her and sought her out at the event and knew about her books. It made me cry. I'd never really thought he was an old man before, strange isn't it?

The tribute on BBC1 was excellent. Brought back so many memories.

Same! I don't think I'd ever heard my dad laugh so much at something!

He actually interviewed the emu? Or Rod Hull and the emu just got in on the act?