Sir Michael Parkinson is an international treasure, and now the interviewer becomes the interviewee when Nine’s Entertainment Editor, Richard Wilkins, interviews Parky in one-hour special Parky! screening this Sunday, September 1 at 9.30pm on Nine.
Sitting down with the legendary Yorkshireman in his hometown of Bray, on the outskirts of London, where he lives with his wife of 60 years Mary, Dickie dissects the life and times of Parky to hear what makes him one of the most-loved interviewers in the world.
Full of fascinating behind-the-scenes insights, Parky talks candidly and gives some surprising revelations of his time interviewing numerous global superstars.
Containing highlights from Parkinson’s interviews of some of the biggest showbiz names the world has ever seen – including his very first interview in 1965 with a baby-faced Mick Jagger; the headline-grabbing four times he spoke to Muhammad Ali; Richard Burton; John Lennon and many more icons – the wide-ranging chat sees Parky reflect on his childhood, his love of cricket, the art of storytelling and the secret of his enduring marriage.
Talking frankly about his good friend Elton John and his time with Billy Connolly, Parky also opens up about his interviews that didn’t go to plan including his notorious encounter with an icy Meg Ryan; a fiery Muhammad Ali and being attacked by an emu puppet. He also talks about his deep affinity with Australia, his hilarious memories of interviewing Dame Edna Everage and his showdown with Kerry Packer.
For Richard, sitting down face-to-face with the man many see as a trailblazer and the quintessential television interviewer was a privilege.
“It was a rare honour and a distinct pleasure to sit down with Sir Michael on his home turf to talk about his incredible life and illustrious career,” said Richard Wilkins. “He’s a lovely gentleman with a charming manner which has, of course, been on display for many years during his interviews with the rich and famous of successive generations. He has many fabulous stories to tell which he shares in this warts-and-all interview.”
Sir Michael Parkinson will tour Australia in October to talk about his career and memories of interviewing more than 2000 of the most important cultural figures of the last six decades.
Parky! screens this Sunday, September 1 at 9.30pm on Nine.
