TV's "Mr. Wizard" Dies At 89

Don Herbert Was Beloved By Generations Of Kids For Science Shows

(AP)  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.

[phoenix1218]

I have missed watching this show and I hope they show reruns so I can enjoy it all over again with my children as my Grampa enjoyed watching it with me when he babysat. R.I.P. Mr. Wizard.

[thgdriver]

What a great idea that show was, I was always amazed by what we could do with some household items my mom used all the time for cooking and cleaning. He is right up there with Steve Allen, Walter Cronkite,Ed Sullivan and all the rest of early TV. Thank you Don! RIP.

[richzurb]

I loved this show. It was probably one of the things that made me fall in love with science and math.

[infidel_us]

I watched him in the early 70's and my kids and I watched him in the mid 80's. We would set the VCR and record him when he came on early in the morning, and we'd watch him when I got home from work.

He touched so many in SO MANY ways. Thank you and rest in peace.

[pollroller1]

I used to watch "Mr Wizard" too. He would make learning fun.

[skyk-2009]

Rest in Peace Mr. Wizard, you will live on in the memories of so many.

[louklou51]

I remember Mr.Wizard, I was a youngster in the 1960's and he was always fun to watch and learn from, God bless you and rest in peace.

[louklou51]

I remember Mr.Wizard, I was a youngster in the 1960's and he was always fun to watch and learn from, God bless you and rest in peace.

[louklou51]

I remember Mr.Wizard, I was a youngster in the 1960's and he was always fun to watch and learn from, God bless you and rest in peace.

[louklou51]

I remember Mr.Wizard, I was a youngster in the 1960's and he was always fun to watch and learn from, God bless you and rest in peace.

[j_flood]

Thanks Don, I watched and I learned and I passed on one or two things to my kids. I'm sorry to hear of your passing. Along with "You are there" and other shows you help mark a time in my life when TV was a good thing. R I P

[mizpah63]

Don Herbert exuded integrity and knowledge. My younger siblings and I watched the show faithfully during the '50s. We could use a few more 'Mr. Wizards' on the tube in today's world. Thank you, Don Herbert.