Magnús Scheving
| Magnús Scheving | |
|---|---|
| — Gymnast — | |
 Magnús Scheving at FRESH 2011 | |
| Personal information | |
| Full name | Magnús Örn Eyjólfsson |
| Alternative name(s) | Magnús Scheving, Maggi |
| Country represented | Iceland |
| Born |
10 November 1964 Borgarnes, Iceland |
| Residence | Seltjarnarnes, Iceland |
Magnús Örn Eyjólfsson Scheving (born 10 November 1964) is an Icelandic writer, actor, producer, entrepreneur, and athlete. He is the creator and co-star of the children's television show LazyTown, in which he starred as Sportacus.
Early life
Magnús Scheving was born on 10 November 1964. He grew up in the small town of Borgarnes in Iceland.[1] At 5 years old he had his first job as a telephone exchange messenger boy for Borgarnes. In his 20s, he made a bet with a friend, Fjölnir Þorgeirsson, that each could master a sport of the other's choosing he knew nothing about in three years. Magnús chose snooker for Fjölnir and Fjölnir chose aerobics for Magnús. Just as Magnús became a champion in aerobics, Fjölnir became Icelandic champion in snooker.[2][3]
Career
In 1992, Magnús became the Icelandic Men's Individual Champion in aerobic gymnastics.[4] In 1993, he became the Scandinavian champion, and was the European champion twice in 1994 and 1995. He was voted Athlete of the Year in Iceland in 1994. He is the CEO, creator, and co-founder of LazyTown Entertainment. This company produces books, videos, games, and sporting goods to help promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle to children. He is also creator of the show LazyTown (Latibær in Iceland), where he plays Sportacus (known as Íþróttaálfurinn in Icelandic).
In 2006, Magnús received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Icelandic Edda Award ceremonies for his work as founder and creator of the LazyTown franchise. Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland presented the award to him.[5][6]
Magnús starred in the 2010 film The Spy Next Door in which he portrayed a Russian villain attempting to destroy all of Russia's oil supplies.[7]
Personal life
He was married to Ragnheiður Melsteð.[8] The couple divorced in 2014. Magnús and Ragnheiður have two children.[9] Scheving has another daughter from a previous relationship. He has two grandchildren. Magnús's patronym is Eyjólfsson, but he later chose to adopt his grandfather's last name, Scheving. He has a younger brother and an older sister. Magnús currently resides in Seltjarnarnes, Capital Region with his wife and two children, Sylivia Erla Scheving and Kristofer Scheving.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | LazyTown | Sportacus | director |
| 2010 | The Spy Next Door | Anton Poldark | His Hollywood debut |
References
- ↑ "Action man: The world of Sportacus". London: The Independent. July 3, 2007. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
- ↑ For a partial source for this account, see http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/nov/24/lifeandhealth.broadcasting.
- ↑ http://www.economist.com/node/8922395
- ↑ Ian Sanders (2008). Leap!: Ditch Your Job, Start Your Own Business & Set Yourself Free. p. 31. ISBN 978-1-84112-798-9.
- ↑ "YouTube – Edda 2006 – Magnús Segment (Subtitled)". Retrieved 2010-08-29.
- ↑ "Magnús Scheving, founder and creator receives the Icelandic EDDA Honour Award". LazyTown Entertainment. Retrieved 8 September 2010.
- ↑ Magnús Scheving at the Internet Movie Database
- ↑ Dyball, Richard (July 14, 2007). "Yes Im the real Sportacus". The Times (London).
- ↑ http://www.careforkids.com.au/newsletter/july08/interview.html
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Magnús Scheving. |
- Magnús Scheving at the Internet Movie Database
- Magnus Scheving Lazytown Interview (2008)
- Dad in profile – Magnus Scheving – aka Sportacus from LazyTown (July 2008)
- "Mr Motivator" Times Online article on Magnús Scheving (November 4, 2006)
- Magnús Scheving Official Site
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