Michael Parkinson Apologises To Meg Ryan Over Awkward 2003 Interview

Sir Michael Parkinson has apologised for his very awkward 2003 interview with actor Meg Ryan.

Ryan appeared on Parkinson's BBC talk show - imaginatively titled Parkinson - to promote her movie In The Cut.

However, the atmosphere quickly turned frosty and the interview became a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

During the interview, Ryan admitted that acting and 'being in the spotlight' can make her feel 'awkward'... which would put her in good stead for the interview, as it got pretty bloody uncomfortable.

As they moved on, Parkinson suggested that Ryan was 'wary' of journalists, including himself, and didn't enjoy being interviewed, to which the star replied: "True."

The exchange ended with Parkinson asking the actor: "If you were me, what would you do now?"

With Ryan shooting back: "Just wrap it up."

Despite being almost two decades old the interview still does the rounds every now and again, purely because it's a good bit of car-crash telly.

Now, Parkinson has apologised for how he behaved in the infamous interview, but also said Ryan 'played a part, too'.

BBC

The 86-year-old told the Radio Times: "I wish I hadn't lost my temper with Meg Ryan. I wish I'd dealt with it in a more courteous manner.

"I was quite obviously angry with her and it's not my business to be angry towards the guests. I came across as kind of pompous and I could have done better."

When asked what he would say to the actor if he saw her again, he said: "I'm sorry. But you must understand that you played a part in it too."

Before adding: "Neither of us were on top form, and we were both discomforted."

Ryan has previously said she felt as though Parkinson was acting like a disapproving dad.

She told Marie Claire: "I don't even know the man. That guy was like some disapproving father! It's crazy.

PA

"I don't know what he is to you guys, but he's a nut. I felt like he was berating me for being naked in the movie.

"He said something like: 'You should go back to doing what you were doing'. And I thought, are you like a disapproving dad right now? I'm not even related to you. Back off, buddy. I was so offended by him."

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

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