We’re saddened to study that legendary British tv presenter Michael Parkinson has handed away on the age of 88.

After showing as a reporter on the BBC information journal “Twenty-4 Hours” within the late 1960’s, Parkinson ultimately transitioned to speak exhibits, resulting in his eponymous present “Parkinson,” which ran on the BBC from 1971 to 1982 with a revival spanning from 1998 to 2004, earlier than shifting to ITV the place it continued till 2007.

By his personal account, Parkinson as soon as claimed that he had interviewed over two thousand celebrities, and naturally, amongst these stars included Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and the Muppets. All of them appeared in a November 1978 episode of “Parkinson,” which accommodates among the funniest moments the Muppets have ever achieved on a chat present. Over the course of the present, Fozzie Bear requested the host if he was carrying a toupee, whereas Kermit the Frog mentioned flirting with company. After all, Parkinson would want that recommendation simply moments later as he admitted he had a large crush on Miss Piggy, who returned the love. However realizing his spouse was within the viewers, she stored her look chaste, although she did get a significant thrill at seeing his uncovered calves, calling them “beautiful.” You possibly can watch a phase of the episode under:

Parkinson additionally appeared as himself in quite a few different productions, together with the 1992 tv film Ghostwatch and the 2003 movie Love Truly. Although the present is the one time Parkinson and the Muppets’ paths met, it was actually a memorable one.

Click on right here to assist us keep in mind Michael Parkinson on the ToughPigs discussion board!

by Matthew Soberman – matthew@toughpigs.com