R.I.P. Mr. Wizard

Sciler · Mistress Age: 46 Gender: Joined: 15 Sep 2002

TV's 'Mr. Wizard' Don Herbert Dies at 89

By LYNN ELBER | AP Television Writer
Posted June 12, 2007, 9:59 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- 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.

GAAZ · MOD Black Sheep Commander Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2002

T_T

I miss him already.

Nickelodeon came out with TV Land why not come out with like 1980 -1995 Nickelodeon TV? I bet it would trumb their current stream of crap.

Shino · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:05 am Post subject:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Bawl

Reverend · I kin Age: 41 Gender: Joined: 21 Oct 2002

It is a sad day for all our childhoods once more. But we should thank this man for bringing the joys of science to many of us.

Now I want to go watch his show and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, wrap myself in a blanket, and curl up in a ball for about two hours

GAAZ · MOD Black Sheep Commander Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2002

They aren't making money off his death this Page has been up for a while and now you can buy the DVD's.
Very Happy

Mr Wizard Studios

FawkesFyre · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 12:11 pm Post subject:

Sad to hear this news...I never really watched his show much...but I'm w/ you Gaaz, why can't they bring back so many of these shows? Are we going to have to wait another 10-20 years b4 they qualify for TV Land?

I miss all the old shows I grew up with...but we did buy the box-set of Buck Rogers last week from Walmart...just $20 for the entire series. It's teh Awesome!!! And suprisingly low on the cheese. Well-written 1979 to early 80's sci-fi goodness.

Terin · Huzzah! Gender: Joined: 27 Oct 2003

sad to see him go, but he had a good long run. 89 years is nothing to sneeze at!
-T

Blackmage · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject:

sadness. Mr Wizard 0wned. I loved watching the show every morning before school back in the day. Especailly since he always had kids helping him with his experiments.