Tributes to comedy festival legend
NICHOLAS Parsons, one of Leicetser Comedy Festival’s Legends of Comedy, has died after a short illness, aged 96.
The host of BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute was a regular visitor to city, receiving an honorary degree from the University of Leicester in 2016 and the comedy festival’s top honour in 2018.
In a statement on behalf of his family, Parsons’ agent, Jean Diamond, said: “Nicholas passed away in the early hours of January 28.
“He was with his beloved family, who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.”
Parsons was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his illustrious career.
He received an OBE in 2004 and a CBE in 2014 for his service to charitable services, in particular his work with children’s charities.
Presenting him with the Legend of Comedy award in 2018, comedy festival director Geoff Rowe said: “I am thrilled that Nicholas attended the ceremony to collect the trophy and join us to celebrate 25 years of Leicester Comedy Festival. It is an honour to recognise his contribution to British comedy with this award.”
He said yesterday: “I had the utter pleasure of meeting and working with Nicholas several times over the years.
“So sad that he has left us. Goodbye Nicholas and thank you so much for everything.”
When he received an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 2016, Parsons said: “I am very flattered to be honoured. I know Leicester from working in the theatre on many occasions.”
The university said yesterday it was saddened to hear of his death.
BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: “Very few people have done so much to entertain audiences over the decades, and no one deserves to be called a broadcasting legend more than Nicholas Parsons.
“His charm, inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.”
Mohit Bakaya, controller of BBC Radio 4, said: “Nicholas always brought his sharp wit, brilliant poise and warmth to everything he did – but particularly as host of Just A Minute where his excellence shone in each episode without hesitation, deviation or repetition.”
STAR RECEIVED TOP HONOUR FROM FESTIVAL TWO YEARS AGO