Magnus Magnusson
Biography
I still get taxi drivers who say 'Aha - Starter for ten!' and I have to say 'wrong bloody programme'. - Magnus Magnusson, 2002
Vying with Bjork for the title of Britain's favourite Icelander, where he was born in 1929, Magnus Magnusson grew up in Edinburgh where his father was the Icelandic consul. He was a journalist before shooting to fame through Mastermind, but he also had the scholarly credentials to back-up the erudite image, having written extensively on the history and culture of Iceland, and translating many of the Icelandic sagas into English.
He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2006 and died on 7th January 2007.
Trivia
He was presented with the original Mastermind chair when the series ended in 1997. Famously he always refused to sit in it until the very last show, despite constantly being requested to do so. His reason was that he didn't want to be compared to the clever people who came on the programme.
He served as Rector of the University of Edinburgh from 1976 to 1979.
He was named Pipeman of the Year for 1978, and awarded an honorary knighthood in 1989.
One of his daughters, Sally Magnusson, is also famous - she has presented various programmes, including 'Songs of Praise' and 'Breakfast Time'. In addition, she presented the trophy to David Clark, the winner of the 2007/8 series of 'Mastermind', while also paying tribute to her father's legacy to the programme.
Books / Tapes
I've Started So I'll Finish (hardback) (paperback)
