Biography
Nicholas Parsons was an English actor, straight man and presenter. Born Christopher Nicholas Parsons on 10 October 1923 in Grantham, Lincolnshire, he was educated at St Paul's School, London. He began his career as an actor after the Second World War, appearing in repertory theatre and films including Carry On Regardless (1961) and Murder Ahoy (1964).
Parsons became known for his work as straight man to Arthur Haynes and later Benny Hill. From 1967 he presented the BBC Radio 4 panel game Just a Minute, continuing until 2019. He also hosted the ITV game show Sale of the Century from 1971 to 1983. His television appearances included roles in Doctor Who (1963) and Agatha Christie's Marple (2004).
In 2006 he appeared as himself in the BBC Four drama Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa!. Parsons died on 28 January 2020.
