Michael Parkinson's final TV appearance left fans concerned before his death
Sir Michael Parkinson's final TV appearance sparked concern among fans last year, months before his sad death at 88.
The celebrated British broadcaster and journalist died eight years after receiving the all clear following treatment for prostate cancer. His family confirmed the sad news in a heartbreaking statement: "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."
Michael was one of the country’s most legendary TV interviewers, known for doing painstaking research and asking his famous guests all the right questions. Michael was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 and received the "all-clear" from doctors in summer 2015 following two years of treatment.
Before his sad death at 88 after a short illness, Michael made his last TV appearance on BBC's Breakfast in November 2022 where viewers shared their concern for the much-loved broadcaster, as many said they felt he looked 'frail'.
Michael made his last TV appearance on BBC's Breakfast in November 2022 (PA)Sir Michael, who is affectionately known as Parky, appeared on the BBC show to discuss his book titled, My Sporting Life: Memories, Moments, and Declarations, which he had co-written with his son, Mike. The celebrated broadcaster made the rare appearance to promote his book after keeping a very low profile after stepping down from his chat show in 2014.
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Naturally, BBC viewers were over the moon to see Sir Michael on the famous BBC Breakfast couch, but several couldn't help but point out their concern for the legendary TV star after seeing him back in the public eye for the first time in several years.
"Wow. When you haven’t seen someone on screen for a long time, you expect them to stay looking like that forever. Didn’t recognise Michael Parkinson until he spoke," one remarked on Twitter at the time. "Just switched #BBCBreakfast didn’t even realise that was #parky aww bless him he looks so frail now," another echoed, while someone else added: "Michael looks good for his age, he's 87, but there's no doubt that he does look a little frail."
BBC viewers were over the moon to see Sir Michael on the famous BBC Breakfast couch (PA)However, others disagreed and insisted the comments about the star's appearance were too harsh. "People commenting that #MichaelParkinson looks frail. What do they expect of an 87 year old man? He is in better health than many of the people he interviewed," one BBC Breakfast viewer argued.
TV legend Michael was the king of chat shows and carved out a television career that spanned five decades. He was best known for presenting his talk show Parkinson from 1971 to 1983. The small screen veteran’s show was revived in 1998 and ran until his retirement in 2007.
Michael’s glittering career saw him interview icons such as Muhammad Ali and Sir Elton John and he was knighted in the 2008 New Year’s Honour’s List. He is survived by his wife Mary, who he married in 1959, and their three sons.
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