The name Jens Nygaad Knudsen may not mean much to the average LEGO® fan, but anyone who has ever built, played with or even seen a LEGO set will know his work. Jens was the creator of the Minifigure as well playing a key role in the creation of many early LEGO sets including the much-loved Classic Space line. Jens designed over 50 concepts for what we now know and love as the LEGO Minifigure. Jens and his team chose to make the LEGO Minifigures skin colour yellow so they would appeal to kids of all races. Over 40 years ago in 1978, Jens Minifigure design was patented and that design is still used to create all the Minifigures to this day. Jens passed away on Wednesday, aged 78, but his legacy will live on for many more years. I’m sure you’ll all join us in saluting Jens amazing contributions to the brand we love so much and pass on our thoughts to his family. Thank you Jens.
News of Jens passing comes via LEGO Designer Mark Stafford on Twitter Image via lego.fandom.com
22nd February 2020
Rest In Peace Jens, you had pushed the boundaries of creative imagination and will be deeply missed by the LEGO community. May your legacy reign for many more generations of LEGO lovers to enjoy.