At the age of 88, Sir Michael Parkinson, the beloved broadcaster who was known for interviewing the world’s biggest stars on his enduring chat show, has been confirmed to have passed away by his family on Thursday.
His remarkable interviewing style that involved high-profile guests had led him to be known for his exceptional talent. A moment where he lost his composure during an episode with actress Meg Ryan is remembered.
Iconic Talkshow: Sir Michael Parkinson
The 2003 interview between the late TV star and Meg Ryan has become notorious, prompting an apology from the esteemed presenter 18 years later.
Following the death of the legendary broadcaster, the uneasy interview with Meg Ryan and Michael Parkinson has resurfaced. In reflection, the host admitted his wish that he hadn’t displayed anger towards the star of “You’ve Got Mail.” He expressed a desire to have treated her with more courtesy after her chilly responses.
In 2021, he commented, “I was quite obviously angry with her, and it’s not my business to be angry towards the guests. I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better.”
During the appearance on Michael’s show to promote her movie “The Cut,” which didn’t perform well at the box office, Meg Ryan’s demeanor appeared cold, providing short one-word responses.
Despite having esteemed guests like Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John, Madonna, and David Beckham on his show, Parkinson wasn’t impressed.
The former queen of romantic comedies ultimately advised a struggling Parkinson to “wrap it up.”
The awkward exchange between Michael and Meg prompted repeated questioning. This led the BBC star to label the actress as an “unhappy woman” and a “bore.” In response, she called him a “nut” and criticized him for speaking to her “like a disapproving dad” regarding the nudity in her poorly-rated movie.
However, almost two decades later, the TV host extended an olive branch to the actress from “When Harry Met Sally.”
While he consistently asserted that the actress was “rude and difficult,” Sir Michael also confessed that his reaction had not been appropriate. Reflecting on the matter, he noted, “I was obviously angry with her, and it’s not my business to be angry towards the guests. I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better.”
When asked about what he would say to her about the interview, he replied, “I’m sorry. But you must understand that you played a part in it, too. Neither of us were in top form.”
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Throughout his impressive career spanning seven decades, the late BBC broadcaster conducted interviews with some of the biggest stars on his enduring chat show, “Parkinson.” He earned the moniker “king of the talk show” for his interactions with prominent figures like John Lennon, Muhammad Ali, and other stars.
