TV's most famous question-master, Magnus Magnusson, has passed away at the age of 77. The broadcaster, who was born in Iceland but moved to Scotland with his family when he was one, died of cancer at his home near Glasgow on Sunday evening.
Famous for his catchphrase "I've started so I'll finish", Magnus hosted the iconic general knowledge show Mastermind for 25 years. Tributes have flooded in for the popular family man who leaves behind wife Mamie and their four children.
"For millions of viewers he was one of the defining faces and voices of the BBC," said network director general Mark Thompson. "For the contestants of Mastermind he was a tough but always fair question-master. But behind this screen persona there was a family man of tremendous warmth and humanity."
Magnus, who was awarded an honourary knighthood in 1989, was diagnosed with cancer three months ago. He was "the most generous, steadfast, loving and loved of husbands and fathers," said his children in a statement. "He taught each of us how to love, and in the last few weeks he has taught us how to die. He did both with infinite grace."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
