Nicholas Parsons Passes Away Aged 96 - Just A Minute And Sale Of The Century Host Passed Away After Short Illness

Jan 28, 2020 by apost team

Veteran British entertainer Nicholas Parsons died today at the age of 96, following a short battle with an illness it was reported today. 

Nicholas Parsons, who was beloved by many for his “sharp wit”, is best known for hosting Sale of the Century between 1971 and 1983. 

He was also recognized for his hit comedic radio game show, Just a Minute, which made its debut in 1967. 

His agent Jean Diamon issued a statement this morning on behalf of the Parsons family to announce the sad news.

“Nicholas passed away in the early hours of the 28th of January after a short illness at the age of 96,” he said.

"He was with his beloved family who will miss him enormously and who wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital."

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Many prominent figures in British media have since come forward to pay tribute to the entertainer, whose career even saw him be awarded an Order of the British Empire in 2014 by Queen Elizabeth II. 

Tony Hall, BBC’s director-general, praised Parson’s work in the wake of the tragic news. 

"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,” Hall said, as per the Sun.

"His charm, inventive intellect and ability to create laughs were unsurpassed. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him."

Controller of BBC Radio 4 Mohit Bakaya also had kind words for Parsons. 

"Nicholas Parsons was one of the greats, a first-class broadcaster and an icon in the world of British comedy,” Bakaya 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,” he added.

"He was that rare beast - a presenter whose appeal spread right across the generations - and he was a unique member of the Radio 4 family. He will be greatly missed by us all, as well as the many, many listeners who he entertained so brilliantly."

Our condolences go out to the Parsons family.