Zaloom also appeared as various "guest scientists" and historic figures, such as Thomas A. Boring (also played by Paul Zaloom, in a dual role) makes appearances and talks about various science topics in the episodes. In some of the skits during the show the character Professor I. Actress Jean Stapleton also appeared on the show as Beakman's mother, "Beakmom". It is suggested throughout the program that Ray has a crush on the show's unnamed make-up lady. Ray assists Beakman by handing him various items, such as the "boguscope". Frequently unwilling to help with challenges or other segments, Lester was often persuaded by Beakman with the promise of food.Īnother occasional cast member is the unseen cameraman "Ray", who is played by prop-master Ron Jancula's hands. Just as frequently, however, he was specifically identified by himself and others as a guy in a rat suit, or as a serious actor with a bad agent. In a running joke, it was sometimes implied that his character was actually supposed to be a rat, particularly in moments where he would appear to be in pain because someone was standing on his tail, because he was being tickled, something was on his prosthetic nose, etc. In the pilot episode, Lester was a puppet, but in every subsequent episode he was simply a clueless, and crude man ( Mark Ritts) in a tattered rat suit. Beakman was also assisted by his " lab rat" Lester. The assistant's name changed throughout the show's run for season 1, it was Josie (played by Alanna Ubach) for seasons 2 and 3, it was Liza (played by Eliza Schneider) and for season 4, it was Phoebe (played by Senta Moses).
Over the years, Beakman was aided in his experiments by a female assistant just as in the comic strip on which it was based. When his experiments were successful, he would often exclaim "Zaloom!" in a nod to his last name. The program starred Paul Zaloom as Beakman, an eccentric scientist who performed comical experiments and demonstrations in response to viewer mail to illustrate various scientific concepts from density to electricity to flatulence. Despite the schtick that lightens the educational experience of this video, the intriguing subject matter and illuminating experiments stand on their own make this a solid choice for kids.Paul Zaloom costumed as Beakman in UNAM, 2014. The only missed beats are two puppet penguins who give bland intermittent commentary from the peanut gallery. The items required for each experiment are always listed. Simple demonstrations impart the essence of the scientific principle, while more involved experiments broaden the explanations. Then he explains how a flimsy drinking straw can be easily thrust through a raw potato. "I don't do tricks," he says at one point. While his demonstrations are often trick oriented, Beakman deplores deception, and always explains the experiments scientifically. He encourages participation with sensational experiments that require simple and relatively safe household items. Decidedly un-dry in his approach, Beakman gets the viewer's attention with his finger-in-the-socket hairdo and Brooklyn accent. THE BEST OF BEAKMAN'S WORLD represents one of the better attempts at giving science education a facelift. Zaloom plays the mythological character Narcissus with humorous vanity as he explains how mirrors reflect light.
Verbal explanations are given with comic gestures, silly sound effects, and inane commentary from Beakman's daffy sidekick, Lester the Rat. Viewer questions are addressed in several modes.
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Beakman shows us how to build a homemade oscilloscope and a camera obscura that can be worn on your head. A playing card illustrates air pressure by holding water in an inverted glass. Most of the experiments focus on physical science. Zaloom plays historical or fictional characters. There are a smattering of "fast facts" and a few role playing sequences in which Mr.
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Popular children's television scientist Beakman (Paul Zaloom) begins this compilation by encouraging inquisitiveness: "We can't have answers without questions!" The video is a series of scientific demonstrations in response to viewer questions ("How do rockets work?") and challenges posed by Beakman himself ("I challenge you to balance two forks and a toothpick on the tip of another toothpick").
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