 The Swedish Chef has been said to be inspired by the first and only  television appearance of Lars Baeckmann. His appearance was a total  failure, as he mumbled a strange mixture of English and Swedish  while hectically preparing some sort of food. It was thought that  the shows producers found it very funny and created the Swedish  Chef in Baeckmanns likeness (including the thick mustache).  However, show writer Jerry Juhl (qv) has refuted this statement  and believes Baeckmann invented the rumor himself. Baeckmann, who  presently earns his money with a traveling cooking show in Sweden,  was paid $80 for the rights to the character. He is considered to be  a good cook with a great sense of humor.