Parky

by Michael Parkinson

All Michael Parkinson really wanted to do was play cricket for Yorkshire and England. However, he soon realized that to be paid to watch films, football and cricket would be the best way to spend life, and he became a journalist. Television beckoned and for three decades Parkinson interviewed the movers and shakers of the late twentieth century, making his television programme the must-see event of the week. In singing with Bing Crosby, dancing with Billy Connolly, flirting with Miss Piggy and sparring with Muhammad Ali, Parkinson proved himself one of the most engaging and durable hosts in both Britain and Australia. In Parky he recalls a full life with honesty, insight and humour.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Audiobook, Memoir, Book Club

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2008

About the author

Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE (born 28 March 1935) was an English broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his chat show, Parkinson, from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007. He has been described by The Guardian as "the great British talkshow host".

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the autobiography of one of Britain's favourite television presenters Sir Michael Parkinson.
Initially when I purchased this book I was looking forward to reading anecdotes from some of the big interviews over the years such as Ali, Cagney, Bette Davis, John Wayne etc etc but surprisingly it was the unknown stories that I was more taken by. It was fascinating to read about Michael's life before reaching the dizzy heights of fame. His stories from his times in the army and as a junior reporter make more interesting reading and for me far more entertaining than the successful years that followed.

Strangely enough I found the very parts I had been looking forward to reading as a slight let down to the rest of the book. Yes the stories were still interesting and fondly remembered but I had enjoyed the less known side much more.

Reading this book you are left realising what a job he had when he got the opportunity to meet, chat and have a drink with his idols

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Michael Parkinson really wanted to do was play cricket for Yorkshire and England.

However, he soon realised that to be paid to watch films, football and cricket would be the best way to spend life, and he became a journalist. Television beckoned and for three decades Parkinson interviewed the movers and shakers of the late twentieth century, making his television programme the must-see event of the week. In singing with Bing Crosby, dancing with Billy Connolly, flirting with Miss Piggy and sparring with Muhammad Ali, Parkinson proved himself one of the most engaging and durable hosts in both Britain and Australia. In Parky he recalls a full life with honesty, insight and humour.

Many of the readers of this book will have grown up watching Parky, and thinking wow you had some fantastic celebrities on your show, met so many great film stars, legends.

This book is like watching Parky on television, just better, the stories, the time spent with so many great heroes of Parky but to us as well. What we seen on the shows is only part of the stories, it is behind the scenes, the times spent at hotels, restaurants , at many private houses he spent many hours with some great legends, time with Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, George Best, many of his own favourites from cricket.

My favourites were the great films stars, and Parky loved Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, never forget the worst star ever on Parky Meg Ryan. Well he tells you all the stories of the stars, the behind the scenes chats before the shows.

Great book filled with celebrity stories alongside his own stories. Michael Parkinson now age 87 years old

Some guests I remember

John Wayne, James Mason, David Niven, Lord Richard Attenborough, David Attenborough, Billy Connolly, Kenneth Williams, Orson Welles, David Beckham, Dirk Bogarde, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, Terry Thomas(first guest), Tony Curtis, Robert Mitchum, Jimmy Tarbuck, Tony Curtis and many more.

[Jill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review By Jill Smith © January 2009

This is a delightfully written narration of a remarkable life and career. Sir Michael Parkinson is everything he appears to be when interviewing his wide variety of entertaining guests. This is where most of us have seen him at work. The conversational style of the book leads the reader to believe ‘Parky’ could be sitting opposite recounting the tales of his life.

Starting life as the only son of a coal miner ‘Jack’s Lad’ left his lowly beginnings driven on by his mother whom he refers to reverently as ‘The Engine of My Ambition.’ He took up the trade of journalism, and learned his basic skills well enough to go on through writing newspaper columns, hosting radio shows and onto the well known television chat shows interviewing the famous entertainers, athletes, politicians and even tycoons. Clearly a romantic with strong beliefs in how to present a talk show, he admits his own failings with graciousness and modesty.

Indeed his whole life is shaped by learning through people, his father instilled a love of cricket, his mother equally intensely of love of theatre and movies, his colleagues taught him the art of questioning. Never one to sit on his laurels, ‘Parky’ clearly took the good with the bad in the cut throat world of television, enduring castigation and being thrown from the peak ratings host to the dogs by the BBC and then moving to ITV to be equally badly treated. This did nothing to stop him creating a legacy of historic records by way of verbal interviews that will be difficult to rival.

My husband bought me this book as a Christmas present and I feel it is one book I will treasure to retrieve quotes from. It is available in book shops right now and on Amazon. I recommend it to anyone who admires this remarkable Yorkshire born journalist. He also has a great website http://www.michaelparkinson.tv where you can relive interviews; the Nelson Mandela one is particularly touching, buy his book and CD or browse through pictures of the pub he owns called The Royal Oak. He loves Australia and calls this his second home. We are fortunate to be able to share his joy of life.


Merged review:

This is a delightfully written narration of a remarkable life and career. Sir Michael Parkinson is everything he appears to be when interviewing his wide variety of entertaining guests. This is where most of us have seen him at work. The conversational style of the book leads the reader to believe ‘Parky’ could be sitting opposite recounting the tales of his life.

Starting life as the only son of a coal miner ‘Jack’s Lad’ left his lowly beginnings driven on by his mother whom he refers to reverently as ‘The Engine of My Ambition.’ He took up the trade of journalism, and learned his basic skills well enough to go on through writing newspaper columns, hosting radio shows and onto the well known television chat shows interviewing the famous entertainers, athletes, politicians and even tycoons. Clearly a romantic with strong beliefs in how to present a talk show, he admits his own failings with graciousness and modesty.

Indeed his whole life is shaped by learning through people, his father instilled a love of cricket, his mother equally intensely of love of theatre and movies, his colleagues taught him the art of questioning. Never one to sit on his laurels, ‘Parky’ clearly took the good with the bad in the cut throat world of television, enduring castigation and being thrown from the peak ratings host to the dogs by the BBC and then moving to ITV to be equally badly treated. This did nothing to stop him creating a legacy of historic records by way of verbal interviews that will be difficult to rival.

My husband bought me this book as a Christmas present and I feel it is one book I will treasure to retrieve quotes from. I recommend it to anyone who admires this remarkable Yorkshire born journalist. He also has a great website http://www.michaelparkinson.tv where you can relive interviews; the Nelson Mandela one is particularly touching, buy his book and CD or browse through pictures of the pub he owns called The Royal Oak. He loves Australia and calls this his second home. We are fortunate to be able to share his joy of life.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this so much, I want to find a streaming service with the Parky back catalogue on it.

[Ann Jinks]

Good 'in bed with flu reading' Used to be one of my favourite rarely missed tv shows for years and years.

Thanks Parky

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many people of my generation who grew up with the Saturday night talk show as a key staple of their weekend television viewing, I was sad to hear about the death in August this year of Michael Parkinson at the age of 88. When I read that his son Mike had said that his late father suffered from “imposter syndrome” and “carried with him a sense of working-class guilt” throughout his career, it made me want to find out more about Parky, his life and how he rose from living in a Yorkshire pit village to interviewing the great stars of the day on prime-time television.

His autobiography, Parky, is an outstanding read. For someone like me who has worked in journalism and communications for the majority of my career and who has a keen interest in the media and how it works, reading about how Parky did the hard yards working as a jobbing journalist straight from school and then entered the broadcast media was fascinating. According to his son, speaking to the Independent newspaper recently, he said his dad was “constantly questioning himself” after joining the mainstream media and “didn’t have as much self-confidence” despite his success.

I think many people from a working-class background can relate to that and while it may be something that is a challenge to get over, I think it is also a trait that keeps you grounded and able to appreciate people who might not have been as fortunate as you in your working life. Parkinson certainly comes across as a very decent bloke in this book. A keen sports fan - especially of cricket - cinema and theatre lover, voracious reader and proud Yorkshireman, he is someone you would love to spend time with over a pint or two.

His decency is further underlined by his support for progressive causes, including being one of the founding signatories of the Anti-Nazi League in the late 1970s and its militant campaign to confront the racism and fascism of the National Front, showing that he stood on the right side of history on one of the key issues of the day.

He and cricket broadcaster John Arlott also led the press campaign against the sordid deal to exclude Basil D’Oliveira from playing for England in South Africa. Indeed, Parky expressed radical views well before he became a national treasure for his much-loved BBC celebrity interviews. Of course, his formative socialist years were in the Yorkshire town of Barnsley, where, as the son of a miner, he knew hardship and struggle and never forgot that fact.

When he writes about his mother and father, he does so with great love, pride and affection and those passages in the book certainly brought a tear to my eye. Parkinson comes across as a really good guy in this book and it’s clear from the research I did on him while reading it and by what others say about him that he certainly was.

I can’t recommend Parky too highly. It’s an honest account, filled with humour and insights and I’m so glad I tracked it down.

[Stuart Aken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subtitled ‘My Autobiography’, this illustrated account of the life of the TV journalist, Radio and TV presenter, and occasional Quizmaster, reads as though the man is speaking to you.
A Yorkshireman (my own home county) through and through, Parky relates his life through events, family, the multitude of personalities he’s met and interviewed, and the experiences and situations that have formed him. From coal mining stock, a fate he was personally fortunately spared by his parents, he slowly rose to the position of a much-loved public figure. Along the way, he played cricket but never made the grade to join his beloved Yorkshire club. But serendipity, coincidence, and a network of influential people undoubtedly played important roles in moving him toward his ambition to interview interesting and influential people and some of his heroes, preferably on TV.
The list of those he interacted with on the small screen reads like a who’s who of entertainment and sport and, to a lesser extent, politics. Although he was clearly aware of the faults and occasional inadequacies of many of his subjects, he manages to resist judgment, merely reporting the facts and the outcomes of the interviews. It’s a shame more of his colleagues as reporters can’t do the same on the more serious topics with which they deal. But that’s another story.
He has undoubtedly led a fascinating and often fortunate life. He’s certainly enjoyed most of it, and has managed to maintain a lifelong love for his wife, Mary, a well-known performer in her own right.
During his life he’s been kissed by the glamorous, teased by the comic, sometimes threatened by fighters, and attacked by a man with his arm suggestively thrust up the neck of an artificial emu.
The story of his life comes across as a conversation and is full of anecdotes about those he met. There’s a good deal of humour here, too; it had me laughing out loud in places. But there’s sorrow, too, though not too much.
Autobiographies are not a regular part of my reading, but I enjoyed this one for its apparent honesty, balance, and good humour. An enjoyable read.

[Kevin McAllion · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb for this book describes Michael Parkinson as the "man who has met them all" and it's hard to disagree as his path crosses characters as diverse as Brendan Behan and Muhammad Ali.
Most people buy these memoirs for celebrity anecdotes and Parky has thousands tucked away in his memory banks.
It makes for a fascinating and entertaining read but his own career is just as interesting as those he interviewed on his iconic talk show.
As a journalist, I found his early days as a local and national reporter fascinating, shining a light on the bygone glory days of the industry. At one point, Parkinson was one of 30 feature writers employed by the Daily Express, which probably now has fewer than 30 journalists working on the entire newspaper.
What comes across throughout the book is the huge ambition shown by Parkinson across his whole career.
At one point, he admits to having his dream job, reviewing movies for Granada TV during the week before pulling on his sports reporter hat at the weekend.
So why give up that "dream" to pursue his own chat show?
As someone with little ambition, I found that hard to fathom but Parkinson explains later in the book that his career was driven by the standards of his mother, who fiercely fought for continual self improvement.
This book could have done with a little more humility, particularly when Parkinson glosses over some self-serving moves he made during his TVam days, but don't let that put you off.

[Connie Simonton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandma has Parkinson’s disease, she is about 75 years old it was detected 7 years ago. Right now it’s getting more difficult to live for her, because of stiff muscles she can’t even move. L-dopa and carbidopa medicines are given, but won"t give much relief. She can"t eat food and the skin is damaging forming ganglia. I thought this might be the last stage and the medications she was given did not help at all, so I started to do alot of research on natural treatments, I was introduced to Health Natural CentreU.S and their Parkinson’s Herbal Protocol. She started on the Parkinson’s Treatment last year, her symptoms gradually diminished including her Tremors, Body Weakness and Muscle Pains. Reach them at healthnaturalcentre.org , She is getting active again since starting this treatment, she is able to walk again ( down the street and back ) and able to ride her treadmill again! God Bless all PD Caregivers. Stay Strong, take small moments throughout the day to thank yourself, to love your self, and pray to whatever faith, star, spiritual force you believe in and ask for strength. I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you.

[George Fairbrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the great things about Michael Parkinson as an interviewer, is that he could make people you had never heard of interesting. There were, and are, very few to match his ability as a chat show host, perhaps Thames Television's Mavis Nicholson was a worthy daytime peer during the 70s and 80s.

As Parky himself points out, the 1970s was a great period to host a celebrity-based talk show, as many of the great pioneering stars and artists of the golden age of Hollywood were still alive, and keen to share their memories. Like most of his generation, Michael Parkinson grew up at the cinema, and this enthusiasm shines through.

His willingness to allow particular guest combinations enough latitude to steal the programme made for some great television. His argument with Kenneth Williams over the role of unions in society was one of the great moments, with Sir John Betjeman and Maggie Smith also contributing. His interview with Orson Welles was one of the most fascinating Hollywood conversations of all.

Parky is the son of a coal miner, and his strong sense of the importance of family inform many of his interviews. His book is a fascinating look at an incredible career.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Sir Michael, I can almost hear his gentle, lilting Yorkshire brogue recounting his life story - it is written in the same easy-going style with which he speaks. From humble roots in a Yorkshire mining community, where values of honesty, integrity and plain-speaking were ingrained, he went on to forge a career in journalism that led him into television where he made his name as the pre-eminent interviewer of celebrities over three decades. In fact, those over 40 years old who grew up watching British television will know him as the friendly face in their living rooms on a Saturday night. Some have harshly judged this autobiography for being 'boring'. Not a bit. If his childhood is fondly remembered because of an easy passage, due to two loving, supportive and creative parents, then good for him. No point in making up misery or tragedy if it wasn't there. Overall, a warming and pleasant read, and even in his senior years, he remains a humble and charming man, quick with anecdotes that have matured like fine wine, an intrinsic part of our collective popular cultural consciousness.

[Katherine Bhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Send love❤️.. My Husband had Parkinson's disease and was dealing with shakes, stiffness and balance issues – it was like his body was in rebellion. Meds ( Levodopa ) and therapies were not doing much, so we thought about trying alternative methods as we heard interesting stories about Ayurvedic herbs with this disease. We explored the path and it changed his life with all symptoms totally reversed - Shakes calmed down, stiffness took a hike. My husband is living proof that natural Ayurvedic herbs can be a game-changer in the face of Parkinson's as he is totally cured and fine now. The journey wasn't always smooth, but the results speak for themselves. If anyone out there is facing a similar battle, consider giving Ayurvedic herbs a shot. We got the Ayurvedic herbs which cured him from natural herbs centre. com I recommend Ayurvedic treatment from Natural Herbs Centre for Parkinson’s disease This is how my husband reversed his PD. This isn’t some scam or some made up nonsense.

[Richard Tubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly engaging look at the remarkable life of one of Britain's most loved personalities.

Beautifully written, the book is at times laugh out loud funny and at other times (such as Parkinson recalling his influential mother's demise through dementia) very touching and sad.

To say that Parkinson has met and got to know the top celebrities from the past fifty years or more would be an understatement. There are stories covering names from every era, and Parky pulls no punches describing some of his experiences dealing with TV executives.

Self depreciating at times, I loved every minute of this book - if you're in any way a fan of the man, then this is an essential read for you.

[Sven Onnerstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I had this one in the bookshelf for many years and I wanted to read it many times but I never got to read it. So this summer I picked it for one of the books I took with me on the vacation trip to Europe.
It was fascinating to learn about his upbringing in Yorkshire and how he became an intrepid journalist. Many laughs later and I put this book aside after reading the last chapter and smiling to all the stories I had read. Amusing and captivating telling and it teaches you something about human kind.
Go and read it!
I sadly just read that Parky had passed away at age of 88 years old.
Let heavens cricket team sweat while you bowled for your team.

[Mimi Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The joy of lockdown is being able to read my non Kindle books and hardbacks like this that I find difficult to carry around with me. Parky has been sitting on my bookshelf since 2009!!
Reading it is like watching him hold one of his chat shows. He has had a varied and interesting life, approached with humility, humour, tenacity and professionalism. A thoroughly enjoyable read in these unprecedented times which takes you back to what Parky calls the 'Golden Era'. Golden or not it was one I could totally relate to.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the ultimate name dropping book, but Parky seems to have interviewed all the celebs. It is also the best autobiography I have ever read. It is easy to understand the reputation that Michael Parkinson had as a journalist. He writes like an angel. Factual, flowing, descriptive and easy to read. It is interesting how he describes his interview subjects. Sure he always has an eye on the ratings, but he actually seems to like them. He also takes the reader behind the scene into the bloody world of television politics as everyone fights for their place on the box. Chapter 40, his description of his parents, after the passing of his mother was a standout for me. Absolutely beautiful.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed "getting to know" the author and his family via his writing. However, though a thick book, the stories were thin. I would have like it to have been fleshed out a bit more.
The family sounds to be exemplary and cozy and I like that, especially that "Parky" and Mary have celebrated over 50 years of marriage.
There are some good roots in that match and with three boys they are blessed.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the early part of the book - Parky’s early life, his father (what a character) and cricket! Have to confess it became less interesting during the latter part. Maybe that’s the problem with autos of people who mix in celebrity circles…it’s all going to sound like a name dropping exercise with little depth.
In fairness, Parky’s book is way better than last years read of Michael Caine’s book. But not as good as Tom Jones’.

[David Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and very enjoyable; Michael Parkinson was the consummate interviewer who created a superb chat show series in the 1970s where some of the great Hollywood stars would appear. This autobiography charts his life from growing up near Barnsley through newspapers and tv. There doesn’t seem to be much difference between the public and private personas which makes this enjoyable and true.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a bit like Michael Parkinson's chat show - easy to read (listen) but ultimately a little unsatisfying. Some parts were interesting, especially his formative years in Yorkshire with a cricket-mad father, and some of his anecdotes about his guests - I found his chapter on Mohammed Ali especially moving. However a lot of it read like a list of people he has interviewed and became slightly tiresome.

[Ingrid Self · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a sports fan of any description, so that didn't help. He's had a long convoluted career, but seems a nice enough bloke, although autobiographies can read a bit like "I love me, who do you love?" - this isn't that bad. He's had interraction with so many interesting people, to be honest it could have had another 100 pages quite easily. Well done Parky.

[Peter P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read if you grew up watching Michael Parkinson's talk shows. He peppers the text with some interesting observations and anecdotes from his interactions with the stars of the day, including Ali, George Best, Billy Connolly, etc. It's probably a better read if you are from England, and you loved Cricket growing up as there's a little too much of that for me.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at life in Britain post-war as Michael Parkinson was growing up, and the advent of the television industry. Engagingly written, although it was fairly stilted to start with, and very enjoyable. I would have liked a few specific dates but that's me...

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short anecdotes come thick and fast when it comes to his talk show career though I found his early life more interesting. Did not feel quite fulfilled that I learned much about MP in the latter half of the book.

[Lisa Benbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read it before. Superbly well written. Michael came across as a true gentleman. I expected nothing less of him. He was certainly the best interviewer ever to grace our screens. Highly recommended. Xx

[Mike Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is (literally) underrated.@3.88 at the time of this review (IMHO). Michael Parkinson interviewed so many people and this book brings a lot of those interviews back to life and gives some great behind the scenes insights

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant read, I remember most of the shows he speaks of. I'm guessing he must've kept a diary or has an extraordinary memory. The photos in the book were fabulous too.

[Behrooz · Rating 4 out of 5]

as good as I thought it was going to be.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written. very enjoyable.

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first half - his youth :)