Nicholas Parsons was undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic television and radio personalities in the UK, with a career spanning an impressive duration. Born to a doctor, he spent his early years in Lincolnshire before moving to London at the age of eight. He was educated at St. Paul's School in London.
Although he initially trained as an engineer, Parsons' true passion lay in acting, and he decided to pursue his dream. He honed his craft in weekly repertory in Bromley for two years, taking on a diverse range of roles. His natural talent for comedy and impersonations made him a standout in cabaret, and he soon became the resident comedian at the Windmill Theatre.
Parsons' radio career was marked by numerous appearances, including work on the BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show "Just a Minute" alongside Kenneth Williams, which spanned over two decades. On television, he worked alongside Eric Barker and notably on "The Arthur Haynes Show" as Haynes' straight man.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Parsons hosted the highly popular ITV game show "Sale of the Century" (1971). In 1989, he surprised audiences by returning to a dramatic role, bringing depth and sensitivity to his portrayal of Reverend Wainwright in the Doctor Who episode "The Curse of Fenric: Part One" (1989). Parsons described this guest appearance as "one of the most treasured memories" of his career.
In 2013, Parsons celebrated his 90th birthday, joined by stars including Esther Rantzen, Paul Merton, and Gyles Brandreth. He continued to perform, taking his one-man show to the Edinburgh Fringe, a testament to his remarkable longevity as a performer.
