Bozo Show Icon — a Geneva Resident — Dies at Age 84

GENEVA, IL — Following a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Marshall Brodien, who was “Wizzo the Wizard” on WGN TV’s Bozo Show, has died at age 84 at Arden Courts of Geneva, his wife, Mary, told WGN. Brodien had been living at Arden Courts, an Alzheimer's assisted living facility, for the past five years. He was first diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007.

Brodien appeared as the beloved Wizzo the Wizard on WGN TV’s popular Bozo’s Circus over 26 years in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. He got his big break in 1962 when the magician appeared as himself on Bozo’s Circus and caught the attention of a national television producer, according to WGN. From there, Wizzo was born.

During his years on Bozo’s Circus, he is well known for his catchphrase, “doody, doody, doo.”

Brodien met his wife, Mary, in the 1990s when Mary was writing an article about him.

“If I ever lose him in a crowd, you just follow the laughter. Wherever he’s at, people are laughing and having a good time,” she told WGN in 2012. Mary has since become a champion for Alzheimer’s research and written the book, Navigating Alzheimer’s: 12 Truths about Caring for Your Loved One.

Last summer, city officials in Geneva proclaimed July 10, which was Brodien’s 84th birthday, as “Marshall Brodien Day.” At the time, Brodien was living at the Alzheimer’s assisted living facility in Geneva.

His wife, Mary, wrote about the meeting on her blog, Midwest Mary.

“Everyone should have a special birthday, a day that celebrates a precious life. But who gets a day that is officially proclaimed in their honor? My husband, Marshall Brodien does,” she wrote.

At the meeting, “the mayor spoke about Marshall and showed a brief video of Marshall performing magic in his early days. He then invited me, Marshall Jr., longtime friend, comic magician Ken Mate, and friend Holbrook dressed as Wizzo the Wacky Wizard to speak,” Mary wrote in the blog post.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, according to WGN. Donations can be made in Brodien’s name to Arden Courts of Geneva, Heartland Hospice, or the Alzheimer's Association.

WGN TV's Dean Richards, a friend of Brodien, shared his thoughts on Brodien regarding his memories of Brodien Friday morning. He also delves into Brodien's career.

In 2010, Brodien gave an interview ElmhurstTV's "Tea Time Talk" and took a look back at his career. Watch here: