LOS ANGELES (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.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
God Bless You Sir. My Dad was the Bombardier aboard Herbert 70-2. Part of the 49th Bomb Wing, 461st Bomb Group, 767th Bomb Squadron, Based at Torreto Field, Southern Italy. Captain Don J Herbert and My Father Captain A Hanley are My Heros along with the other Brave Men and Women of that Time. I Salute All.
Greg Hanley
March 24, 2025 | Houston, TX | Son
I watched Mr. Wizard in my hometown of Ft. Wayne, IN. It had a big effect on me. Yes, I became a science (biochemist) . My wife and I believe our grandchildren are really missing out on great TV that
we saw. No more Mr. Wizard, Mr. Rogers, or Captain Kangaroo. In our view, the cartoons all over children's TV now can never take the place of these men or of Ms. Romper's Neighborhood. I hope celebration of these people's life's will spur TV to respond with children's programs with real,...
Clifford O'Neal
September 08, 2018 | Denver, CO
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
Rest Don, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Harry Simpson
June 12, 2016 | Buckeye, AZ
For Don...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of...
April 01, 2010
The
world lost a great person and educator who made science easy to
understand. I remember watching Mr. Wizzard and his experiments and
reactions. A piece of my childhood is now gone, when I grew up in
1950's.Mr. Wizzard inspired me to become a great pianist and composer.
Mr. Wizzard had many lessons on pitch, sound, that I found very useful
and educational. I miss him, and the world also misses him. My website: http://www.jazzbonerecords.com
Stuart Tresser
January 06, 2008 | Brooklyn, NY
This man was a national treasure.
Jim Sisson
June 17, 2007 | Milledgeville, GA
Our family has lost touch with yours over the years,but I will never forget your Christmas cards every year. My father was your dear friend and flew every mission with you during WWII. My mother was widowed at 30 with 8 young children and you never forgot us. We will never forget you. Love always,
Donna Hanley Freedman
Donna Hanley Freedman
June 17, 2007 | Houston
Mr Wizard is one of the reasons I pursued the sciences; I am very sorry for your loss, and please know that he has touched many lives. God bless
Matt Lawrence
June 17, 2007 | Webster, NY
I hope this guest book brings into focus how many lives this man touched. There aren't many teachers who are remembered fondly by thousands of kids who never met him, and who weren't even in school when he taught! I never missed the Mr. Wizard show... but will always miss Mr. Wizard.
Carol Collier
June 17, 2007 | Gilbertsville, NY