Magnus Magnusson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Magnus Magnusson
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|---|---|
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| Born |
Magnús Sigursteinsson
12 October 1929 |
| Died | 7 January 2007 (aged 77) Balmore, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland
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| Nationality | Icelandic |
| Alma mater | Jesus College, Oxford |
| Occupation |
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| Known for | Mastermind presenter, translation work |
| Spouse(s) |
Mamie Baird
(m. 1954) |
| Children | 5, including Sally and Jon |
| Relatives | Jamie Magnus Stone (grandson) |
Magnus Magnusson (born Magnús Sigursteinsson; 12 October 1929 – 7 January 2007) was a famous journalist, writer, and TV presenter. He was born in Reykjavík, Iceland, but lived most of his life in Scotland.
Magnusson became well-known as a journalist for the BBC. He was especially famous for hosting the TV quiz show Mastermind for 25 years. His famous catchphrase on the show was: "I've started, so I'll finish." He said this when the time ran out while he was still reading a question.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Magnus Magnusson was born in Reykjavík, Iceland, on October 12, 1929. He grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Sigursteinn Magnússon, worked there as the Icelandic consul. A consul is like a representative for their country in another country.
In Scotland, his family started using a British way of naming. So, Magnus used his father's first name, Magnússon, as his last name. He went to school at the Edinburgh Academy and later studied at Jesus College, Oxford University.
Career Highlights
Journalism and TV Work
After finishing university, Magnusson worked as a reporter. He wrote for newspapers like the Scottish Daily Express and The Scotsman. In 1967, he started working for the BBC.
He appeared on children's TV shows like Jackanory, where he told English versions of 'Stories from Iceland'. He also presented many history and archaeology shows. These included Chronicle and BC The Archaeology of the Bible Lands.
Hosting Mastermind
Magnusson was the host of the popular quiz show Mastermind for 25 years. He hosted it from 1972 to 1997 on BBC1. His famous catchphrase, "I've started, so I'll finish," became very well-known.
He even made guest appearances as himself, hosting Mastermind in other TV shows. These included Morecambe and Wise and The Goodies.
When he finished hosting Mastermind in 1997, he was given the show's famous black chair. After he passed away, the chair went to his daughter, Sally Magnusson. He returned to the show for a special 30th anniversary episode in 2002. He also presented the trophy to the 2006 champion shortly before he died.
Writing and Translations
Magnusson was also a talented writer. He wrote many books about history, archaeology, and his home country, Iceland. Some of his books include Scotland: The Story of a Nation and Viking Expansion Westwards. He also wrote a book about his famous catchphrase, called I've Started, So I'll Finish.
He was also a skilled translator. He translated many books from modern Icelandic and Old Norse into English. He translated works by Halldór Laxness, an Icelandic writer who won the Nobel Prize. He also translated several famous Norse sagas (old stories) for Penguin Classics.
Awards and Recognition
Magnusson received many honors during his life. In 1989, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a special award from the British Queen.
He was also involved with many important organizations. He was the President of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) from 1995 to 2000. He also helped start and lead Scottish Natural Heritage, which works to protect Scotland's nature.
He served as Lord Rector of Edinburgh University from 1975 to 1978. Later, in 2002, he became the Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University. A special group at the university, the Magnus Magnusson Fellowship, was named in his honor.
Later Life and Family
On his 77th birthday, October 12, 2006, Magnusson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away a few months later, on January 7, 2007. A building at the Aigas Field Centre was named the Magnus House to remember him.
Magnusson was married to Mamie Baird from 1954 until his death. They had five children together. Their oldest son, Siggi, sadly died in a traffic accident in 1973. His daughter, Sally Magnusson, is also a well-known journalist and TV presenter. His youngest son, Jon, is a TV producer and writer.
