Broadcasting Legend Nicholas Parsons has passed away at the age of 96 after a short illness, according to his agent Jean Diamond.
Diamond said in a statement, “Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January. He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital.”
Parsons had hosted BBC Radio 4’s “Just A Minute” since it was established in 1967. It is a popular panel game where guests are asked to talk about a single subject without any hesitation or reposition within a full minute.
Parsons hosted his last program on September 23, 2019. He also appeared on the “Benny Hill Show” for several years. His other TV appearances include “Have I Got News For You” and “The Comic Strip Presents.”
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,” Hall added.
Graham Norton paid tribute to Parsons on social media. He wrote, “The sound of the final whistle. Nicholas Parsons was truly the kindest and most generous person I’ve ever worked with. His continued delight at being a part of showbusiness should be an inspiration to us all! Huge love to his wife Annie and his whole family.”
Paul Merton, who worked with Parsons on Just A Minute, said in a statement, “He was always upbeat, and loved to work. He gave 100% to everything he did. Nicholas was the embodiment of Just A Minute, and his chairmanship was always very fair and very honest. I will miss him greatly as a friend, particularly as I thought he would be around forever.”
Comedian Stephen Fry wrote on Twitter, “He ruled Just a Minute for Just a Lifetime. A stunning achievement: never scripted, always immaculate. From comedian’s sidekick to great institution, via Sale of the Century and much more. Unrivalled continuity, professionalism and commitment. Farewell x.”
