The late BBC broadcaster’s impressive career spanned across seven decades, with the TV presenter interviewing some of the biggest stars on his long-running chat show, Parkinson.
But Sir Michael Parkinson’s 2003 interview with Meg Ryan was arguably his most infamous episode, an episode which has prompted the revered presenter to apologise 18 years later.
The beloved broadcaster came face-to-face with a stone-cold Meg, who could be seen delivering short one-word answers as she appeared on Michael’s show to promote her erotic thriller The Cut, which flopped in the box office.
READ MORE: Sir Michael Parkinson breaks down in tears as he watches back ‘unforgettable’ interview
The telly star, who has received many high-profile guests on his show including Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John, Madonna and David Beckham, was less than impressed.
(Image: John Lawrence/REX/Shutterstock)
The one-time queen of the rom com eventually advised a floundering Parkinson to “wrap it up”.
Subsequently, Michael was asked about the awkward exchange several times, prompting the BBC star to call the actress an “unhappy woman” and a “bore”, while she branded him a “nut” and said he had spoken to her “like a disapproving dad” over the nudity in her poorly rated movie.
(Image: BBC)
However, almost 20 years later, the TV host offered the When Harry Met Sally actress an olive branch.
While Sir Michael had always claimed the actress was “rude and difficult”, he also admitted that he did not react in the right way.
In an interview with Radio Times in 2021, Michael said: “I wish I hadn’t lost my temper with Meg Ryan. I wish I’d dealt with it in a more courteous manner
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“I was obviously angry with her and it’s not my business to be angry towards the guests,” he mused
“I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better.”
When asked what he would say to her at the time of the interview he replied: “I’m sorry. But you must understand that you played a part in it, too. Neither of us were in top form.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Sir Michael Parkinson died on August 16, 2023 at the age of 88.
A statement from his family read: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.
“The family requests that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
