Don Herbert Dies - Goodbye Mr Wizard

On Tuesday June 12, 2007 Don Herbert aka Mr Wizard passed away at the age of 89. Don Herbert fell victim to multiple myeloma.

He performed his scientific magic, and wizardry in the 1950s, and the 1960s on NBC when the show was called "Watch Mr Wizard". Then again for another generation in the 1980s on Nickelodeon when it was known as "Nickelodeon's Mr Wizards World". Don Herbert won a Peabody Award in 1954 for his work on the television show.

Mr Wizard's (who was also a B-24 bomber pilot in World War II) career as the lovable Mr Rogers type father figure began in 1951 from Chicago airing live on NBC, and later broadcasting from New York. His half hourly show wowed us, surprised us, but most of all, it taught us. The formula was the same for the show. It was simple and fun. Mr Wizard, a tiny little sidekick boy or girl, and a couple experiments to boot.

Though science seemed to bore many of us kids in school. Mr Wizard had the uncanny knack, know-how, and gift to draw our attention to him, and his experiments on our television which now, thanks to Don, were now turned into an electronic classroom. Don's magic, and charisma was second to none with his miniature studio guests who were always happy to help out. He was always helpful, patient, and understanding.

There has always been one episode that has always stood out in my mind ever since I was a child. It was of course Mr Wizard and his guest who was a little girl. This particular experiment needed a rather large block of dry ice. Of course, here is Mr Wizard talking about the dry ice, and explaining it to us. He continues on saying that if you take a metal table spoon and proceed to rub the bottom of it across the surface of the dry ice it will make a sound. The little girl was in fact very eager, and happy to try this out. She continues on with the spoon rubbing it across the dry ice. Low and behold out came a terrible vibrating type sound. It was very cool! The kicker though is the little girls reaction. She was immediately surprised, and sort of hopped back. The part I will never forget is her saying "Oh! What a wretched sound!" It was just one of those timeless Mr Wizard moments. Thanks Don.

For older generations, and younger generations alike Mr Wizard was an inspiration to all of us, and with that we salute you. Thank you Don Herbert. Thank you Mr Wizard for making us laugh, and making us smile, while educating us the whole time.

Thank you Mr Wizard. You were a joy, and an inspiration for all of us to watch.

Don Herbert's legacy will live on through his six children and stepchildren, his second wife Norma.