'Mr. Wizard' Dead From Bone Cancer

Jun 13, 04:40 PM

Current Headlines: Don Herbert, known affectionately as Mr. Wizard to TV viewers, died this week in California after battling multiple myeloma until the age of 89.

Herbert, who revealed the world of science to Nickelodeon viewers and television watchers during three different decades, died in his Bell Canyon home following a prolonged battle with bone cancer, The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

His son-in-law Tom Nikosey, who is Mr. Wizard Studios president, said Herbert influenced millions with his scientific knowledge and live performances.

I was a grade school kid in the '50s and watched 'Mr. Wizard' Saturday mornings and was just glued to the television, he said of Herbert, whose series also ran in the '60s and '80s.

The show just heightened my curiosity about science and the way things worked, he added. I learned an awful lot from him, as did millions of other kids.

The Times said the television science teacher is survived by his wife Norma, a daughter; two sons; two stepdaughters; a stepson and 13 grandchildren.