Michael Parkinson has died at the age of 88, his family has confirmed.
His TV career spanned seven decades, and he interviewed the world's biggest stars on his long-running chat show.
A statement from Sir Michael's family said: "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."
Eddie Izzard, who was interviewed by Parkinson twice, said: “Very sad to hear that Michael Parkinson has left us. He was the king of the intelligent interview.”
BBC broadcaster and Radio 4’s Today host Nick Robinson described him as “king of the chat show”, adding: “He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year”.
Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige also tweeted: “Such very sad breaking news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died. Have known him for many years, sang on his TV chat show [and] attended many events with him. A legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession. We will never see his like again. RIP Michael.”
Parkinson began his career in print journalism, working for local papers based near his hometown of Barnsley before becoming a feature writer at the Manchester Guardian and then the Daily Express in London.
The chat show king was faced with a stony-faced Ryan, who delivered one-word answers as she promoted her poorly received erotic thriller The Cut.
More than 20 years later, he offered an apology to the actress and admitted neither of them were on "top form".
He was also famously attacked by Emu when the puppet appeared on the chat show sofa next to Rod Hull, and wrestled him to the ground. The star would often joke that he would always be remembered for "that bloody bird".
Tim Davie said: “Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed. He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener. Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.”
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