RIP Don Herbert, Mr. Wizard.

[npincus]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/13/arts/13herbert.html?_r=1&ref=obituaries&oref=slogin


Don Herbert, around 1955.

Don Herbert, who unlocked the wonders of science for youngsters of the 1950s and ’60s as television’s Mr. Wizard, died yesterday at his home in the Bell Canyon section of Los Angeles. He was 89.

The cause was bone cancer, his son-in-law Tom Nikosey told The Associated Press in confirming the death.

Mr. Herbert held no advanced degree in science, he used household items in his TV lab, and his assistants were boys and girls. But he became an influential showman-science teacher on his half-hour “Watch Mr. Wizard” programs, which ran on NBC from 1951 to 1965.

Millions of youngsters may have been captivated by Howdy Doody and the Lone Ranger, but many were also conducting science experiments at home, emulating Mr. Wizard.

“Watch Mr. Wizard,” which was aimed at youngsters between 8 and 13, received a Peabody Award in 1953 for young people’s programming. More than 100,000 children were enrolled in 5,000 Mr. Wizard Science Clubs by the mid-1950s.

[krispos42]

1. I used to watch his show on Nick, back in the 80's

Some of that stuff was wicked cool.

I wish Nick would show that stuff again. That and "The Muppet Show".

[TlalocW]

5. So did I

My office-mate though watched him back in the 50s. I showed her how to cut a hole in a 8.5 by 11 inch piece of paper big enough to jump through - something I learned from Mister Wizard - when we heard he had died.

TlalocW

[krispos42]

9. Oh, that's right! He did that, didn't he?

Holy cow, how he did it just popped up in my head, too.

Damn, that stuff sticks!!!

[xxqqqzme]

2. Another icon from my youth is gone - bummer.

[TwilightGardener]

3. The only Mr. Wizard I knew had a boy named Sherman.

[TlalocW]

4. That's Mister Peabody

TlalocW

[TwilightGardener]

7. D'Oh! You're right!

[EstimatedProphet]

6. Mr. Wizard was a companion to Timmy (?) the Turtle

Drizzle, Drazzle, Druzzle, Drom!
Time for this one to come home!

[TwilightGardener]

8. Yep, yep--"Help me, Mr. Wizard!!!"

edit to say: Good to know there are people of my vintage who grew up watching that stuff too!