TV's 'Mr. Wizard' Don Herbert Dies at 89 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 06-12-2007, 07:55 PM

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D8PNIV1O0.html

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

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Don Herbert, who as "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 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.

Ireneparalegal · 06-12-2007, 07:58 PM

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

First reading abt Frankie from the Real World who died and now this????

I grew up watching him. This is a sad day for kids who loved science or those kids who never thought science could be fun. HOW SAD!!!!

Thank you Mr. Herbert for all the fun you brought our way.

Zoneboy · 06-12-2007, 07:59 PM

I used to love watching him as a kid, This is sad news indeed.

Scoobiedoo30 · 06-12-2007, 08:29 PM

Rest in Peace r Wizzard Don Herbert

eltonfan80 · 06-12-2007, 08:34 PM

that's sad i loved his show

Skywalker · 06-12-2007, 08:50 PM

I used to watch Mr. Wizard's World a lot when I was a kid.

R.I.P. Don.

theshark8777 · 06-13-2007, 06:42 AM

LOS ANGELES, California (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, Minnesota, 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 was planned.

TripperFan · 06-13-2007, 08:12 AM

Ahhh, that's too bad. I loved Mr. Wizard. Good watching at 12:30 on a Sunday afternoon.

He also seemed like a soft spoken, gentle guy. I used to wish I had him as a science teacher rather than some of the oddballs I got stuck with and learned nothing from.

Rest in peace Don.

Dynomite · 06-13-2007, 09:06 AM

Rest in peace and thanks for the memories, Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert.

sara · 06-13-2007, 02:13 PM

That's so sad. I loved Mr.Wizard, I used to watch him on Nickelodeon all the time.

Holly · 06-13-2007, 03:15 PM

That's so sad, his family has my thought's and prayer's with them and him..

Brian · 06-13-2007, 08:57 PM

RIP, Don.

I used to get up at 6:00 in the morning to watch Nickelodeon and Mr. Wizard's World was among the first shows on. I watched it all the time until Nickelodeon stopped airing it in the early 1990s.

*CHAD* · 06-13-2007, 09:31 PM

dandelion wine · 06-15-2007, 12:38 AM

Damn, that is sad. I watched him all the time!! One thing I've never forgotten is that if you stand in the middle of a doorway with your palms pressed flat against the sides for a minute or two, then step away slowly, your arms are supposed to lift up on their own. I did it, and it worked.

God bless Mr. Wizard.

Scoobiedoo30 · 06-16-2007, 01:15 PM

me and my Brother also watched Mr Wizard World on Nick

06-12-2007, 07:55 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	TV's 'Mr. Wizard' Don Herbert Dies at 89 http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D8PNIV1O0.html TV's 'Mr. Wizard' Don Herbert Dies at 89 LOS ANGELES (AP) - Don Herbert, who as "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 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.

06-12-2007, 07:58 PM	#2
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,689	NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! First reading abt Frankie from the Real World who died and now this???? I grew up watching him. This is a sad day for kids who loved science or those kids who never thought science could be fun. HOW SAD!!!! Thank you Mr. Herbert for all the fun you brought our way.
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06-12-2007, 07:59 PM	#3
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,339	I used to love watching him as a kid, This is sad news indeed.
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06-12-2007, 08:29 PM	#4
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Rest in Peace r Wizzard Don Herbert
	__________________ Who Dat

06-12-2007, 08:34 PM	#5
eltonfan80 RIP MJ I'LL MISS YOU FOREVER Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 11, 2005 Location: in a cloud above the sky Posts: 847	that's sad i loved his show
	__________________ michael jackson 8-29-58- forever rip

06-12-2007, 08:50 PM	#6
Skywalker Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2003 Posts: 14,204	I used to watch Mr. Wizard's World a lot when I was a kid. R.I.P. Don.

06-13-2007, 06:42 AM	#7
theshark8777 Hats for Bats Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 23, 2001 Location: northeast Ohio. Posts: 5,315	Television's 'Mr. Wizard' dies at 89 LOS ANGELES, California (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, Minnesota, 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 was planned.
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06-13-2007, 08:12 AM	#8
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,087	Ahhh, that's too bad. I loved Mr. Wizard. Good watching at 12:30 on a Sunday afternoon. He also seemed like a soft spoken, gentle guy. I used to wish I had him as a science teacher rather than some of the oddballs I got stuck with and learned nothing from. Rest in peace Don.
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

06-13-2007, 09:06 AM	#9
Dynomite Member Forum Regular Join Date: Oct 10, 2006 Location: near Dayton, Ohio Posts: 579	Rest in peace and thanks for the memories, Don "Mr. Wizard" Herbert.

06-13-2007, 02:13 PM	#10
sara Member Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2002 Location: grandville michigan Posts: 2,296	That's so sad. I loved Mr.Wizard, I used to watch him on Nickelodeon all the time.
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06-13-2007, 03:15 PM	#11
Holly I LOVE SUNSETS :) Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: Albany NY Posts: 5,748	That's so sad, his family has my thought's and prayer's with them and him..

06-13-2007, 08:57 PM	#12
Brian Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jun 23, 2001 Posts: 20,451	RIP, Don. I used to get up at 6:00 in the morning to watch Nickelodeon and Mr. Wizard's World was among the first shows on. I watched it all the time until Nickelodeon stopped airing it in the early 1990s.

06-13-2007, 09:31 PM	#13
CHAD Thoughts of Change Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 30, 2007 Location: KNIGHT RIDER Posts: 567
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06-15-2007, 12:38 AM	#14
dandelion wine ~ Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 20, 2003 Location: Behind the Couch Posts: 34,964	Damn, that is sad. I watched him all the time!! One thing I've never forgotten is that if you stand in the middle of a doorway with your palms pressed flat against the sides for a minute or two, then step away slowly, your arms are supposed to lift up on their own. I did it, and it worked. God bless Mr. Wizard.
	__________________ Fans of Jon-Erik Hexum Merry Christmas!

06-16-2007, 01:15 PM	#15
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	me and my Brother also watched Mr Wizard World on Nick