Nicholas Parsons has died. He was 96.
Parsons had a lengthy career in comedy and broadcasting and was best known as the quickwitted, genial host of Radio 4 show Just A Minute which he fronted, missing only a few occasions, since it started in 1967.
He was also famously the quizmaster of ITV show Sale of the Century. As new generations discovered him he played himself in the 1980s Comic Strip film Mr Jolly Lives Next Door alongside Rik Mayall, Ade Edmondson and Peter Cook. In the 1990s he played the narrator in the stage revival of the Rocky Horror Show. He was also a guest presenter on Have I Got News for You.
In a diverse career he was also a straight man to comedian Arthur Haynes and appeared in numerous TV drama series including the Doctor Who story The Curse of Fenric.
He was also a regular feature of the Edinburgh Fringe well into his nineties where he attended gigs and hosted his daily Happy Hour chat show.
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."
Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for BBC Radio 4 Comedy, said: “A comic giant has left us, and we mourn the loss of our dear Nicholas: "He was a great comedian in his own right and a hugely skilled host, much loved by us all at Radio 4 and adored by the comedy community who all queued up to work with him on Just a Minute. We will miss his warmth, charm and incredible humour - his legend will live on.”
Julia McKenzie, Creative Director at BBC Studios Audio (which produces Just a Minute), said: “Nicholas was such a smart and passionate man who cared deeply about his radio show and Radio 4 and its devoted listeners. He was utterly charming and faultlessly professional.
“He was funny and kind in person and wonderful company. I can’t really believe he is gone today, he seemed indestructible. His legacy will live on with over 50 years of laughter-filled shows and the lasting friendships he made through his extraordinary career in show business. My thoughts are very much with Annie, his beloved wife and constant support and companion who attended every recording, and the rest of his family. Nicholas, you dear man, what a full life you lived - you really did bring much wit and joy to us all and we thank you for that - we miss you.”
Watch Richard Herring interview Nicholas Parsons below
