British talk show presenter Michael Parkinson, 88, has passed away after a long and distinguished career that included talks with many prominent public personalities.
He became famous after the premiere of his BBC series “Parkinson” in June 1971.
According to his family, he passed away on Wednesday night after a brief illness.
His interview guests included such luminaries as Muhammad Ali, Fred Astaire, Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Peter Sellers.
Lauren Bacall, David Bowie, Tom Cruise, Helen Mirren, and Gwyneth Paltrow were some of the others.
“Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” his family said in a statement, requesting “privacy and time to grieve”.
