Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

6 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.

  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: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.
  5. 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