Malcolm Muggeridge

A controversial media figure for half a century, Malcolm Muggeridge seemed destined to live out his life on British television screens. Journalist, author, radio and TV personality, soldier-spy and Christian apologist, Muggeridge became a household name during the 1960s and 70s, famed for his cutting edge documentaries and numerous appearances on TV chat shows. Lampooned by impressionists such as Mike Yarwood and Stanley Baxter, Muggeridge became one of television's genuine originals. Never afraid to court criticism or ridicule he regularly demolished politicians on TV and once took a swipe at the British Royal family which earned him a two year ban from the BBC. Such was his popularity that he even appeared as himself in several British film comedies including I'm All Right Jack (1959) with Peter Sellers. Colleague and fellow broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby commented "[Malcolm] never really took himself seriously at all. He delighted in mockery and asperity for their own sake. He had a great turn of phrase and he loved to perform. Thus his ambivalent relationship with television." Dubbed 'St Mugg' by satirists, his documentaries such as The Thirties, Something Beautiful For God (about Mother Teresa) and Twilight of Empire were watched by millions. In 2000 actor Peter Stockbridge appeared as Muggeridge in a one man show, Mugg Shots, which toured America and Britain.