Cancer Claims Don Herbert, TV's 'Mr. Wizard'

kaif · 06-13-2007, 02:09 PM

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=11006734

Quote:

NPR.org, June 13, 2007 · Television's "Mr. Wizard," Don Herbert, who taught generations of children about science, died at his Southern California home Tuesday. He was 89.

From 1951 through 1964, Watch Mr. Wizard delighted young viewers with the joys of science on a set built like a simple workshop. Herbert would demonstrate experiments using household items and encourage kids to "try this at home."

Herbert received a Peabody Award for the science show in 1954.

Watch Mr. Wizard was briefly revived in the 1970s and then again in the 1980s, after Herbert retooled the show with a faster pace for the Nickelodeon channel.

Herbert was a drama major in college, but his plans changed during World War II when he enlisted in the Army. As an Army Air Corps officer, Herbert flew 56 bomber missions and participated in the invasion of Italy.

On the official Mr. Wizard Web site, a posting from his family reads that Herbert had lost his battle with cancer and died surrounded by his family — just one month shy of his 90th birthday.

"He really taught kids how to use the thinking skills of a scientist," former colleague Steve Jacobs told the Associated Press.

Born in Waconia, Minn., Herbert was a 1940 graduate of LaCrosse State Teachers. After the war, 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.

— NPR's Carrie Kahn, with reporting from the Associated Press

I grew up watching him.

LFG · 06-13-2007, 02:33 PM

He's watching over us now from that big science lab in the sky.

Ily · 06-13-2007, 02:37 PM

I did too Kaif. I really loved that show as a kid.
There should be more like it.

Kaitlin · 06-13-2007, 02:47 PM

was a great show, and definately one of the things that encouraged me to get a degree in Science. You'll be missed

MysidiaDrakkenbane · 06-13-2007, 02:51 PM

Yeah, I heard that on the radio this morning. I grew a little sad. His shows turned me into a science geek, too.

LFG · 06-13-2007, 03:09 PM

Ya, this dude owned "Bill Nye, the Science Guy".

MysidiaDrakkenbane · 06-13-2007, 03:13 PM

Hell yeah. Especially when Mr. Wizard did some of his experiments. It was awesome.

Illuminator · 06-13-2007, 05:02 PM

I saw only one episode, where he poured cold water on a heated metal can and it completely crumpled up from within.

MysidiaDrakkenbane · 06-13-2007, 05:20 PM

Yep, I remember that one. They should put these episodes on DVD.

Nurta · 06-13-2007, 05:37 PM

Wow, talk about memories. I used to watch that show religiously what a shame and I agree if they put them on DVD I'd buy them for my teenager to watch...ok and for me too!