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Biography
Nicholas Parsons (1923–2020) was a British actor, comedian, and broadcaster, best known for his long-running role as the host of the BBC Radio 4 panel game show Just a Minute. His career spanned more than seven decades, and he became one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in British entertainment.
Key Facts
- Early Life: He was born on October 10, 1923, in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England. Despite struggling with a stammer in his youth, he developed a love for performance and went on to train as an engineer before turning to acting.
- Acting Career: Parsons initially started as a straight actor in repertory theatre but soon moved into comedy, where he became a “straight man” to comedians like Arthur Haynes in the 1950s and ’60s.
- Just a Minute: Parsons hosted Just a Minute from its inception in 1967 until shortly before his death in 2020. The show challenged panelists to speak for one minute without hesitation, repetition, or deviation. His wit, charm, and fairness as a host made him a central figure in the show’s enduring success.
- Other Work: Parsons was also known for hosting the ITV game show Sale of the Century from 1971 to 1983, which became one of the most popular quiz shows of its time.
- Recognition: He was appointed a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2014 for his services to charity and broadcasting.
- Personal Life: Parsons was married twice and had two children. He was known for his gentlemanly demeanor and his tireless work ethic, continuing to perform well into his 90s.
Nicholas Parsons passed away on January 28, 2020, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of humour, professionalism, and dedication to entertainment.
Timeline
Christopher Nicholas Parsons was born on 10 Oct 1923 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom, son of Frederic Paul Nigel Parsons (1894–1981) and Nellie Louisa Maggs (1893–1980).[1]
Nicholas (30) married Denise Rosalie Pauline Bryer (25) (born in 1928 in Kensingtont, London, England) in Sep quarter 1954 in Westminster, London, England. [2]
The couple divorced in 1989.*
He remarried in 2015 to Ann Reynolds.*[citation needed]
Nicholas received an OBE in 2004 for his services to drama and broadcasting[3], which was then promoted to CBE in 2014 for charitable services.[4]
Nicholas died on 28 Jan 2020 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, aged 96.[5] He was buried at St John-at-Hampstead Churchyard, Hampstead.[6]
Research notes
- A source has not been found for Parson's second marriage. Information taken from Wikipedia, BBC, and other sites. Divorce information also taken from other sites.
Sources
- ↑
Birth Registration:
"England & Wales General Register Office"
GRO Online Indexes - Birth (accessed 16 January 2025)
Parsons, Christopher Nicholas (Mother's maiden name: Maggs).
GRO Reference: 1923 Oct-Nov-Dec in Grantham Volume 07A Page 747. - ↑
Marriage Registration:
"England and Wales, Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005"
citing 1954, quarter 3, vol. 5C, p. 726, Westminster, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England
FamilySearch Record: QVDN-V6D2 (accessed 16 January 2025)
Christopher N Parsons marriage to Denise P J Bryer registered Jul-Aug-Sep 1954 in Westminster. - ↑ OBE: London Gazette; Publication date: 31 December 2003; Supplement: 57155; Page:12 ; Website link
- ↑ CBE: London Gazette; Publication date:31 December 2013; Supplement:60728; Page:9 ; website link
- ↑
Death Registration:
"England & Wales General Register Office"
GRO Online Indexes - Death (accessed 16 January 2025)
Parsons, Christopher Nicholas (Year of birth: 1923).
GRO Reference: 2020 Jan-Feb-Mar in Buckinghamshire (328-1A) Entry Number 520187436. - ↑
Burial:
Find a Grave (has image)
Find A Grave: Memorial #207910356 (accessed 16 January 2025)
Memorial page for Nicholas Parsons (10 Oct 1923-28 Jan 2020), citing St John-at-Hampstead Churchyard, Hampstead, London Borough of Camden, Greater London, England; Maintained by José L Bernabé Tronchoni (contributor 46500104).
See also:
