RIP Magnus Magnusson

[smiscandlon]

Former Mastermind presenter dead.

[Andrew S]

That is very sad news. A few years ago, he agreed to be patron of a charity I was working for and despite warning us that he may not have much time to offer, he made the time to turn up for our AGM. The CV (accompanied by pipe-smoking PR photo) he sent with his acceptance letter made for impressive reading. Very academic background - much of it to do with Icelandic/Viking history and translating a lot of Icelandic books. He got an award from the Icelandic government for his contribution to culture, as well as a few honorary degrees for his work. He was one of the few people who I felt really did something to justify getting those.

I remember him on Radio 4 discussing Mastermind when he was retiring as its presenter. He was given the big, black chair as a leaving present and when asked if he would be relaxing on it at home, he disagreed, saying the purpose of the chair was to "electrify and inspire"! John Humphreys just isn't the same - his approach is far too cuddly for that show.

[markfiend]

That Mastermind music (I believe it's called Approaching Menace) made me hide behind the sofa far more effectively than the Daleks ever did.

A sad loss.

[boudicca]

He has finally finished then...


Oh I'm sorry. Rest in peace.

[EvilBastard]

A sad day indeed.
Mr. Fiend - this one's just for you:
http://rapidshare.com/files/10794014/Ap ... _.mp3.html

[markfiend]

[Zuma]

I did sound for him on quite a few occasions and he was a pleasure to work with and a true gentleman - always made a point of coming round and saying thank you after the conference too.

Sadly missed..

[emilystrange]

another good one down.

[Brideoffrankenstein]

another good one down.

Indeed

[Ramone]

"Magnus, you passed on..." literally.

I used to watch the show with my dad when I was a lot younger and much like University Challenge, I got a little self proud when I actually got a question right!! Besides thinking he was already dead years ago, he did make up some of the framework of evening t.v back in the day.

You started and now you've finished..Rest in peace Magnificent Magnus !

[weebleswobble]

From the wonderful Holy Moly:

Back in the mists of time when Jodie Marsh was but a teenager, a Mole's father attended university with the now perpetually horizontal Magnus Magnusson and they shared many fine drinking nights together. Magnusson had a talent for downing huge amounts of alcohol, which is hardly surprising as he was born in Iceland (famous for killing whales, eating puffins and hardcore drinking) and moved to Scotland (famous for hardcore drinking) at the age of two.
On one night out the pair were having a quiet but concentrated session when they became embroiled in an argument with a trio of drunken fools. Magnusson was famous now for his soft but firm voice and fairly gentle manner, but this wasn't the case in yesteryear. Carefully placing his pint upon the table, Magnus walked up to the group and performed a session of punches, headbutts and various acts of vengeance that would feel right at home in even the bloodiest of the Icelandic sagas. On battering the three, Magnus returned to his drink and resumed his legendary intake of alcohol without another word said on the matter.
You may be interested to know that Magnus is so hard that he has told death to f**k right off while he publishes his latest book 'Fakers, Forgers and Phoneys' which is out this month (Mainstream Publishing).
Magnus 'Nails' Magnusson R.I.P.

[James Blast]

Haaaaard!

[Petseri]

I thought that this thread would be about someone from Iceland:

[Erudite]

Another one down, indeed.