Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Mr. Wizard, Don Herbert, Dead at 89


When I was a kid there were a few shows that were more than just ‘must-see’, they were friends. One of those shows was Mr. Wizards World.

Mr. Don Herbert, AKA Mr. Wizard has passed away.

From AP
LOS ANGELES (AP) - 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.


A statement from the Family:
It is with deep sadness that we regret to announce the passing of Don Herbert - the one and only "Mr. Wizard". Don lost his battle with cancer today, June 12, 2007, at 9 AM Pacific Daylight Time - slightly more than one month shy of his 90th birthday. He was lovingly surrounded by his family, who are at once, saddened by his passing, and relieved that he is no longer suffering.

We all feel extremely lucky to have had him in our lives and to have known and worked with Don over the years. We have also been tremendously honored to carry on his legacy as an original and truly legendary figure in the worlds of both Television and Science Education. He has been inspirational and influential in so many ways and on so many lives and we are comforted in the fact that his ground breaking work and legacy will continue to inspire many more people for years to come.

Thank you so much to all of you for your support and sympathy.

Sincerely, The Family


Mr. Wizard’s genius was in its simplicity. No fancy graphics work, no loud MTV style editing with music and not even a crazy animated host. The show was simply a gentle, patient man explaining science to kids our age in terms we could understand. His wisdom came through and his passion for teaching, even more so than science I think, should serve as a lesson for educators everywhere.

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