‘Wizzo the Wizard’ from the Bozo Show has Passed Away
Many children around the Midwest grew up in a time when a daily ritual was watching the The Bozo Show that originated on WGN in Chicago. One of that show's longstanding performers, Marshall Brodien, who portrayed Wizzo the Wizard has passed away.
Word from his wife, Mary, is that he passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s at Arden Courts of Geneva, where he lived for the past five years.
Brodien was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007.
He was one of the most beloved characters in the history of Chicago children’s television, playing the magical wizard known as “Wizzo”.
Brodien was an Emmy Award winner and recipient of the Chicago TV Academy’s Silver Circle Hall of Fame.
Decades later, if you grew up on Bozo, hearing Wizzo's trademark "magic words" of doodie doodie doodie doo will transport you back in time instantly.
WGN profiled Brodien in 2012. The clip showcases his love of magic and how he became Wizzo.
Brodien was 84. His fellow cast members, Bob Bell (Bozo) passed away in 1997 and Roy Brown (Cooky) died in 2001.
If you weren't fortunate enough to have Bozo in your life when you grew up, here's a clip of the show's Grand Prize Game. Wizzo makes an appearance here giving out one of the prizes.