Australia: The Unexpected Second Home for Talk Show TV Giant

National Obituaries: Talk show TV giant found ‘second home’ in Australia

By Amy Ripley

August 17, 2023 — 8.06pm

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Sir Michael Parkinson, the iconic British chat show host known affectionately as “Parky,” has passed away at the age of 88. Parkinson, who conducted over 800 episodes of his eponymous TV program, is widely regarded as Britain’s most successful chat show host. His interviews with some of the world’s most famous faces, including actors, musicians, sportspeople, royalty, and politicians, made him a household name both in the UK and internationally.

A Chat Show Icon

Throughout his career, Parkinson had a knack for bringing out the best in his guests. His interviews were never boring, with his affable and engaging style drawing out revealing stories and insights from his subjects. Some of his most memorable interviews include his discussions with Muhammad Ali, where the boxer and civil rights campaigner delved into topics like racism and religion, showcasing Ali as a complex and tragic figure.

Not only did Parkinson make headlines with his interviews, but he also had the power to influence the careers of the stars sitting on his famous black leather chairs. The truculent Meg Ryan’s disastrous 2003 interview on his show, while promoting her film “In the Cut,” contributed to the decline of her career.

While Parkinson was undeniably a British institution, Australia became his “second home.” He worked for various Australian broadcasters from 1979 to 2014, including the ABC, Channel Ten, and Channel Nine. During his time in Australia, Parkinson interviewed some of the country’s biggest names, including Mel Gibson, Bob Hawke, Shane Warne, Kylie Minogue, and Kerry Packer.

A Love Affair with Australia

It is evident that Parkinson had a deep admiration and affection for Australia. He became the first non-Australian to deliver the Australia Day address at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney in 2011. During the press conference that followed, he expressed his support for Australia becoming a republic, stating, “Why should Australia not be a republic? It’s its own country, its own man. I find it, in a sense, incomprehensible that it’s not that now.”

Parkinson’s love for Australia was sparked when he witnessed then-prime minister Paul Keating put his arm around the Queen in 1992. This gesture, which some viewed as a breach of protocol, resonated with Parkinson as an example of genuine human connection. He said, “Mr Keating wasn’t being disloyal; he was merely reaching out in a friendly gesture, as one human being to another.”

From Yorkshire Lad to National Treasure

Michael Parkinson was born on March 28, 1935, in the pit village of Cudworth in Barnsley, Yorkshire. He grew up in a loving and supportive family, with parents who fostered his passion for reading and sports. His father’s love for cricket, in particular, left a lasting impression on Parkinson.

Despite a headmaster’s dismissive remark that he would “never amount to much,” Parkinson pursued his dream of becoming a journalist. He started his career in newspapers in Yorkshire before moving on to prestigious publications like The Manchester Guardian and the Daily Express in London. In 1955, he joined the Royal Army Pay Corps and served as a press attache in Egypt during the Suez Crisis.

Parkinson married fellow journalist Mary Heneghan in 1959, and they had three children together. Their strong marriage weathered his demanding work schedule and his struggles with alcohol in the 1970s. In a testament to their enduring love, Parkinson immediately quit drinking when his wife told him it was making him “ugly.”

The Parkinson Show

Parkinson’s show, aptly named “Parkinson,” aired on the BBC from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2004. Stuart Freeborn, Visitor (1996), Creative Commons

Parkinson’s eponymous chat show became a television institution in the UK. From 1971 to 1982 and again from 1998 to 2004, “Parkinson” aired on the BBC. His interviews attracted an array of iconic figures, including Hollywood greats like James Stewart, Mickey Rooney, David Niven, and Gene Kelly.

In addition to his success in the UK, Parkinson’s career in Australia ran parallel to his work back home. He hosted “Parkinson in Australia” on the ABC from 1979 to 1982 and continued to record shows for Australian networks such as Network Nine and Network Ten. Parkinson’s skill as an interviewer and his ability to put guests at ease made him a sought-after figure in the Australian media landscape.

A Legacy of Skill and Insight

Parkinson was renowned for his formidable interviewing skills, using humor to defuse tension and asking the questions his audiences wanted to hear. He believed in thorough preparation and creating a trusting atmosphere that would encourage guests to open up.

Reflecting on his approach, Parkinson once said, “You’ve got to do the research… The important thing is to get them settled as quickly as possible – get them to lean forward and trust you enough to sort of open up to you.”

After his formal retirement in 2007, Parkinson continued to stay active in the media world. He wrote books, indulged his love for jazz, and served as the president of the Sports Journalists’ Association. Retirement also afforded him the opportunity to spend cherished time with his family.

A National Treasure Remembered

Throughout his remarkable career, Parkinson received numerous accolades, including a CBE in 2000 and a knighthood in 2008. Despite these honors, he remained characteristically modest, often jokingly dismissing his achievements as unexpected for someone coming from Barnsley.

Parkinson’s immense contribution to the world of television and his ability to connect with audiences and guests alike have left an indelible mark on the industry. His passing is mourned by fans around the world, but his legacy as a consummate interviewer and national treasure in both the UK and Australia will continue to be celebrated.