It’s a sad day for Lego fans the world over as the company announced that Jens Nygaard Knudsen has passed away at age 78 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Although he’s not a household name, his work certainly is, as he’s the creator of Lego’s iconic yellow minifigures.
Knudsen worked at Lego from 1968 to 2000 and had a huge impact while he was with the company.
Among his many contributions, Knudsen also designed the classic castle and space Lego lines. However, his most lasting legacy is the ubiquitous yellow minifigures.
“The figure was created so that there would be life in the houses,” Knudsen’s widow, Marianne, explained to Danish broadcaster TV2, according to CNN. “At the time Lego’s houses were empty, but then he drew this man.”
Knudsen’s invention of the minifigure clearly resonated and made Lego an even more beloved brand.
“He was a true visionary whose ideas brought joy and inspiration to millions of builders around the world and we thank him for helping to create some of our most loved play themes,” Lego Group’s chief marketing officer Julia Goldin said in a statement .
Lego’s vice president of design, Matthew Ashton, shared what Knudsen meant to him.
“While I never met Jens, what he created played such a huge part of my childhood as well as for many other millions of kids around the world. Without him, I would have never been inspired to do the things I do today, without him I wouldn’t even have my job today!” Ashton wrote on Twitter . “What an amazing man, and what an incredible legacy he leaves behind.”
“I don’t think I would have touched LEGO as a child if it hadn’t have been for the LEGO Minifigure…. they were the entry point for me, they added the life, personality, inspiration and storytelling to all those other little plastic pieces,” he added in another tweet . “They are what sparked my imagination.”
Many Lego fans reached out on Twitter to share what Lego’s toys have meant to them .
“My kids have had so much fun playing with the mini figures. In fact my youngest, in primary school, if he was especially good in the week, would have one as a reward,” shared one person. “It really helped to focus his attention on what he was able to manage and react to.”
“To me, this is the toy industry equivalent of Stan Lee passing,” wrote another. “I’m a huge Lego and Marvel fan. Sad day.”
Others took the time to pay tribute to the man they didn’t realize had made their childhoods so joyful.
“I built entire moon-bases space ships and all kinds of space vehicles manned by uniformed lego-dolls,” shared one person.
“Condolences to those who knew him. His figures helped make my childhood amazing, and my adulthood too,” wrote another.
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Fans noted that, if nothing else, it should be some comfort to know that Knudsen brought joy into many, many lives.
“His family should take some comfort in the fact that he has inspired more than just a single generation, left a legacy that will outlast us all and given joy to millions that will last for years to come,” shared one person. “I only hope I can leave a millionth of his impact on this world.”
“His creations will live on as a constant reminder for all who holds LEGO dear to their heart of the joy he brought forth to kids all over the world,” wrote another.
So, it’s a sad day, but a good time to look back fondly on all those childhood Lego memories and give a tip of the hat to the man who made all that possible.
