Martin Timell is a renowned Swedish television presenter who has served in the industry for several years. He is celebrated for his professionalism, charisma, and passion for media.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Martin Timell’s diverse career, including his early days, accomplishments, and contributions to the Swedish entertainment industry.
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Early Life
Born on October 13, 1957, Martin Timell grew up in Lidingo, Sweden. He grew up with three siblings, including his brother Anders Timell, who is also a TV presenter and restaurateur.
Their father, Staffan Timell, was a chief information officer at a nuclear power plant. Initially, Martin aimed for a career as a priest and worked as an assistant in the Swedish Church. He even prepared to study theology.
However, he was fired after building a skateboard ramp for teenagers in the church hall.
Career Beginnings
After losing his job at the church, Martin started a construction business by taking on small building projects. Although he did not have any professional carpentry training. He further discovered the opportunity to try a different career path and auditioned as a TV presenter for SVT (Sveriges Television).
Television Career
Martin made his TV debut in 1984, hosting the children’s show “Ordvalpen” on TV2. He gained popularity as a host of “Bullen” in 1987, alongside Cissi Elwin. Martin and Cissi also co-hosted the program “Cissi och Martin” for more than five years.
Other programs he hosted on SVT include Listan, Det kommer mera, Dromspelet, Vad ar det du sager?, and Trodde du ja!.
In 1995, Martin released a book titled “Martins basta och samsta” in collaboration with Lasse Hallgren and Christina Alvner. This book contains funny stories and a 19-page interview with Martin Timell.
He later published two more books filled with carpentry tips: “Snickra ihop” (2003) and “Martins basta” (2004).
Move to TV4
In May 1995, Martin was hired by TV4 and started working there in January 1996. His first show on the channel was “Cluedo – en mordgata.” In 1997, he began hosting the home improvement show Antligen hemma. He also hosted various entertainment shows, such as Lyckodjuret, Pa rymmen, En gang till, Smastjarnorna, Position X, and Time Out, as well as Deal or No Deal.
In 2010 and 2011, Martin hosted TV4’s series on Swedish history. In the spring of 2014, he presented the cooking show “Timells skargardskok” alongside his brother, Anders Timell.
Controversy and Aftermath
In October 2017, Martin was suspended from TV4, and the show “Antligen hemma” was removed from the channel’s schedule due to allegations of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement.
TV4 terminated their cooperation with Martin later that same month. In November 2017, he was charged with rape but was acquitted of all charges by a unanimous court in June 2018.
The verdict was later appealed to the Svea Court of Appeals, but Martin was acquitted again. He sued TV4 for unpaid wages and received 8.9 million SEK in compensation.
Voice Acting
Martin has lent his voice to several movies, including “The Incredible Journey” and “The Incredible Journey 2: Lost in San Francisco,” where he voiced the American bulldog Chance.
He also voiced characters in the Swedish versions of Disney’s “Pocahontas” (1995) and Dreamworks’ “Over the Hedge” (2006).
Personal Life
He got married in 1990 to another TV presenter named Catarina Brano. The couple is blessed with two sons.
Martin’s journey to fame began in the 1980s when he hosted a variety of entertainment and children’s programs on the channel SVT. Later, he started working for TV4 and hosted multiple shows.
In his personal life, Martin and his family live in the city during winter but move to Mjolko Island in the Stockholm archipelago during the summer.
Wrapping Up
Martin Timell remains a significant and influential figure in the Swedish entertainment industry just like Anna Brolin. Although his career was marred by controversies, his contributions and accomplishments in television cannot be denied.
He has hosted and produced some of the most popular shows in Sweden, and his charismatic personality has made him a fan favorite.
Martin Timell’s legacy has inspired many young people to pursue careers in entertainment and continues to shape the face of television in Sweden.
