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TV's "Mr. Wizard," Don Herbert, Dies At 89

Posted by kdawson on from the so-long-and-thanks-for-all-the-experiments dept.

XorNand writes "Television's Mr. Wizard, Don Herbert, died today at 89. He introduced generations of young viewers to the joys of science. Herbert, who had bone cancer, died at his suburban Bell Canyon home near Los Angeles."

11 of 255 comments (clear)

  1. Science is timeless, isn't it? by LostCluster · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Just where are the reruns and DVDs of his work?

    1. Re:Science is timeless, isn't it? by cyphercell · · Score: 3, Interesting

      good point. I remember this one episode like 20 years ago where he put this powder in a tank of water then reached without getting his hand wet, I still wonder what that shit was.

      --
      Under the influence of Post-Cyberpunk Gonzo Journalism
  2. An inspiration to a generation by sharky611aol.com · · Score: 4, Interesting

    What a loss. He turned on an entire generation of kids to science. Surely I'm not the only one who used to wake up before school at 6 AM to watch Mr. Wizard on Nickelodeon before school? I know I wouldn't be where I am today (M.D.) without Mr. Wizard, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

    1. Re:An inspiration to a generation by Mac+Scientist · · Score: 2, Interesting
      What a loss.

      I agree. I'm a research physicist now, and I grew up watching the early Mr. Wizard as one of my favorite shows. Even had a picture of him on my office door here at work. His TV style was simple. No hyper-kinetic antics, no video magic, not even wacky sound effects. Just very patiently explaining to some other kids how things worked. I loved it!

      I saw a TV panel discussion with him, Bill Nye, Paul Zaloom (Beakman) and a few others some years ago, and they all said they had learned from the Master. I just now realized that I also like to do science presentations for kids, too, so he definitely had an effect on me, beyond just getting me interested in science.

      Along with many others, I'll miss Mr. Wizard, and owe him a debt of gratitude.

  3. Got me hooked on science by PoitNarf · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I distinctly remember watching an episode of Mr. Wizard when I was about 5 years old. He was showing the power of centripetal force; took a bucket full of water and made a quick vertical circle with it. All the water stayed in the bucket of course. To my 5 year old mind, that totally blew me away. Ever since then I was hooked on science. Thanks for showing me the light Mr. Wizard.

    --

    "0101100101? It's just jibberish. *looks in mirror, gasps* 1010011010@!? AHHHHHH!!"
  4. Re:Who is our generation of Mr. Wizard? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I was always partial to Beakman myself, but Bill Nye may be more appropriate.

    At any rate, sad news.

  5. Re:I emailed him by bladesjester · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The frightening thing is that, as I understand it, before his health turned for the worst, he used to answer all of the emails he got from fans.

    I always thought that was rather cool.

    --
    Everything I need to know I learned by killing smart people and eating their brains.
  6. rip mr wizard. here's a few of my favourites... by vena · · Score: 3, Interesting

    baking soda and aluminum foil, when heated in water, can remove tarnish from silver
    how to cut a piece of paper so it makes a hole big enough to jump through
    how to crush a metal box without using your hands, only hot and cold water
    a bucket of water can stop a bullet

  7. Well, to Americans, but others can understand. by jd · · Score: 2, Interesting
    He was never shown in England, as best as I can recall, however two similar presenters from the sceptered isle were Johnny Ball and Professor Heinz Wolff. Their different, light, entertaining approach to science probably did much the same for British kids as Mr Wizard did for the US. Other countries probably have similar figures they can point to.

    (Mentally crosses over to the alternative fuels story and pictures North Carolina being invaded by people on Eggmobiles performing strange chemical experiments in mayonnaise jars. Me, normal? No, but thanks for asking.)

    --
    It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
  8. Re:Sad by LoadWB · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I would like to thing so, though I do not know the answer for certain. I loved watching Mr. Wizard's World on Nickelodeon back in the 80's. When I was growing up, my 12" black and white television never left channel seven, which was Nick. Great shows like "Mr. Wizard's World," "What Will They Think of Next?", "You Can't Do That on Television," and a slew of kid-oriented serials. I do not think the shows now come close to the caliber and quality, but then it is a different world now, so it is difficult for me to judge.

    I certainly have fond memories of Mr. Wizard, and he most certainly influenced me to think critically. I found myself remember his shows during school science labs and projects. I remember several of his experiments, like the ping-pong balls on mouse traps in the giant plexiglass box and the AA-powered electromagnet which would support a person sitting on a swing, as well as a brief lesson in LOGO.

    I for one have missed Mr. Wizard, and am sad to hear of his passing. I am proud to learn that I share fond memories of this man with other generations -- I never know of his original show, and now wish that I could view them.

    I believe that Don Herbert's family understands how he touched so many others, and that they appreciate that. I am very happy that they shared him with all of us, and hope that all generations of his family remember him and appreciate him.

    Rest well, Mr. Wizard. We will miss you, and I will have to go wipe away some tears of my own.

  9. Re:generational gap by Smackintosh · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Heh, apparently you missed the intense math portions of Mr. Wizard's show.

    I was born in the early 70s, so was ages 9-19 during the 80s. How would that have prevented us from watching the program? I too loved seeing Mr. Wizard. May he rest in peace.

    A tangential comment if I may...Those were simpler and better times to be quite honest. At least for children. We had honest-to-goodness classic shows to watch like Bugs Bunny and The Little Rascals. How they don't broadcast those shows any longer I'll never know. Not spastic enough for today's kids?