Simply 23 lovely tributes to Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons, who has died aged 96
Sad news today that Just A Minute host Nicholas Parsons has died at the age of 96.
The broadcaster, who presented the Radio 4 panel show since it began in 1967, passed away after a short illness, his agent said on Tuesday.
And pretty much the entire internet was paying tribute to the great man, celebrating his life, his career, and just what a lovely bloke he was.
1.
Oh no. Nicholas Parsons gone? 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 & much more. Unrivalled continuity, professionalism & commitment. Farewell x
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 28, 2020
2.
RIP Nicholas Parsons.I was 21 when we first worked together and I will never forget how welcoming he was to me and others like me.He was a born performer who lived to be on stage and never lost his love of being infront of a crowd. A true gent.He will be greatly missed.
— Ross Noble (@realrossnoble) January 28, 2020
3.
No more hesitation, repetition or deviation.
RIP Nicholas Parsons. pic.twitter.com/FjpQT4hUfc
— Damon Evans (@damocrat) January 28, 2020
4.
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 show business should be an inspiration to us all! Huge love to his wife Annie and his whole family. #ripnicholasparsons
— graham norton (@grahnort) January 28, 2020
5.
96, Nicholas Parsons! What a very good go indeed. *Almost* still talking when the buzzer went…
— Ian Martin (@IanMartin) January 28, 2020
6.
At the Chortle Awards 2016, the room was cacophonous, everyone was talking over the winners as usual, all night, until Nicholas Parsons won an award, and a reverent hush fell over the whole room followed by a thunderous standing ovation. Even drunk comics know true quality. #RIP
— Rachel Parris (@rachelparris) January 28, 2020
7.
May all his obituaries be free from hesitation, repetition and deviation. RIP to the wonderful Nicholas Parsons https://t.co/wgQ6BT7j7T
— Julia Macfarlane (@juliamacfarlane) January 28, 2020
8.
Years ago I was due to do Just A Minute and had to cancel at the last minute because of Unexpected Developments in the run up to the birth of one of my kids. The next day, Nicholas Parsons called to make sure everything was all right and ask if we needed anything. RIP, you gent.
— Chris Addison (@mrchrisaddison) January 28, 2020
9.
Instead of a minute's silence, you must now talk about Nicholas Parsons for one minute and you know the rules.
— Robin Ince (@robinince) January 28, 2020
10.
Dear Nicholas Parsons RIP. So clever, funny and generous. I thought he, and the twinkle in his eyes, would go on forever. What a remarkable life and career.
— Julian Clary (@JulianClary) January 28, 2020
11.
Without hesitation, deviation or repetition I’d like to say that Nicholas Parsons was a broadcasting giant who proved that the straight man could be the real star of comedy. Will be hugely missed by all who work at & love @BBCRadio4 https://t.co/8r2hyMMXRY
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) January 28, 2020
12.
Heartbroken. I was thrilled to have been able to work with Nicholas Parsons on Good Omens. I sort of directed him, but the direction was basically "You're Nicholas Parsons so do that." Kind and professional and a pleasure to work with. So sad. https://t.co/gR5IFtnbak
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) January 28, 2020
13.
The end of an era. Nicholas Parsons was such a lovely man – and so versatile: actor, entertainer, writer, TV star & radio host without equal, but for me, most of all, friend. I knew him for more than 50 years: he was simply the best. Thinking of his wonderful wife Annie & family. pic.twitter.com/p1Dl1rWqfJ
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) January 28, 2020
14.
Farewell to Nicholas Parsons after an unbelievable innings both life and work-wise. If even HE isn’t immortal I’m starting to wonder who is.
— Mark Watson (@watsoncomedian) January 28, 2020
15.
He felt like one of those tremendously reassuring figures who formed a link from your childhood to adulthood. A constant. Like he'd be there forever.
— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) January 28, 2020
16.
Nicholas Parsons has passed away.
Just last year, at the age of 95, after winning a lifetime achievement awards at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, he did a 20 minute impromptu comedic routine with joke after joke after joke. He had the whole room’s attention. What a guy.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) January 28, 2020
17.
When I was 19 I saw Nicholas Parsons on the street as he was going into @TheStage New Year party. I bounded up to him and said hello. He was the kindest man, I said I was trying to make it in the arts and he told me to stand behind him and he’d smuggle me into the party…
— Maddy Anholt (@maddy_anholt) January 28, 2020
18.
Sad
CPS staff awards – I invited Nicholas Parsons to host but then was advised public wouldn’t like paying their money or having a celebrity
I told him to stand down, he refused, saying he would do it for nothing
I said no again, he then threatened to sue me to work for nothing! https://t.co/JOJKN1mF0O— nazir afzal (@nazirafzal) January 28, 2020
19.
So sad to learn of the death of Nicholas Parsons, though at 96 it was a pretty impressive innings. I last saw him a year ago and he was in great form. A more friendly, generous, polite and solicitous person you could not hope to meet.
— Andrew Neil (@afneil) January 28, 2020
20.
What a wonderful career Nicholas Parsons had. A couple of years ago, when he was a mere 94 years old, he told me: 'I will endeavour to keep going as long as I’ve got the mental stamina and the ability to perform.” And he did. Pretty much, right to the end.https://t.co/oKdDsaLU62
— Simon Hattenstone (@shattenstone) January 28, 2020
21.
Just to say. Anyone who retweets the news of Nicholas Parsons’ death will be guilty of repetition. That is all.
— Nev Fountain (@Nevfountain) January 28, 2020
22.
So sad to hear Nicholas Parsons has passed away. I’ve loved Just a Minute for years – since sitting in the car with my mum waiting for my sister to finish her piano lesson, right up till the most recent series, sitting + waiting for my kids to finish theirs. What a legend.
— Ben Shephard (@benshephard) January 28, 2020
23.
Farewell Nicholas Parsons… pic.twitter.com/kttmAVuag5
— Pulp Librarian (@PulpLibrarian) January 28, 2020
RIP Nicholas Parsons.
