"Mr. Wizard" dies at the age of 89
 

Don Herbert, who as television's "Mr. Wizard" introduced generations of young viewers to the joys of science, died Tuesday. He was 89. Herbert, who had bone cancer, died at his suburban Bell Canyon home, said his son-in-law, Tom Nikosey.

"He really taught kids how to use the thinking skills of a scientist," said former colleague Steve Jacobs. He worked with Herbert on a 1980s show that echoed the original 1950s "Watch Mr. Wizard" series, which became a fond baby boomer memory.

In "Watch Mr. Wizard," which was produced from 1951 to 1964 and received a Peabody Award in 1954, Herbert turned TV into an entertaining classroom. On a simple, workshop-like set, he demonstrated experiments using household items.

"He modeled how to predict and measure and analyze. ... The show today might seem slow but it was in-depth and forced you to think along," Jacobs said. "You were learning about the forces of nature."

Herbert encouraged children to duplicate experiments at home, said Jacobs, who recounted serving as a behind-the-scenes "science sidekick" to Herbert on the '80s "Mr. Wizard's World" that aired on the Nickelodeon channel.

When Jacobs would reach for beakers and flasks, Herbert would remind him that science didn't require special tools.

"'You could use a mayonnaise jar for that,'" Jacobs recalled being chided by Herbert. "He tried to bust the image of scientists and that science wasn't just for special people and places."

Herbert's place in TV history was acknowledged by later stars. When "Late Night with David Letterman" debuted in 1982, Herbert was among the first-night guests.

Born in Waconia, Minn., Herbert was a 1940 graduate of LaCrosse State Teachers College and served as a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot during World War II. He worked as an actor, model and radio writer before starting "Watch Mr. Wizard" in Chicago on NBC.

The show moved to New York after several years.

He is survived by six children and stepchildren and by his second wife, Norma, his son-in-law said. A private funeral service was planned.

O_O

Noooooo.... I loved this guy! My childhood... I watched him every time it was on. :cry:

But, bone cancer... That's a pretty horrible thing. I'm glad he's in a better place. My condolences to his family and fans.

Noooo! It makes me sad! :( :( :(

I'm gonna sound like a total jerk but hey why should I care I'm one of the rudest members I need to start playing my part right?
So yeah I thought this guys been dead for years I'm allot more shocked to learn that he was alive untill now!:o
May he rest in peace.

I'm very sorry for this, but...

"We're gonna need another Mr. Wizard!" (If you ever watched Dinosaurs, you'd get the joke)

Now this guy was the first on TV to make science fun, paving the way for others like Beakman and Bill Nye. He may be gone, but his idea of making science exciting and wonderful lives on. Farewell, Wizard. You shall be missed.

Another part of my childhood gone. Bye Bye Mr. Wizard. You'll totally be missed. :cry:

Ah man, I remember that show. Can't believe the guy died.

Wow that sucks. But at least he had a long life.

I can't help feeling older and older as more and more things from my childhood are starting to die or be considered "classic" or other such things... *sigh*

"We're gonna need another Timmy!!" ahahah:lol:
Yes sadly humans don't all live forever.
I agree it's a cold truth we all are getting older...now it's time for my nap.:sleep:

awwwww :( He was a pretty cool guy.

:cry: I'm not even 30! I'm not old! Besides mentally I'm only like... 5?

ahahah I'm not even 30 yet well pretty close but not yet haha and I'm so sure you're 5 hahaha:lol:

Gah, how depressing! This is almost as bad as when Mr. Rogers permanently departed the neighborhood.

mom used to watch him when she was little, i watched him in the 80s...Don Herbert was cool.

Ok maybe not five but I have been told I have the mind of a 13 year old boy. ^_^'

In spite of the fact I'm a 27 year old girl... :embarass:

Listening to the radio today they were talking about Mr. Wizard and a guy called whose grandmother was Mr. Wizard's mother's sister. That makes the guy's mom Mr. Wizard's cousin. So this guy spent family time with Mr. Wizard and he confirmed that he was just a reallyreally great person. Awww.

I was in a car with some friends yesterday and one of them brought up the fact that Mr. Wizard passed away. And then the other three guys all asked who Mr. Wizard was. I found myself depressed.

Its a sad day. Damn. Bob Barker retires, and Mr. Wizard dies. My childhood is officially dead. :(

Goodbye, Mr. Wizard. My prayers got to your family, you will be missed. The good old days of Nicklodeon are no more.