Merlin the Magician
At the Start
Former Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson has died aged 77.
The presenter, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October, passed away at his home in Glasgow.
Magnusson was best known for the quiz show he hosted for 25 years and for coining the catchphrase "I've started so I'll finish".
Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, said: "To the contestants of Mastermind, he was a tough but always fair questionmaster, but behind this screen persona there was a family man of tremendous warmth and humanity."
Magnusson was born in Iceland but moved to Scotland at an early age.
He studied English at Jesus College, Oxford, before launching his journalistic career at the Scottish Daily Express and then The Scotsman.
He became a veteran TV presenter and started hosting Mastermind in 1972.
The show quickly became known for its distinctive theme music and intimidating black leather contestant's chair.
At the height of its popularity, around 22 million viewers tuned in to watch contestants answer questions on obscure specialist subjects and general knowledge.
Magnusson was awarded an honorary knighthood in 1989. He has served as Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University since 2002.
He also published several books and translated a number of modern Icelandic novels and classical sagas.
He is survived by his wife Mamie, to whom he was married for 52 years, and his four surviving children. His elder son Siggy died in 1973.
In a statement, his children said: "He taught each of us how to live, and in the last few weeks he has taught us how to die. He did both with infinite grace."
The presenter, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October, passed away at his home in Glasgow.
Magnusson was best known for the quiz show he hosted for 25 years and for coining the catchphrase "I've started so I'll finish".
Mark Thompson, BBC Director-General, said: "To the contestants of Mastermind, he was a tough but always fair questionmaster, but behind this screen persona there was a family man of tremendous warmth and humanity."
Magnusson was born in Iceland but moved to Scotland at an early age.
He studied English at Jesus College, Oxford, before launching his journalistic career at the Scottish Daily Express and then The Scotsman.
He became a veteran TV presenter and started hosting Mastermind in 1972.
The show quickly became known for its distinctive theme music and intimidating black leather contestant's chair.
At the height of its popularity, around 22 million viewers tuned in to watch contestants answer questions on obscure specialist subjects and general knowledge.
Magnusson was awarded an honorary knighthood in 1989. He has served as Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University since 2002.
He also published several books and translated a number of modern Icelandic novels and classical sagas.
He is survived by his wife Mamie, to whom he was married for 52 years, and his four surviving children. His elder son Siggy died in 1973.
In a statement, his children said: "He taught each of us how to live, and in the last few weeks he has taught us how to die. He did both with infinite grace."
