Michael Parkinson

Sir Michael Parkinson CBE (28 March 1935 – 16 August 2023) was an English television presenter, broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his television talk show Parkinson from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007, as well as other talk shows and programmes both in the UK and abroad. He also worked in radio and was described by The Guardian as "the great British talkshow host".

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Love Actually (2003)

ChristmasRomanticFunSlow moving

Eight London couples try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them discover how complicated relationships can be.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Curtis
CAST:  Bill Nighy  •  Gregor Fisher  •  Colin Firth  •  Sienna Guillory

Eight London couples try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them discover how complicated relationships can be.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Richard Curtis
CAST:  Bill Nighy  •  Gregor Fisher  •  Colin Firth  •  Sienna Guillory

Billy Connolly: Erect for 30 Years (1999)

The very best of Billy Connolly's stand up comedy, from 30 years of performances around the world!  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Billy Connolly  •  Robin Williams  •  Dustin Hoffman  •  Whoopi Goldberg

The very best of Billy Connolly's stand up comedy, from 30 years of performances around the world!  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Billy Connolly  •  Robin Williams  •  Dustin Hoffman  •  Whoopi Goldberg

Madhouse (1974)

A horror movie star returns to his famous role after years in a mental institution. But the character seems to be committing murders independent of his will.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Jim Clark
CAST:  Vincent Price  •  Peter Cushing  •  Robert Quarry  •  Adrienne Corri

A horror movie star returns to his famous role after years in a mental institution. But the character seems to be committing murders independent of his will.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Jim Clark
CAST:  Vincent Price  •  Peter Cushing  •  Robert Quarry  •  Adrienne Corri

Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains (2012)

Two decades after its unprecedented television broadcast, the cast, crew and fans of the notorious BBC 'Halloween Hoax' Ghostwatch look back at the show's unique production and legendary aftermath in this brand-new retrospective documentary. Includes ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Rich Lawden
CAST:  Mike Aiton  •  David Baldwin  •  Ruth Baumgarten  •  Sam Bishop

Two decades after its unprecedented television broadcast, the cast, crew and fans of the notorious BBC 'Halloween Hoax' Ghostwatch look back at the show's unique production and legendary aftermath in this brand-new retrospective documentary. Includes ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Rich Lawden
CAST:  Mike Aiton  •  David Baldwin  •  Ruth Baumgarten  •  Sam Bishop

Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings (2000)

The comedienne stars in this festive sketch show, alongside a host of celebrity guests.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Birkin
CAST:  Victoria Wood  •  Julie Walters  •  Caroline Aherne  •  Susie Blake

The comedienne stars in this festive sketch show, alongside a host of celebrity guests.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Birkin
CAST:  Victoria Wood  •  Julie Walters  •  Caroline Aherne  •  Susie Blake

Matthews (2017)

MATTHEWS tells the incredible true story of the life and career of a man considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time, Sir Stanley Matthews.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ryan Scott Warren
CAST:  Jimmy Armfield  •  Richard Branson  •  Nick Hancock  •  Gary Lineker

MATTHEWS tells the incredible true story of the life and career of a man considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time, Sir Stanley Matthews.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ryan Scott Warren
CAST:  Jimmy Armfield  •  Richard Branson  •  Nick Hancock  •  Gary Lineker

Busby (2019)

The story of Manchester United legend Sir Matt Busby.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Pearlman
CAST:  Matt Busby  •  Ryan Giggs  •  Denis Law  •  Wilf McGuinness

The story of Manchester United legend Sir Matt Busby.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Joe Pearlman
CAST:  Matt Busby  •  Ryan Giggs  •  Denis Law  •  Wilf McGuinness

An Audience with Billy Connolly (1985)

Billy Connolly delivers his special brand of stand-up comedy and abrasive humour in front of a celebrity audience.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Alasdair Macmillan
CAST:  Billy Connolly  •  Ringo Starr  •  Michael Parkinson  •  Bill Wyman

Billy Connolly delivers his special brand of stand-up comedy and abrasive humour in front of a celebrity audience.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Alasdair Macmillan
CAST:  Billy Connolly  •  Ringo Starr  •  Michael Parkinson  •  Bill Wyman

Ghostwatch (1992)

For Halloween 1992, the BBC decides to broadcast an investigation into the supernatural, hosted by TV chat-show legend Michael Parkinson. Parky (assisted by Mike Smith, Sarah Greene & Craig Charles) and a camera crew attempt to discover the truth behind the most ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Lesley Manning
CAST:  Michael Parkinson  •  Sarah Greene  •  Craig Charles  •  Mike Smith

For Halloween 1992, the BBC decides to broadcast an investigation into the supernatural, hosted by TV chat-show legend Michael Parkinson. Parky (assisted by Mike Smith, Sarah Greene & Craig Charles) and a camera crew attempt to discover the truth behind the most ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Lesley Manning
CAST:  Michael Parkinson  •  Sarah Greene  •  Craig Charles  •  Mike Smith

Billy Connolly: A BAFTA Tribute (2002)

A BAFTA tribute celebrating the career of Billy Connolly.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John L. Spencer
CAST:  Billy Connolly  •  Michael Parkinson  •  Judi Dench  •  Billy Crystal

A BAFTA tribute celebrating the career of Billy Connolly.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John L. Spencer
CAST:  Billy Connolly  •  Michael Parkinson  •  Judi Dench  •  Billy Crystal

Best Ever Muppet Moments (2006)

A review of the most memorable Muppet moments to commemorate Kermit the Frog's 50th anniversary.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Piper
CAST:  Phillip Schofield  •  Mark Hamill  •  Dave Goelz  •  Alice Cooper

A review of the most memorable Muppet moments to commemorate Kermit the Frog's 50th anniversary.  (more)

DIRECTION:  John Piper
CAST:  Phillip Schofield  •  Mark Hamill  •  Dave Goelz  •  Alice Cooper

A Dandy and a Clown: The Life of Jon Pertwee (2013)

This exclusive documentary looks at the life and career of Jon Pertwee. With contributions from actors Katy Manning, Judy Cornwell, David Jacobs, Geoffrey Bayldon and Kenneth Earle, Doctor Who writer and script editor Terrance Dicks and long-time friend Stuart Money.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Chris Chapman
CAST:  Katy Manning  •  Judy Cornwell  •  David Jacobs  •  Geoffrey Bayldon

This exclusive documentary looks at the life and career of Jon Pertwee. With contributions from actors Katy Manning, Judy Cornwell, David Jacobs, Geoffrey Bayldon and Kenneth Earle, Doctor Who writer and script editor Terrance Dicks and long-time friend Stuart Money.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Chris Chapman
CAST:  Katy Manning  •  Judy Cornwell  •  David Jacobs  •  Geoffrey Bayldon

Parkinson: Meet Henry Fonda (1975)

Episode of the BBC television program with host Michael Parkinson interviewing American actor Henry Fonda.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Stanley Appel
CAST:  Henry Fonda  •  Michael Parkinson

Episode of the BBC television program with host Michael Parkinson interviewing American actor Henry Fonda.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Stanley Appel
CAST:  Henry Fonda  •  Michael Parkinson

Monty Python: Who's There? (1970)

An instructional film about canvassing, for the Labour Party and starring the Python team, showing Labour Party workers how to canvass for votes. Filmed April 1970. Narrated by Michael Parkinson.  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  John Cleese  •  Michael Palin  •  Michael Parkinson

An instructional film about canvassing, for the Labour Party and starring the Python team, showing Labour Party workers how to canvass for votes. Filmed April 1970. Narrated by Michael Parkinson.  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  John Cleese  •  Michael Palin  •  Michael Parkinson

Prom at the Palace (2002)

All-time classical favourites from the first ever public concert held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Broadcast live on BBC Television, 1st June 2002. Opera fans are in for a particular treat with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Bob Coles
CAST:  Andrew Davis  •  Michael Parkinson  •  Kiri Te Kanawa  •  Julian Bliss

All-time classical favourites from the first ever public concert held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Broadcast live on BBC Television, 1st June 2002. Opera fans are in for a particular treat with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Bob Coles
CAST:  Andrew Davis  •  Michael Parkinson  •  Kiri Te Kanawa  •  Julian Bliss

Granada: From the North (1992)

The story of Granada, the company responsible for Britain's most enduring soap opera Coronation Street, the current affairs series World in Action, and highly praised drama from Brideshead Revisited to Prime Suspect. With contributions from Jeremy Isaacs, Gus ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  David M. Thompson
CAST:  Ludovic Kennedy  •  David Plowright  •  Denis Foreman  •  Christopher Frayling

The story of Granada, the company responsible for Britain's most enduring soap opera Coronation Street, the current affairs series World in Action, and highly praised drama from Brideshead Revisited to Prime Suspect. With contributions from Jeremy Isaacs, Gus ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  David M. Thompson
CAST:  Ludovic Kennedy  •  David Plowright  •  Denis Foreman  •  Christopher Frayling

BBC Swingin' Christmas (2010)

Michael Parkinson presents the sensational John Wilson Orchestra in a celebration of festive musical treats from the golden age of swing, with soloists Seth MacFarlane, Anna-Jane Casey and special guest Curtis Stigers. The Christmas classics include Winter ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ian Russell
CAST:  Michael Parkinson  •  Anna-Jane Casey  •  Seth MacFarlane  •  Curtis Stigers

Michael Parkinson presents the sensational John Wilson Orchestra in a celebration of festive musical treats from the golden age of swing, with soloists Seth MacFarlane, Anna-Jane Casey and special guest Curtis Stigers. The Christmas classics include Winter ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ian Russell
CAST:  Michael Parkinson  •  Anna-Jane Casey  •  Seth MacFarlane  •  Curtis Stigers

Victoria Wood In Her Own Words (2020)

A look back at the life and work of one of Britain's greatest comediennes, featuring interviews with those who worked alongside Victoria.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Malcolm Donkin
CAST:  Victoria Wood  •  Duncan Preston  •  Susie Blake  •  Jenny Eclair

A look back at the life and work of one of Britain's greatest comediennes, featuring interviews with those who worked alongside Victoria.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Malcolm Donkin
CAST:  Victoria Wood  •  Duncan Preston  •  Susie Blake  •  Jenny Eclair

An Audience with Jimmy Tarbuck (1994)

Jimmy Tarbuck parades his comic wares in front of a celebrity audience, including Cilla Black, Bruce Forsyth, Billy Connolly, Michael Parkinson, Harry Secombe and Henry Cooper.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ian Hamilton
CAST:  Jimmy Tarbuck  •  Cilla Black  •  Justin Hayward  •  Leslie Nielsen

Jimmy Tarbuck parades his comic wares in front of a celebrity audience, including Cilla Black, Bruce Forsyth, Billy Connolly, Michael Parkinson, Harry Secombe and Henry Cooper.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Ian Hamilton
CAST:  Jimmy Tarbuck  •  Cilla Black  •  Justin Hayward  •  Leslie Nielsen

Parky's Picks

Michael Parkinson's personal selection of his talk show celebrity guests chosen from a career spanning over 40 years.  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Michael Parkinson

Michael Parkinson's personal selection of his talk show celebrity guests chosen from a career spanning over 40 years.  (more)

DIRECTION: 
CAST:  Michael Parkinson
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