LOS ANGELES - 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.

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"Enjoy life. There's plenty of time to be dead."


Live Life, hearses don't come with luggage racks.
The second mouse always gets the cheese

Oh man... I loved Mr Wizard.

Rest in peace.

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Put me on wheels and I'll turn tricks.

Clever? Nah, I ran out of that years ago. But if you find this, let me know, k?
"The road goes ever on..." ~ Tolkien

In memory of my friend skip...
Go then, there are other worlds than these

You reached me Mr. Wizard.

RIP sir.

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Eudaimonia

Fond memory indeed.

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He was so inspirational to me and I watched his show faithfully as a very young girl. He made it all seem so fun and simple! I'll go so far as to say Mr. Wizard was the reason I ever became interested in science.

Thank You for all you have given me Don Herbert! I will always have a special place in my heart for you!

R.I.P.

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Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~

I discovered him late, when my firstborn was little, as his show apparently didn't reach us here in the hinterlands when I was young...even so, he still had the knack for making science less intimidating...& his appearences on Letterman were always good for some explosions & laughs...

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Plug me into somethin'

If the theory does not conform to the facts, then the facts must be discarded.

No good deed ever goes unpunished

Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, & beat you with experience.

The only times I ever saw him were on Letterman and those really were entertaining. It sounds like he was a guy who really did make a difference. The world can use all of those kinds of people it can get.

R.I.P.

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It takes a gutless mouse to play only when the cat's away.

No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. ~~ Francois Mocuriac

Confucius say, "He who masturbate into cash register come into money."

An optimist looks at the glass and says it's half full. A pessimist looks at the glass and says it's half empty. A Cubs fan looks at the glass and says, "When's it gonna spill?"

Deus Impetitio Esuritori Nullus

yes it is a sad day


*mourn*

RIP Mr.Wizard

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As a kid,Mr.Wizard was one of three T.V.personalities who had a huge influence on me. The other two were Soupy Sales and Steve Allen. Rest In Peace Don Herbert.

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Sex is one of nine reasons for reincarnation.The other eight are unimportant...Henry Miller

In have to substitute Ernie Kovack for Soupy and tell you I know how old you are now.

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