Sir Michael Parkinson passed away at the age of 88 in August 2023 – but fans may soon hear his voice once again as technology is going to be used to recreate his vocals for a podcast
Sir Michael Parkinson will interview stars from beyond the grave as his voice is going to be revived by AI for a new podcast.
The legendary broadcaster worked on shows for the BBC and ITV from the 1960s until his retirement in 2007. His iconic show, titled Parkinson, saw him interview the biggest stars in the world – from Tom Hanks to Jennifer Lopez to Billie Piper and Diana Ross.
He passed away in August last year – but now fans could soon hear what sounds very much like his voice interviewing stars once again as a report has revealed there are plans for Artificial Intelligence to be utilised to revive Michael’s iconic voice. The chat show king will reportedly interview stars for a new podcast – that is in development currently.
A report has suggested that the late star’s family have backed plans – with his son, Michael, seemingly on board. Parky was married to journalist Mary Heneghan and had three children; Andrew, 64, Michael Jr, 57, and 50-year-old Nicholas.
The Sun quotes a source saying: “The fact that a bizarre project like this is being pursued is a measure of just how adored Parky was and how missed he now is. Although it sounds strange, using AI like this will keep the memory of the grand inquisitor alive and remember him for doing what he did best — grilling famous people.” The Mirror has contacted a representative of Sir Michael’s estate for comment.
Reflecting on his career with the Radio Times, Sir Michael explained how he wished he had “run away” with the late American actress Lauren Bacall, who passed away aged 89 in 2014, and who the TV star interviewed in 1979.
He said: “I was desperately in love with Ingrid Bergman and Lauren Bacall. Bacall – I fantasised about running away with her. Shirley MacLaine, I fell head over heels with. Her brother [Warren Beatty] came on the show and said, ‘Are you the guy trying to date my sister?’ And I said yes.”
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He also revealed that his worst ever guest was not Meg Ryan – who he had a frosty encounter with in 2003 – but politician and businessman Robert Maxwell. He said: “He was overwhelming and he never understood a question you asked. He just ploughed on. I think he used to get up in the morning, start talking and didn’t shut up until he fell asleep at night.” In a biting comment, the TV host added: “He was totally, utterly, disgracefully awful. There was nothing about him to like.”
Sir Michael’s death was announced in August 2023 with a statement from his family revealing: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family. The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
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