Posted on 06/13/2007 3:21:56 AM PDT by George - the Other
Don Herbert, TV's 'Mr. Wizard,' dies at 89
By LYNN ELBER Associated Press
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.
What a great career this man had. A superbly lived life.
I loved watching him when I was a kid. May he rest in peace.
Loved his show in the 50’s. Inspired me to seek out and develop and employ many alternative methods of blowin’ up stuff. Good man.
One by one, The Greatest Generation passes the torch...
What a great life, well lived! Thankyou, Mr Wizard!
*DieHard*
Happy trails Mr Wizard.
I as an adult in the 80’s and I still enjoyed his show.
I never heard of him. I know that I am only 38, but I have heard of many stars from “older times”. Well regardless, peace and prayers to his family.
One of my favorite shows when I was a young lad.
Mr. Wizard was scheduled to come to my elementary school back in 1986 for a science experiment. I was in sixth grade at the time. But instead of Mr. Wizard himself showing up, his assistant was there. All the kids were mad (well, except for me) and bombarded the stage with pocket protectors, demanding the REAL Mr. Wizard. True story. Regardless, RIP. :O)
Further, he reflected a culture of capable, creative, constructive people -- of 1950s-60s America -- that read Popular Science and Popular Mechanics, worked on interesting projects, became bright engineers and science researchers, and constituted a major market for Radio Shack, Skillcraft chem sets, Heathkit sets, Scouting, Edmunds scientific, etc.
To a large extent it's a culture of active and engaged Fathers. It's the kind of culture that Conservatives are called to exemplify, transmit, and restore.
I really enjoyed his show. God bless him & his family.
I grew up with him on Nickelodeon. RIP Mr. Wizard - it was fun.
Hey! Mr. Wizard!
Say hello to Clayton Moore and Buffalo Bob Smith for us!
Saturdays in the 50’s & 60’s.
Well said
And...
Tim McCoy
Buster Crabbe
Buck Jones
Lash LaRue
Tex Ritter
Charles Starrett
William Boyd (Sundays; not Saturdays)
Al Fuzzy St. John
Fuzzy Knight
Raymond Hatton
Andy Clyde
George "Gabby" Hayes
Burr Tilstrom
Fran Allison
And oh, so many more
You're missed...
one of my favorite shows too!
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RIP Mr. Wizard.....
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