Biography
Who is Magnús Scheving?
Early life and athletic career
Magnús Scheving was born in Borgarnes, Iceland, on November 10, 1964. He grew up in his hometown and took his first job at age fifteen as a telephone exchange messenger. In his youth, he worked in carpentry and architecture, skills that allowed him to build his own house by laying bricks and roof tiles himself.
In his twenties, Magnús entered competitive aerobics after a bet with a friend. He quickly excelled in the sport, winning the Icelandic Men Individual Championship in aerobic gymnastics in 1992. He followed this with a Scandinavian championship title in 1993 and European championship wins in 1994 and 1995. He also earned medals at the FIG Suzuki World Cup and received the Icelandic Sportsperson of the Year award in 1994.
Creation of LazyTown
During his career as an athlete and public speaker, Magnús noticed a lack of healthy lifestyle role models for children. In 1995, he published the children book Afram Latibar, which introduced a sports elf teaching townsfolk about proper diet and exercise. The book was adapted into a stage play that toured Iceland extensively during 1996 and 1997, making the concept widely known.
Magnús co-founded LazyTown Entertainment to produce books, games, and videos promoting fitness. The concept was commissioned by Nickelodeon in May 2003, and the first television episode aired on Nick Jr. In August 2004. Magnús portrayed the athletic character Sportacus from 2004 until 2014. In recognition of his work, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Icelandic Edda Award ceremonies in 2006.
Later career and business ventures
Beyond television production, Magnús expanded his career into film and restaurants. In 2010, he co-starred in the Jackie Chan film The Spy Next Door, playing a villain attempting to destroy global oil supplies. He also spoke at business forums in New York City and Bogota regarding creativity and high performance teams.
Since mid-2016, Magnús has owned and managed ROK restaurant in Reykjavik alongside his partner. The establishment offers Icelandic staples and wine options. In 2025, he and other restaurant affiliates became subjects of an investigation by the Icelandic Competition Authority regarding labor union negotiations.
Personal life and family
Magnús married Ragnheidur Melsted in 1989, and the couple co-founded the LazyTown production company together. They had a daughter named Sylvia Erla and a son during their marriage before divorcing in 2014. He also has a daughter with former partner Halldora Blondall.
In January 2017, Magnús became engaged to Hrefna Bjork Sverrisdottir inside their restaurant. The couple married in 2020, and welcomed a son together in December 2022.
Birthday and age
Magnús Scheving was born on November 10, 1964, which makes Magnús 62 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Magnús shares the date with 71 other famous people.
Explore more
