Bornfamous

Don Herbert, better known to three generations of Americans as Mr. Wizard, died today at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89.

I was one of those kids who didn’t think science could possibly be interesting, until I started watching Mr. Wizard conduct fascinating experiments and explain scientific concepts in his calm, friendly voice. I watched his original show when it began in the 50’s, and then again when Robby was little in the 90’s. He always struck me as a truly nice man, the kind of guy you wished you could have for a father, or grandfather.

Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Rogers, and now Mr. Wizard… are there any father figures left on TV?