TV CHAT LEGEND PARKY ON BEING
WHEN it comes to facing his mortality, legendary interviewer Sir Michael Parkinson has had to answer some tough questions himself in the last few years.
The talk show presenter was struck down by cancer in 2013 but beat it.
And he’s had to learn to walk again after a major operation on his spine.
But at 82, the bluff Yokshireman – who became a household name in the 70s quizzing greats from Orson Welles to Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali – is in no mood to put his feet up.
It’s clear he’s going to revel being in the opposite chair in our interview, enjoying his chance to “spout off” instead of asking the questions.
And he has plenty to comment on – from Brexit, sexism and the oppression of his home town Barnsley to Harvey Weinstein and Jimmy Savile.
But first thing’s first – how has he been doing? “I’ve been ill for the last five years,” he says smiling.
“I’ve overcome prostate cancer, but it’s been a difficult period of my life. And my spinal operation has involved a long and unpleasant recovery.
“But in many ways what gets me through is the thought of not becoming redundant. I don’t want to be on the waste heap – and that more than anything else is the best motivation for anyone growing old.”
This is his first interview since surgery to repair two ruptured discs caused by years of playing golf. “For 11 years I kept the inevitable at bay,” he
I don’t take a pessimistic view, but you’re never all clear. It can come back SIR MICHAEL ON HIS RECOVERY FROM PROSTATE CANCER
says. “But my surgeon called me up about two months ago and said, ‘the time has come. You don’t want me in your back, but I’ve got to do it otherwise there’s a problem’.
“So we did it, and it’s been successful, but you have to learn to walk again for one thing when you’ve had all that. I’m still not too great on my feet but I can stagger around and do my work and there is nothing wrong with the mind.”
His blunt, straight-talking manner is probably what has helped him stay focused during his cancer battle which he says still hangs over him.
“I said I’ll deal with it of course, absolutely and I don’t take a pessimistic view of it,” says Parky.
“Same with the spinal operation. I knew it wasn’t going to be pleasant, but I knew I wasn’t going to bloody die of it. I hope not anyway.
“You are never all clear. It can come back at any time. But it has been a long time since I had it and I think it is important men get the message to get a check as early as possible.
“A lot don’t do that and leave it too late. I know a couple of people who waited too long. You’ve got to get it checked because it is not a pleasant