Don Herbert, who played the avuncular scientist Mr Wizard on a Peabody Award-winning children’s television show from 1951 to 1964, died of bone cancer at home in suburban Bell Canyon, California. He was 89. On Watch Mr. Wizard, Herbert performed simple experiments using household items, causing things to bang, fizz, and smoke, to the delight of his young “assistants,” ostensibly visiting from the neighborhood. Mr Wizard’s place in TV history was acknowledged when Late Night with David Letterman debuted in 1982 and included Herbert among its guests. (Source)