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Back when I was in 7th grade I stood up in front of my English class and delivered a tongue-in-cheek, poorly researched presentation on why I thought Mister Rogers should be the next President. I ate up the first few minutes zipping up my cardigan, and putting on some sneakers, and then I proceeded to mock him roundly. It was a riotous success. Fourteen years later, I’m using this post to repent. The following are 15 things everyone should know about Fred Rogers:
1. Even Koko the Gorilla loved him
Most people have heard of Koko, the Stanford-educated gorilla who could speak about 1000 words in American Sign Language, and understand about 2000 in English. What most people don’t know, however, is that Koko was an avid Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fan. As Esquire reported, when Fred Rogers took a trip out to meet Koko for his show, not only did she immediately wrap her arms around him and embrace him, she did what she’d always seen him do onscreen: she proceeded to take his shoes off!
2. He Made Thieves Think Twice
According to a TV Guide piece on him, Fred Rogers drove a plain old Impala for years. One day, however, the car was stolen from the street near the TV station. When Rogers filed a police report, the story was picked up by every newspaper, radio and media outlet around town. Amazingly, within 48 hours the car was left in the exact spot where it was taken from, with an apology on the dashboard. It read, “If we’d known it was yours, we never would have taken it.”
3. He Watched His Figure to the Pound!
In covering Rogers’ daily routine (waking up at 5; praying for a few hours for all of his friends and family; studying; writing, making calls and reaching out to every fan who took the time to write him; going for a morning swim; getting on a scale; then really starting his day), writer Tom Junod explained that Mr. Rogers weighed in at exactly 143 pounds every day for the last 30 years of his life. He didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, didn’t eat the flesh of any animals, and was extremely disciplined in his daily routine. And while I’m not sure if any of that was because he’d mostly grown up a chubby, single child, Junod points out that Rogers found beauty in the number 143. According to the piece, Rogers came “to see that number as a gift… because, as he says, “the number 143 means ‘I love you.’ It takes one letter to say ‘I’ and four letters to say ‘love’ and three letters to say ‘you.’ One hundred and forty-three.”
4. He Saved Both Public Television and the VCR
Strange but true. When the government wanted to cut Public Television funds in 1969, the relatively unknown Mister Rogers went to Washington. Almost straight out of a Capra film, his 5-6 minute testimony on how TV had the potential to give kids hope and create more productive citizens was so simple but passionate that even the most gruff politicians were charmed. While the budget should have been cut, the funding instead jumped from $9 to $22 million. Rogers also spoke to Congress, and swayed senators into voting to allow VCR’s to record television shows from the home. It was a cantankerous debate at the time, but his argument was that recording a program like his allowed working parents to sit down with their children and watch shows as a family.
5. He Might Have Been the Most Tolerant American Ever
Mister Rogers seems to have been almost exactly the same off-screen as he was onscreen. As an ordained Presbyterian minister, and a man of tremendous faith, Mister Rogers preached tolerance first. Whenever he was asked to castigate non-Christians or gays for their differing beliefs, he would instead face them and say, with sincerity, “God loves you just the way you are.” Often this provoked ire from fundamentalists.
6. He Was Genuinely Curious about Others
Mister Rogers was known as one of the toughest interviews because he’d often befriend reporters, asking them tons of questions, taking pictures of them, compiling an album for them at the end of their time together, and calling them after to check in on them and hear about their families. He wasn’t concerned with himself, and genuinely loved hearing the life stories of others. Amazingly, it wasn’t just with reporters. Once, on a fancy trip up to a PBS exec’s house, he heard the limo driver was going to wait outside for 2 hours, so he insisted the driver come in and join them (which flustered the host). On the way back, Rogers sat up front, and when he learned that they were passing the driver’s home on the way, he asked if they could stop in to meet his family. According to the driver, it was one of the best nights of his life—the house supposedly lit up when Rogers arrived, and he played jazz piano and bantered with them late into the night. Further, like with the reporters, Rogers sent him notes and kept in touch with the driver for the rest of his life.
7. He was Color-blind
Literally. He couldn’t see the color blue. Of course, he was also figuratively color-blind, as you probably guessed. As were his parents who took in a black foster child when Rogers was growing up.
8. He Could Make a Subway Car full of Strangers Sing
Once while rushing to a New York meeting, there were no cabs available, so Rogers and one of his colleagues hopped on the subway. Esquire reported that the car was filled with people, and they assumed they wouldn’t be noticed. But when the crowd spotted Rogers, they all simultaneously burst into song, chanting “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood.” The result made Rogers smile wide.
A few other things:
9. He got into TV because he hated TV. The first time he turned one on, he saw people angrily throwing pies in each other’s faces. He immediately vowed to use the medium for better than that. Over the years he covered topics as varied as why kids shouldn’t be scared of a haircut, or the bathroom drain (because you won’t fit!), to divorce and war.
10. He was an Ivy League Dropout. Rogers moved from Dartmouth to Rollins College to pursue his studies in music.
11. He composed all the songs on the show, and over 200 tunes.
12. He was a perfectionist, and disliked ad libbing. He felt he owed it to children to make sure every word on his show was thought out.
13. Michael Keaton got his start on the show as an assistant– helping puppeteer and operate the trolley.
14. Several characters on the show are named for his family. Queen Sara is named after Rogers’ wife, and the postman Mr. McFeely is named for his maternal grandfather who always talked to him like an adult, and reminded young Fred that he made every day special just by being himself. Sound familiar? It was the same way Mister Rogers closed every show.
15. The sweaters. Every one of the cardigans he wore on the show had been hand-knit by his mother.
I can’t sign off with out citing: Tom Junod’s wonderful profile of Fred Rogers and his obituary for him. They are two of the most lovely pieces I’ve (re)read in a very long time. Our researcher Kara Kovalchik also deserves credit for digging them up on an internet archive located here.
I remember the day after he died. I was in the fifth grade and we all wore black armbands. ‘Twas a sad day.
And the sweater thing? Uh-mazing.
posted by Amy on 5-23-2007 at 1:59 pm
Mr Rogers was so great.
posted by srah on 5-23-2007 at 2:21 pm
I only wish my little one could’ve grown up watching him as I did. That beats the pants off of anything on the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon any day!
posted by Nicki on 5-23-2007 at 2:43 pm
I just finished reading the tribute at Esquire. I bawled like a baby. Just like I did for days after Mister Rogers died. I was an adult in college when he died, and it crushed me like the loss of a loving grandparent. I still miss him.
posted by Cheryl on 5-23-2007 at 2:51 pm
Mr. Rodgers is/was an inspiration.
posted by Ed Hands on 5-23-2007 at 3:04 pm
Mangesh, I bet Mr. Rodgers would have chuckled over your 7th grade antics then found a way to correct your behavior without you even realizing it. But most important of all he would have been so happy with what you wrote today. Not because it sang his praises but because he’d have known you ‘got it’.
I miss him still
posted by JaneM on 5-23-2007 at 4:21 pm
I swear I teared up all over again reading this post. Pass the Kleenex…
By the way, any Canadian Flossers out there might be interested to know that ERnie Coombs started out in television working with Fred Rogers at the CBC in Toronto doing a version of the show that would eventually become “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” in the US. When Rogers decided to return to Pennsylvania, Coombs stayed in T.O. and hosted his own show, “Mr. Dressup,” from 1967 to 1996.
posted by Kara on 5-23-2007 at 4:29 pm
Loudon Wainwright III wrote a song about the day he died. Apparently, Louden was in Alabama and visiting Hank Williams grave when he heard the news on the radio. In the interview he said it really tore him up.
There’s the cynic in me can’t help wondering what his dark, dirty secret was. (Even Ghandi and MLK had their shortcomings.)Well, if he had one it seems nobody knew about it, which means he didn’t indulge it and makes him better than most of us.
posted by Bassman on 5-23-2007 at 4:48 pm
I miss Fred Rogers. Not only because he was a favorite of my children when they were young, but even as an adult, I sometimes needed to hear, “You make each day special by just you’re being you.” Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for being one positive voice in a lifetime of negatives.
posted by Pam on 5-23-2007 at 4:51 pm
My mom still tells the story of how, at age 4, I turned to her while watching Mr. Rogers and said, completely mesmerized, “He’s my friend.”
He was so cool.
posted by Emily Jane on 5-23-2007 at 5:34 pm
I grew up taught not to trust men. Mr. Rogers will always be the only man I trusted until I met my husband. I wish we could get him on cable or dvd. I’d love for my kids to know him.
posted by Annie on 5-23-2007 at 5:44 pm
i remember my mom telling me that Mr. Rogers died… i was in 5th grade. it was really sad especially since Mr. Rogers was the show that my big brother would watch and talk about with me.
i do love the sweater thing, i never knew that
posted by ashley on 5-23-2007 at 6:16 pm
I would stay home from school just so i could watch a marathon of Mr.Rogers. In fact. I’m in the 9th grade, and i would still stay home for Mr.Rogers. Kids are seriously missing out on a great show. Damn. I miss that dude soo muchhh!
posted by Jeannie on 5-23-2007 at 7:27 pm
After walking with me to take her sister to the bus for kindergarten, my 2 yr old would cuddle in my lap and we would watch Mr. Rodgers together. She loved him.
posted by Sue on 5-23-2007 at 7:57 pm
After walking with me to take her sister to the bus for kindergarten, my 2 yr old would cuddle in my lap and we would watch Mr. Rodgers together. She loved him. That was 28 years ago.
posted by Sue on 5-23-2007 at 7:57 pm
Someone I know was lucky enough to meet Mr. Rogers. She said he was exactly like he seemed to be on TV.
I feel bad for those of you who don’t get his show any more. All three of my local PBS stations still show it every day. A childhood without Mr. Rogers is just wrong.
posted by Camille on 5-23-2007 at 8:32 pm
Ah, this brings back some good memories. I used to watch his show every day with my parents and always thought he would make the neatest grandfather. There really needs to be more people like him in the world.
I really miss that guy.
posted by heather on 5-23-2007 at 9:09 pm
As far back as I can remember I watched Mr. Rogers on television, and loved snowdays in elementary school because my brothers and I could stay home and Watch Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Im now 43 years old and, until recently, whenever I would skip through the channels and see his show, I would always stop and watch. It meant so much to me growing up, and as an adult, it still does. He was so positive and you always knew, of anyone in the world, he was so right. Mr. Rogers can never be replaced, and is sadly missed.
posted by Don on 5-23-2007 at 9:22 pm
Camille said it best: A childhood without Mr. Rogers is just wrong. I miss him & his unconditional love for humanity dearly.
posted by Trish on 5-24-2007 at 1:14 am
I never heard of the guy until today and based on what was written about him and all the comments about him, he seemed to be a saint among the living back in his days. I would probably have cried too if I knew him and learned he passed away.
posted by Susan on 5-24-2007 at 5:26 am
Boy - today’s newsletter and the links in it about Mr Rogers were wonderful. Love your magazine - Thank you.
posted by sally yates on 5-24-2007 at 5:50 am
I found a video of his appearance before the Senate in 1969 asking for funding. His speech was quite inspirational.
Thank you for this story!
posted by jerry on 5-24-2007 at 5:53 am
No discussion of Fred Rodgers would be complete without mentioning Josie Carey. I grew up in Pittsburgh where MisterRodgers Neighborhood was taped. But before there was that show there was “Children’s Corner”. It aired on WQED, the nation’s first public TV station, in the early ‘50s. At that time, I was their target audience. Josie Carey was the host and Rodgers was behind the flats as the puppeteer. I was a particular fan of X the Owl. Carey wrote the lyrics to most of the songs in those days, including the “Tomorrow” song. By the time MisterRodgers came into being, I was too old for it. So, for me Fred Rodgers was the guy that did the puppets for Josie Carey. Carey died in 2004.
regards,
f. x.
posted by F. X. Ryan on 5-24-2007 at 6:24 am
It was a sad day when he died. I grew up watching Mr. Rogers, and we Pittsburghers (or Yinzers, if you prefer) feel especially close to him.
My sister, who’s very shy, ran into him one day. And she stopped him and told him how wonderful she thought he was. He thanked her, and the exchange made her day (even though she was at least 35 at the time.)
He was a true gentleman, and a very gentle man.
posted by Alison on 5-24-2007 at 7:00 am
I was thrilled when my 17-year-old, sometimes aloof, sometimes affectionate daughter shared this with me. Mr. Rogers still touches her heart (and mine).
Mr. Rogers proves the old adage, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”
posted by Patti on 5-24-2007 at 7:04 am
As I grew older, I eventually appreciated how much Mr. Rogers meant to other people. Little me, however, was frickin TERRIFIED of him. I hated him so much as a kid, particularly his puppets. They all just creeped me out. Still can’t explain it.
Of course, my twin brother LOVED HIM!
posted by Cheeques on 5-24-2007 at 8:13 am
I loved Mr Rogers as a child, and it was fun to watch my daughter enjoy him when she was small too. You know, if everyone could just take Mr Rogers advice, and just be happy and nice(just like they are)the world would be a much nicer place.
posted by Deborah on 5-24-2007 at 9:26 am
I think he’s a great man since I’ve read more about him, but personally I didn’t like the show. I thought it was boring and stupid. I hated how he changed his shoes and sweater. Irked me to no end.
I am horrid.
posted by Amber on 5-24-2007 at 9:43 am
I met Fred Rogers at WQED (PBS affiliate in Pittsburgh) when I was there interviewing for a job shortly after I moved to Pgh in the spring of 2000.
I was in the men’s room wiping the sweat off my face (very hot day in Pittsburgh) when I heard a john flush. Guess who came out of the stall? That’s right, Fred Rogers. I shook his hand (after he washed, of course) and said I was a lifelong fan. I shoulda got his autograph :[
ESJ
posted by Ed on 5-24-2007 at 10:35 am
Im with you Amber…Hated the show to NO end.. and I turned out okay.. but he certainly left his mark.
posted by jOaNN on 5-24-2007 at 12:27 pm
I know this may sound silly, but as a young mother in a miserable marriage I found comfort in Mr. Roger’s gentle ways and unconditional acceptance. I would watch him every day with my young daughter and it was a respite from the problems of my life, if only for the length of the program. I felt very sad when I heard of his death, the world needs all the nice guys it can get, and Mr. Rogers was a very nice guy!
posted by Dixie on 5-24-2007 at 12:36 pm
I loved Mr. Rogers so much and cried when I heard that he died. It felt like I had lost my own grandfather all over again.
A few years ago my son was watching Mr. Rogers for the first time and I took a picture of him in front of the TV.
He was a magical man and the world is better for him having been in it.
posted by Kirsten on 5-24-2007 at 12:39 pm
It doesn’t matter if you loved or hated his show. There is no denying that he was one of the greatest people that has ever lived. I can’t imagine my childhood without him. He was, and still is, one of my heroes.
posted by Jason on 5-24-2007 at 1:05 pm
I was the first generation raised on Mr. Rogers (and Sesame Street for that matter), and frankly my life has been the better for watching him. The biggest draw was you felt like Mr. Rogers was speaking directly and only to you.
I was a very shy kid and scared of most situations, but Mr. Rogers explained things in a way that made sense to me.
I knew in my heart he had to be a good and decent man, but I had no idea until reading this column and the linked Esquire article. I also bawled like a baby reading it.
posted by JR on 5-24-2007 at 1:47 pm
The key to his charisma is simple. His thoughts and feelings were of a very wise man expressed in a very simple manner so that the child in all of us would understand and appreciate the wisdom.
posted by Roger on 5-24-2007 at 1:57 pm
The key to his charisma is simple. His thoughts and feelings were of a very wise man expressed in a very simple manner so that the child in all of us would understand and appreciate the wisdom.
posted by Roger on 5-24-2007 at 1:57 pm
My sister was chronically ill, and while she was in the hospital recovering from a multi-organ transplant (which eventually failed), she received a personal three-minute video from Mister Rogers which used her name and the names of all us siblings with his wishes for a speedy recovery. While my sister never recovered, I was always so pleased that one of my sister’s last memories was of that tape that wonderful man took the time out of his schedule to make for her (he also signed T-shirts for us other siblings). He was a rare person indeed.
posted by Casey on 5-24-2007 at 3:30 pm
This post made me cry. My mom told me that when I was very little 4-5, I would run into my room, grab a cardigan and my shoes and change them with Mr. Rogers.
And now being a knitter myself, it really touches me that his mom made all those cardigans for him! What a family.
posted by Julie on 5-24-2007 at 4:00 pm
I remember hearing, a few years ago, that Fred Rogers was also a hero in the Korean War. I think he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
posted by George on 5-24-2007 at 4:29 pm
actually, according to everything I read, the Korean War stuff is a myth. In fact, wikipedia and snopes both have stuff disclaiming the stories about him having tattoos, and the ones about him being a sniper in war.
posted by Mangesh on 5-24-2007 at 4:51 pm
This story made me cry like so many other boomers — it was the right medicine at the right time. Mr. Rogers had it real right. My daughter’s school is losing their principal of 26 years (including his teaching at the school before becoming principal).
Mr. W., who is retiring, reminds me of Mr. Rogers. Nothing will be the same after he leaves.
posted by Sandra on 5-24-2007 at 7:43 pm
Fred Rogers was the real deal. You may want to read any of his Life Little Journey books. Give one to a graduate or keep one on your nightstand. A page a night, can help you relax after a stressful day.
posted by Kathy H on 5-24-2007 at 7:57 pm
I didn’t watch Mr. Rogers on TV until my children were at the ages where they enjoyed the program…especially my two youngest kids, both boys. They loved the puppet characters and the different voices for each one. Supposedly Mr, Rogers himself spoke for each puppet. The more I watched the show, the more I liked Fred Rogers’ easy-going, encouraging, simple approach to life in general. “It’s a beautful day in the neighborhood” still rings gently in my ears when I hear or read his name anywhere. What a great man and what a wonderful, intangible legacy he left to so many viewers. There will never be another one like him, and I feel blessed to have been able to watch so many of his shows, even though I was an adult when I did.
posted by Sandi on 5-25-2007 at 4:28 am
My ex is a major fan of “Misterogers.” He used to come home from work every day just before the show started, get a beer out of the fridge, put his feet up, and enjoy the show. He liked Misterogers’s calm nature; it was just the thing for relaxing after the daily rat race.
And of course he was almost always joined by our son, who was 3-4 at the time. I thought the two of them sharing an easy chair in rapt fascination were so cute, I knitted them matching red sweaters.
posted by anomalous4 on 5-25-2007 at 1:17 pm
I am ashamed to admit it because of all the wonderful stuff I have learned about him, but I thought he was creepy when I was a kid. Maybe I was an exceptionally cynical child. I always felt that he was talking down to his audience. And those puppets, yikes! But I am pretty much against puppets in general.
posted by Belle O'Cosity on 5-25-2007 at 5:06 pm
Shortly after he died, I remember a Family Circus comic in which the kids were watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, and one said to the other, “I bet Mr. Rogers and God are getting along great - they both love everybody!” (Or something to that effect)
I also sniveled and bawled like a maniac reading Tom Junod’s fantastic words - and laughed at loud at the ‘New York Honorific’ part.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I LOVE the magazine, thoroughly enjoyed this story, and thank you for the reminder of such a lovely man and a life well spent.
posted by Tiffany on 5-26-2007 at 8:27 am
i loved his show, he was so awesome
posted by nathan on 5-26-2007 at 11:21 am
He was one of a kind. Well, maybe two of a kind. His brother was an engineering prof at Penn State. My brother had him for class. Yes, he wore cardigans knitted by his mom, and he had exactly the same voice. Add the physical resemblance, and my brother said it was disconcerting to have your engineering prof say “Good Day girls and boys, today we’re going to talk about structural dynamics…”
posted by Broadsheet on 5-29-2007 at 3:42 pm
When Fred Rogers died I was at Fort Hood with my army reserve unit, preparing to go to Iraq. We had a moment of silence during our morning formation for the man that had so touched all of our lives.
posted by Aaron on 5-29-2007 at 9:00 pm
The first time I saw him, It changed my life forever. He was the most compassionate person I’ve ever seen in my life. I still miss him. now pass the kleenex please….
posted by Skully on 5-29-2007 at 9:43 pm
Mr.Fred Rogers was a TRUE PIONEER and ahead of his time.. I learned so many words and phrases growing up.. I hope they can still play some of his old shows? I was crushed when he passed… Yes, its a wonderful life, I will let him finish it…
posted by Azapata on 5-30-2007 at 11:45 am
He was a great man. I was having the worst day today, but reading this article renewed my faith in humanity.
posted by jaycee on 5-30-2007 at 10:48 pm
Wow, that’s so inspiring. It gives me a fuzzy feeling.
posted by Dana on 5-31-2007 at 3:54 am
When my daughter was very small, we would get home every day about the time Mr. Rogers was going to be on. She would say “I want to watch neighbor, mommy” and I would turn it on and we would watch Mr. Rogers together. It’s one of my favorite memories.
posted by Janet on 5-31-2007 at 1:25 pm
He was religious in the way that makes people want to be religious. He simply was who he was and believed what he believed. He made no demands on others to believe as he did and he treated everyone with honest respect. Its the reason everyone loved him.
posted by Adam on 5-31-2007 at 2:34 pm
For those of you who missed Mr Rogers saving the funding for PBS shows.
Watch this: youtube*com/watch?v=a41lJIhW7fA
If you haven’t seen it you are missing out.
posted by Josh on 5-31-2007 at 2:59 pm
I was lucky enough to live in Mr Rogers actual neighborhood. He lived in an high rise next to the Carnegie Mellon campus. During move-in day our freshman year he came and helped carry my friend’s bags into the dorm. He always lived as he preached. We are at a loss without him.
posted by Margaret on 5-31-2007 at 3:22 pm
And it’s amazing to see how many people’s lives he touched, isn’t it? Fred Rogers is what sanity looks like. What I’d give to have a library of his shows on the shelf.
posted by Tom on 5-31-2007 at 4:09 pm
Don’t forget that Fred Rogers was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom which is the highest honor a civilian can receive in the USA.
posted by Michael Flessas on 5-31-2007 at 4:10 pm
I grew up with Mr. Rogers - a sissy, delicate child afraid of his father. He became my surrogate father. I myself became a public broadcasting show host and when he died I called his show and talked to his assistant. We both cried on the phone together. I still watch him at lunch every day.
posted by David Gilmore on 5-31-2007 at 4:36 pm
If more people could take his demeanor then this world would be a better place. loved this article boosted my day
posted by andy on 5-31-2007 at 4:36 pm
One of the most genuine human beings ever. The world is a worse off for having lost him.
posted by Josh Reinholds on 5-31-2007 at 5:41 pm
There was an interesting piece on NPR’s This American Life (sorry, don’t remember the date, i think it was late last year), where a guy in his early 20’s who had watched the show as a kid brought Fred Rogers to HIS neighborhood, and interviewed him. It was slightly creepy when Daniel the tiger started talking to this grown-up boy, but Mr. Rogers had some insightful things to say about real issues too.
posted by Justin on 5-31-2007 at 5:45 pm
My cousin, who has cerberal palsy, grew up watching Mr. Rogers. It was one of the only shows that was paced so well for him in his developmental stage.
My aunt has since walked in on him watching reruns of Mr. Rogers from time to time.
posted by Bri on 5-31-2007 at 6:24 pm
There was not as much on TV back in his day. He did a great job with kids.
posted by John Cavers on 5-31-2007 at 6:34 pm
It truly was a beautiful thing to see a human being who remained undamaged by the world. What a great and kind man he was.
posted by Elizabeth on 5-31-2007 at 6:44 pm
I always think about him when a Friday, the 13th, rolls around. In the kingdom of Make-Believe, any Friday, the 13th was King Friday’s birthday, I think because he wanted kids to have a good association with the day, instead of a bad one. And I love the Koko the gorilla story. What a difference he made with his life.
posted by Beth on 5-31-2007 at 7:10 pm
At 48 years old of all people I wish that I could have a mind and heart even remotely close to that of Fred Rogers. An inspiration to the world.
posted by Ron Cole on 5-31-2007 at 9:54 pm
I loved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood as a child…my mom says I would get so excited because “Micker Rogers!!” was on. I haven’t seen it in years, but I think I would still love it. When he died, I cried so hard…I found out when I got to work and checked the news online. My boss came into my office and gave me a hug because I was crying so hard. It’s a shame that more people aren’t like him.
posted by Lauren on 5-31-2007 at 10:55 pm
I’m 57; when I was about 40, I recall a Neighborhood show to which the set was tuned one day when Mr. Rogers was talking about disappointment. He explained so endearingly and empathetically something that I’d either never gotten or had forgotten, but needed at that moment. I’ll never forget it. It was the kind of thing (insight) we pay therapists lots of money for, sometimes for a long time, hoping to get. And to think, all we have to do is switch on the set where the shows still air, and those kinds of nuggets and a whole world view are waiting! I am so very grateful for him, and that he touched the lives of so many. He’s the best of what passes for human; a North Star for us all, who, in complementing him with our imitation, might help to carry on his legacy.
posted by Sandy on 6-1-2007 at 7:15 am
I actually didn’t care for the show while growing up, but my children certainly enjoyed it.
And you’re right, he was absolutely the same man off-camera that he was on. Several years ago, Candid Camera tried to make a comeback and one of their setups involved a hotel full of TV critic type people who were there for the sole purpose of watching various TV show ideas and pilots on closed circuit in their rooms. Fred Rogers was one of them. The gag that was being played was the “stupid bellhop” was bringing tiny, old B&W, non-closed-circuit TV in the room because the other one “broke”. Mr. Rogers never, ever got upset with the guy, never chastised him, never got ill with the situation. He just basically shrugged it off and said he’d figure out something. He was so very sweet and kind. :-)
posted by Melanie on 6-1-2007 at 7:47 am
I attended Rollins College. Fred Rogers passed away my freshman year. My class was the first to not hear him speak. A tradition missed. I did have the chance to meet him at the Capitol in high school, however. Genuine and down right cool.
posted by BJC on 6-1-2007 at 7:53 am
I have very fond memories of Mr. Rogers. I remember him, that voice, his manner. I hadn’t thought about him in a long time untill I came accross this article. There aren’t many people in this world who are truly inspiring, and Mr. Rogers was certainly one of them. Having put him out of my mind I feel was a great disservice. What ever the age, the man could reach anyone. Thank you for posting this. I think we could all use a little more Mr. Rogers in out lives.
posted by David on 6-1-2007 at 8:28 am
Thank you for making a grown man cry at work.
~jw
posted by Jason on 6-1-2007 at 9:02 am
Awww… Reading this made me cry. I miss you Mr. Rogers.
posted by Marie-Elaine on 6-1-2007 at 9:07 am
i was in seminary with fred and we were friends …. what you saw was what you got …. if you did not like fred … you needed help
in a class on puritanism we fought and laughed … he was one of a kind … peerless
posted by wallace matsen on 6-1-2007 at 9:13 am
tree … tree … tree
posted by wallace matsen on 6-1-2007 at 9:16 am
Great writeup, Mr Rogers was probably one of the best television people around, and all the good deeds he did weren’t just for show like most people’s are.
posted by Brandon on 6-1-2007 at 9:20 am
I’m crying. Thank you.
posted by Bob on 6-1-2007 at 9:56 am
This was great to know!
posted by Anna Maria on 6-1-2007 at 10:04 am
Mr. Rogers was truly a magnificent human being, and I enjoyed your post. However, I think your comment, “Despite being an ordained Presbyterian minister, and a man of tremendous faith, Mister Rogers preached tolerance first,” is off base. Mr. Rogers was a kind, tolerant man because of his Christian beliefs, not in spite of them. He lived his life as Christ wants all of us to do. It is unfortunate that some people who call themselves Christians fail to be as tolerant as they ought to be, but you should know that becoming a Christian doesn’t make you perfect, it simply starts you on a journey to improve yourself by following the guidelines that Christ has laid down for us. Mr. Rogers reached a point that many others are journeying towards. If you don’t believe what I’ve written here, I would suggest turning off the television evangelists and actually meeting the Christians who live in your community. You might be surprised at what you find.
posted by Fred on 6-1-2007 at 10:10 am
I remember when Mr. Rodgers passed. I was in graduate school and I felt crushed. Having him gone made me realize I had lost a key link to my childhood and I wasn’t a kid anymore.
Fred Rodgers was a true gem of a human being. Kind, humble, hard-working, tolerant, sincere…we need more people like him in the world. THank you, God, for sharing him with us. Send another..
posted by Sam on 6-1-2007 at 10:12 am
I’m truly moved by the outpouring of love for this beautiful man. Its great to be reminded of what is there in each of us, underneath the madness.
There are others I have found with this same quality of spirit as Fred Rogers. They have no agenda, are not trying to sell you anything, just want to show you who you are.
For those interested, Eckhart Tolle’s teaching reminds me very much of the spirit displayed in this thread.
posted by John on 6-1-2007 at 11:01 am
I loved Mr. Rogers. I watched him as I grew up in the 80’s and maybe 90’s. I’m not sure when he died, but I’m pretty sure I remembered him when I heard the news.
My sister, who is 8, still watches his show and although she knows that he no longer exists anymore, she still loves him for what he was and is on the TV screen.
posted by Rock on 6-1-2007 at 11:24 am
I once picked up a hot Argentinian chick because I was whistling and singing “It’s a beauiful day in the neighborhood” one rainy day on the Metro. She said “American men never sing in public” and it was just the opening I needed.
posted by Goober on 6-1-2007 at 11:24 am
Thank you for a well-written tribute. I thought you and your readers might be interested in my own tribute to this wonderful man.
I see that you won’t allow links, but here’s the general idea.
jimsuldog.blogspot.com/2007/04/its-beautiful-day-in-neighborhood.html
posted by Suldog on 6-1-2007 at 11:27 am
Mr Rogers is a great person. we all miss him.
posted by jenny on 6-1-2007 at 11:35 am
Fred Rodgers was a rare human being. He took the doctrine of man made in God’s image to television and it captured the imaginations of millions of people, young and old. It is tragic that today’s media has fallen the way of the sewer. Whether it is recordings, comedy routines, music, or morning talk shows the culture of love and respect has been replaced by the culture of incivility and crudity. may someone out there take up the Mantle Fred Rogers left behind,and remind youngsters and grown ups of the good we are capable of
posted by michael on 6-1-2007 at 11:52 am
i used to live in Pittsburgh, where he also lived. The local public radio station has a big record fair every year where it sells off records (presumably duplicates, things it has on CDs, etc.). Although the name Fred Rogers is certainly common enough that I can’t say for sure, one of my happiest possessions is a record of Stravinsky’s Rites of Spring with the name, in small, neat cursive letters “Fred Rogers” written on the back.
posted by aviatrix on 6-1-2007 at 12:12 pm
Great Post - We miss Fred. Thanks for teaching me stuff when I was shorter.
posted by furiousball on 6-1-2007 at 12:29 pm
My wife had a friend who knew him. She claimed that in real life he was exactly as you saw him on the show. Matches up with your article perfectly.
posted by CyberMage on 6-1-2007 at 12:38 pm
Thanks to your great post, I learned some interesting facts about Mr. Rogers that I didn’t know.
One of my all-time favorite quotes is from a commencement address Mr. Rogers gave at Dartmouth:
“Our world hangs like a magnificent jewel in the vastness of space. Every one of us is a part of that jewel–a facet of that jewel. And in the perspective of infinity, our differences are infinitesimal. We are intimately related. May we never even pretend that we are not.”
I believe Fred Rogers was a Buddha, an enlightened being.
posted by citizen Able on 6-1-2007 at 12:54 pm
Just want to add that I, too, love Mr. Rogers and to say that all the commenters above me are great just the way they are.
posted by Never teh Bride on 6-1-2007 at 12:56 pm
I also attended Rollins College, and had the opportunity to hear him speak one Easter. Coincidentally, it was 50 years to the day, according to Mr. Rogers himself, that he stood at that same podium and gave his commencement speech. What an honor. I think it hit everyone especially hard at Rollins when he died because we all considered him one of ours. We’ll miss you, Fred.
posted by Daniel on 6-1-2007 at 12:58 pm
When we were planning our wedding recently, I was inspired to write our wedding vows and include music from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. In fact, my husband to be walked down the aisle (instead of me) singing Won’t You Be My Neighbor….with a lot of help from the wedding party. He then put on his sneakers and took off his sweater (with tie dye T-shirt underneath. Invitations to the wedding were from King Friday and Queen Sara Saturday and instead of wedding rings we were crowned. It was an unforgetable wedding! We have emphasized “being good neighbors” and our relationship is growing closer every day!
posted by Sue on 6-1-2007 at 1:15 pm
Fred was a great man. I still enjoy his shows to this day. Thanks for the article you just made a 26 year old man cry at work.
posted by Denis on 6-1-2007 at 1:22 pm
There was an episode of The Sopranos where Junior came in, took off his coat and shoes, put on a sweater and slippers, and said, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”
posted by redthumb on 6-1-2007 at 1:24 pm
I used to drink a six pack of beer while watching Mr. Rogers with my three year old son. Mr. Rodgers must have rubbed off on us both. My son is a fire fighter and quite fit while I am working the AA program for a better life. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Rodgers. :-)
posted by Colorado Dad on 6-1-2007 at 1:33 pm
I also teared up reading this. In a world with too much ugly he was beautiful. He is missed
posted by Dgruber on 6-1-2007 at 1:36 pm
I liked his fish tank!
posted by Cordell on 6-1-2007 at 1:49 pm
I once sent an e-mail to Mr. Rogers via the PBS website purely as a gag, after I noticed that Lady Elaine Fairchild’s face (a puppet in the land of make-believe)was noticeably more sinister looking than I remember as a child. I am referring to what might have been blush at one time. I joked that it looked like her face had been burned reaching into the oven for cookies because the ‘blush’ was more brown than red. What a surprise it was when Mr. Rogers personally replied to my email, and told me that Lady Elaine’s face had gradually darkened over time because of the exposure to lights. He was aware of how it looked but decided to not repair the paint job because he wanted people to know that it was not how someone looked on the outside but who they were on the inside that mattered. He said that the condition of the puppet was a perfect example of that. He then took the time to thank me for being a fan all of these years (42-I can still watch him, along with my five children on PBS) He encouraged me to foster the love of reading in my kids, and was absolutely true to his tv image throughout. I will never forget the example he showed of love towards his fellow humans. We miss you dearly Fred, I wish our world’s “leaders” were as compassionate and gentle as you were.
posted by danimal on 6-1-2007 at 1:49 pm
But what about Captain Kangaroo? Doesn’t he get any props?!?
posted by Noir on 6-1-2007 at 2:07 pm
I remember when I was in college and a friend told me that he and his wife were getting a divorce. My first thoughts were concern for his then 5 yr. old son. I wrote Mr. Rogers and asked if he would write to my fiend’s son. He send him a inspiring letter and an autographed photo. He sent one to me as well and, 15yrs. later, it still hangs on the wall of my house.
He and his musical director were very influential in love of jazz music.
There will never be another like him.
posted by julian on 6-1-2007 at 2:15 pm
I’m a big, hairy, 350-pound monster with tattoos, piercings and a sarcastic attitude. But I loved Mr. Rogers with every fiber of my being, and still do. I’m misty just typing this. Kids have seriously over-developed BS detectors, and we knew he was REAL. He was GENUINE. And his ability to unite all people in common admiration for him has never ceased to impress me. EVERYONE loved the man. In a world where it’s easier to achieve peace in the middle east than it is to get any two random Americans to agree on pizza toppings, Fred Rogers was universally revered across every line imaginable. The world is FAR poorer without him. And what’s more, he would have been humbled by the praise.
posted by Jim on 6-1-2007 at 2:46 pm
I was in 8th grade when i found out that he died, i was very upset, so was my best friend, so that day, me and her walked through the halls of our middle school belting out “its a beautiful day in the neighborhood” song at the top of our lungs once school was out. lots of people laughed at us but we didnt care, we loved that guy. i miss his show :’(
posted by andrea on 6-1-2007 at 2:56 pm
Was’nt he actually a Navy Seal?
posted by Frank on 6-1-2007 at 3:58 pm
My favorite memory of Mr. Rogers is the way he responded to children’s emotional needs during tragedies such as the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11. He advised parents and teachers to focus on showing kids the rescuers and other people who were demonstrating kindness and trying to save others. He wanted kids to understand that although bad things will sometimes happen, there are always people ready to help, ready to make the world right again. In short, he planted faith.
posted by Sharon on 6-1-2007 at 4:01 pm
Fred Rogers was the real deal on and off camera…A man of genuine faith who cared for and advocated for children and indeed, for all of humanity. God bless him for the goodness and light that he brought into the world - he is deeply missed.
posted by Will on 6-1-2007 at 4:11 pm
Thirty-two years old, I’m reading this and the Esquire article at work and very glad that I can close the door so nobody hears me sniffling.
Thank you for such a gentle list.
posted by Chris B on 6-1-2007 at 4:16 pm
I was working on the animated show “Arthur” and we were doing an episode featuring Mr. Rogers. I was at my desk drawing when I heard his voice from behind me say “You’re doing a wonderful drawing.” I turned and he introduced himself. He made a point of visiting the whole studio. A genuinely nice person.
posted by Sean LeBlanc on 6-1-2007 at 4:20 pm
Man, this made me tear up pretty badly. I didn’t watch his show regularly as a kid, but I gained a new appreciation for him when I got older. He was truly an incredible person. I wish that everyone on this planet would watch an episode of his show as soon as they wake up in the morning.
Oh, and everyone talking about his supposed military past should check out the Snopes article on him (he was never in the military).
posted by Alex on 6-1-2007 at 4:34 pm
I’ve heard that he wore a long-sleeved cardigan because his arms were all tatooed from he Service.
Any truth to this cool nugget?
HP
posted by Henning Paul on 6-1-2007 at 4:43 pm
Met him once when I worked for another PBS station in PA. I am totally secular, but I felt deeply that I was in the presence of a holy person. Tom Junod’s article in Esquire’s Hero’s edition is certainly an accurate and moving read.
posted by David on 6-1-2007 at 6:06 pm
First, to Henning Paul:
No.
Second: My boys, who are grown, and I would watch Mr. Rogers every day. It was a very special time for us.
Years later, when my oldest was 24, he emailed me the news story that Mr. Rogers had died. My son told me, in a note that accompanied the article: “I had the closing theme to Mr. Rogers in my head all night last night, and then I discovered this this morning.” I wrote him back and suggested that, since, out of all the Fred Rogers songs we knew, it was the closing theme to the show, that Mr. Rogers was saying “goodbye.”
I really believe that.
posted by Vittoria on 6-1-2007 at 6:43 pm
Mister Roger’s had a tremendous impact on me as a child and as an adult. His life is an inspiration. As far as the rumors, no Fred Rogers was not a Navy SEAL, nor did he serve in any other branch of the military. This fact does not make him any less cool.
posted by CosmicDog on 6-1-2007 at 6:57 pm
Aww. I had to laugh a little over the 3rd one. I caught the show in reruns recently, and saw an episode where he took his tv neighbour to the swimming pool. I admit to snickering at the fact that he decided to don a red speedo to the pool, but you know what? The man was in better shape at that age than I am now, and I’m way younger!
It’s nice to see such positive comments here.
posted by lisa on 6-1-2007 at 7:59 pm
I loved Mr. Rogers and I was really hurt that some older kids and even adults made fun of him. Later on I found solace in apparent myth that he was a special forces badass that could break a detractors neck with two fingers (google ‘mr rogers special forces’). That was a great urban legend, but after reading this list I realize he really was an amazing person and that we should all try to be more like him and celebrate what he did. Thank you for writing this.
posted by frazman on 6-1-2007 at 8:02 pm
I love Mr. Rogers! I was very sad when he died.
I think some adults could benefit from watching his show again….
posted by Laura on 6-1-2007 at 8:39 pm
Say what you want about Mr. Rogers, he was a rock for me, a place of sanity when I grew up. I had a very turbulent upbringing, and I used to watch this show and wish I lived in a neighborhood like his, and could hear that quiet, calm voice all day (instead of the angry ones I had to listen to). When I heard he died, I felt like a piece of my childhood was gone.
posted by Duppy on 6-1-2007 at 8:49 pm
To dispell rumors about Mr. Rogers serving time in the military and/or having tattoos, these are quotes from Snopes.com:
Rumor - Fred Rogers served as a sniper or as a Navy Seal during the Vietnam War, with a large number of confirmed kills to his credit.
Truth - This same rumor has often been applied to boyish country singer-songwriter John Denver (among others), and it’s just as false when told of Fred Rogers. Not only did Fred Rogers never serve in the military, there are no gaps in his career when he could conceivably have served in the military — he went straight into college after high school, he moved directly into TV work after graduating college, and his breaks from television work were devoted to attending the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1963) and the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Child Development. Moreover, Fred Rogers was born in 1928 and was therefore too old to have enlisted in the armed services by the time of America’s military involvement in Vietnam.
Rumor - Fred Rogers always wore long-sleeved shirts and sweaters on his show to conceal the tattoos on his arms he obtained while serving in the military.
Truth - As noted above, Fred Rogers never served in the military, and he bore no tattoos on his arms (or any other part of his body). He wore long-sleeved shirts and sweaters on his show to maintain an air of formality — although he was friendly with the children in his viewing audience and talked to them on their own level, he was most definitely an authority figure on a par with parents and teachers (he was Mister Rogers to them, after all, not Fred), and his choice of dress was intended to establish and foster that relationship.
Hope that helps :)
posted by Jennifer on 6-2-2007 at 12:31 am
I used to watch Mr. Rogers every day as a kid, the same with Mr. Dressup (in Canada), and I really have to say that the kids today are really missing out on something special by not having somebody like this to watch on tv. They were probably the best shows on tv for kids, or for anybody for that matter - even 20 years later I still remember the song - it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, …. won’t you be my neighbor…
posted by Jason on 6-2-2007 at 2:06 am
When someone is just plain good, they transcend popular culture.
posted by beajerry on 6-2-2007 at 2:30 am
I grew up in Pittsburgh and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was a production of WQED-TV the Pittsburgh PBS station. For my birthday in 1961 my mother took me and five other 8-9 year olds to the station during a taping of the show, we were in behind glass looking at the set with Fred, the cameramen, the lights, the TV monitors… it was marvelous and mind-blowing for a kid to see behind the scenes like that! Then, after the show finished, Fred Rogers came and spoke to each of us, asking our names, where we went to school, chatting but genuinely interested and kind hearted and genuine! I will never ever forget that - he was such a wonderful person - and he launched me into a career in film and television! The most loving human being I ever met - a unique and special being we are lucky to have had in the world.
posted by Craig on 6-2-2007 at 5:13 am
Wow I can’t believe his mom knit all those sweaters. She too must have been amazing.
posted by Motorcycle Guy on 6-2-2007 at 6:07 am
When my daughter watched Mr. Rogers about 20 years ago, I felt her senses and sesibilties were safe. Was it his cardigans, his sneakers, his smile, his comforting yet intelligent voice, that won me over? It surely wasn’t the songs, the almost ugly puppets, the nerdy mailman and silly stories.
His telling of tolerance, anti-bullying stance, his amazing show of empathy and sesitivity was a gift, I realized and a deep love of humanity sorely missed on today’s shows for children. He spoke to children more than being their “entertainer”. Long Live Sir Rogers.
posted by Leyla Cohen on 6-2-2007 at 10:47 am
Nice piece. All true!
Wendy Zoba did a nice story on
Mr. Rogers in “Christianity Today”
a few years ago.
posted by Clay Knick on 6-2-2007 at 10:55 am
Fans of Mr. Rogers will really like a CD I found at my library, called “Songs from the Neighborhood”. It has a dozen songs written by Fred Rogers, covered by contemporary singers. The second song on the disk, “It’s You I Like”, made me cry my eyes out! And I’m a 42 year old woman! Mr. Rogers is an inspiration–he makes me want to be a better person.
posted by Ruth on 6-2-2007 at 1:40 pm
Mr. Rogers was truly an American hero. My 17 year old son gave me this article - he loved Mr. Rogers as did I. I don’t think many people could read this without tearing up a little and fondly remembering him. What a legacy!
posted by Just a mom on 6-2-2007 at 2:48 pm
I was a Captain Kangaroo kid, but I occasionally watched Mr. Rogers, too. While he was little too sweet for my tastes even then, I always recognized him as a nice guy–but I really watched for the cool puppet set. The castle and the trolley! As a kid, I remember wanting to play on that set sooo much.
posted by Daniel on 6-2-2007 at 3:10 pm
i had a Mr Roger’s lp record with a song called ‘’i want to marry my mom'’.
any student of hypnosis would find him creepy if you check out his hypno techniques. may he rot
posted by lee on 6-2-2007 at 5:00 pm
I loved Mr. Rogers. Excellent post!
posted by Saffron on 6-2-2007 at 7:44 pm
I genuinely loved Mr. Roger’s. I cried when I found out he passed. He’s the only television personality that has ever affected me in that way.
posted by Cathy on 6-2-2007 at 10:26 pm
One of the things I liked about him was that, like me, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister. His “call” — (the TV program) was much more creative than the Church I serve!
posted by Bill Hayes on 6-3-2007 at 4:10 am
They took Mister Rogers neighborhood off the air where I live. I wrote to ask them to put it back on, and this was the reply:
“Thank you for writing. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has been a beloved program on our station for decades, but it has been losing viewers on a steady basis. While we have found that parents who may have grown up with him still enjoy the program for their own nostalgia, the children aren’t tuning in because of the highly competitive nature of children’s programming. We needed to focus on programming that was more engaging to both the parent and the child in order to serve the most with our mission of educational television.
Our Ready To Learn team has been in the field on a regular basis working with parents and caregivers. When they researched the viewing of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, they found it was the parents who would miss the program – not for what their children saw but what they saw and remembered.
While we understand that some parents who grew up with Mr. Rogers will not agree with our schedule change, this decision was made with the best intentions of the children watching today in mind.
Thank you again for writing KVIE.”
posted by Jamie on 6-3-2007 at 1:09 pm
He was a real man, a mensch, one of the good guys, a hero: He talked the talk and walked the walk. He did the right and honorable thing every day.
Merciful God above, send us more like this, and help me try to approach this, myself.
posted by Nat on 6-3-2007 at 2:11 pm
i love mr.rogers he was/is so cool
posted by scott on 6-3-2007 at 6:41 pm
I have a very strong memory of watching Mr. Rogers visiting a sneaker factory. Not only did he show the process of making the sneakers and the machinery,he showed the REAL people who were making the shoes. I think it had a big influence on me becoming a sculptor in adulthood.
posted by tracy on 6-3-2007 at 8:05 pm
You may or may not know that Fred Rogers wrote all two hundred of the songs featured on his show.
Last year I produced a tribute album of Fred’s music to called “Songs from the Neighborhood - the Music of Mister Rogers.” The project pays tribute to Fred Rogers and, unbelievably, it won a Grammy award.
The CD includes all new pop flavored arrangements of songs written by Fred Rogers. It features performances by Amy Grant, B.J. Thomas, Bobby Caldwell, CeCe Winans, Crystal Gayle, Donna Summer, John Pizzarelli, Jon Secada, Maureen McGovern, Ricky Skaggs and Roberta Flack.
I hope you’ll check it out. The website is www.songsfromtheneighborhood.com (you can also find it at Amazon).
posted by Dennis Scott on 6-3-2007 at 8:20 pm
I wouldn’t call what he had tolerance, because what the world doesn’t need is more tolerance. Rogers believed in love and loving people. And as a true man of faith, he knew that that was what God really is all about.
I think that with the number of posts people have left saying such nice things about him, it shows that his legacy of kindness will always carry on.
posted by Joseph Lee on 6-4-2007 at 12:37 am
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree.
We love you,
Yes, we do.
Yes, we do,
We love you.
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree,
Tree, tree, tree.
posted by Stacy on 6-4-2007 at 2:59 am
Why do you say Mr. R. was tolerant ‘despite’ his Christian background. Anyone who truly practices Christianity is tolerant, and holds beliefs without judging others. Unfortunately, too many people have used ‘Christianity’ to act against others, which is a perversion of its intent.
posted by Angela Camack on 6-4-2007 at 6:53 am
In a world of frenzy - Mr. Rogers was a gentle breeze. He spoke softly and kindly with common sense and good humor. I remember when my children were small, I myself would enjoy watching him and the wisdom he delivered on a daily basis. There is not another like him. God Bless him.
posted by Louise Bersani on 6-4-2007 at 7:47 am
The man was truly wonderful. Of all the television characters of host or celebrities, Mister Rogers is by far my favourite. If God had a face and a voice and a mannarism, he would be Rogers. I just know he’s somewhere now entertaining the masses with hs humour, his wit and hiw easy going attitudes towards life.
We can all learn a thing or two from Fred.
posted by John on 6-4-2007 at 9:04 am
I love Mr. Rogers, and just wanted to be the 143 replier.
posted by rocky on 6-4-2007 at 9:28 am
Wouldn’t work this day and age. Get someone up on the screen with a like-minded persona and they’ll be gunned down immediately. We’re far too cynical. We don’t like the non-judgmental type anymore. We all love to wax sentimental on this one guy in our childhood, but he’s never coming back. He had a familiar face and conveyed a sense of warmth, but imagine a midget with Cerebral Palsy up there on the TV screen trying to be nice and preach tolerance. Wouldn’t work. We’d be freaked out. This guy just had a natural martyr quality to him and a Grandfatherly demeanor, because it was good genes. That’s all.
Loved the guy, naturally. I’m just pointing out the irony here. Now let’s all go back to watching beheadings on the internet.
posted by John Doe on 6-4-2007 at 9:33 am
For the record, I teared up upon reading this article. But soon thereafter punched my dog and crotch-kicked my friend Evan.
posted by John Doe on 6-4-2007 at 9:39 am
This is all amazing and I agree with the president thing lol. But I couldn’t help but notice that there were 143 comments on here. mine being the 144th. but i found that to be kinda wierd after reading about the weight thing.
posted by Zack on 6-4-2007 at 9:53 am
You Might Not Ever Guess
Captain Kangaroo passed away on January 23, 2004 as age 76 , which is odd, because he always looked to be 76. (DOB: 6/27/27.) His death reminded me of the following story.
Some people have been a bit offended that the actor, Lee Marvin, is buried in a grave alongside 3 and 4 star generals at Arlington National Cemetery. His marker gives his name, rank (PVT) and service (USMC). Nothing else. Here’s a guy who was only a famous movie star who served his time, why the heck does he rate burial with these guys? Well, following is the amazing answer:
I always liked Lee Marvin, but didn’t know the extent of his Corps experiences
In a time when many Hollywood stars served their country in the armed forces often in rear echelon posts where they were carefully protected, only to be trotted out to perform for the cameras in war bond promotions,
Lee Marvin was a genuine hero. He won the Navy Cross at Iwo Jima. There is only one higher Naval award… the Medal Of Honor.
If that is a surprising comment on the true character of the man, he credits his sergeant with an even greater show of bravery.
Dialog from “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson”: His guest was Lee Marvin. Johnny said, “Lee, I’ll bet a lot of people are unaware that you were a Marine in the initial landing at Iwo Jima…and that during the course of that action you earned the Navy Cross and were severely wounded.”
“Yeah, yeah… I got shot square in the bottom and they gave me the Cross for securing a hot spot about halfway up Suribachi. Bad thing about getting shot up on a mountain is guys getting’ shot hauling you down. But,Johnny, at Iwo I served under the bravest man I ever knew… We both got the cross the same day, but what he did for his Cross made mine look cheap in comparison. That dumb guy actually stood up on Red beach and directed his troops to move forward and get the hell off the beach. Bullets flying by, with mortar rounds landing everywhere and he stood there as the main target of gunfire so that he could get his men to safety. He did this on more than one occasion because his men’s safety was more important than his own life.
That Sergeant and I have been lifelong friends. When they brought me off Suribachi we passed the Sergeant and he lit a smoke and passed it to me, lying on my belly on the litter and said, where’d they get you Lee?’ Well Bob… if you make it home be fore me, tell Mom to sell the outhouse!”
Johnny, I’m not lying, Sergeant Keeshan was the bravest man I ever knew.
The Sergeant’s name is Bob Keeshan. You and the world know him as Captain Kangaroo.”
On another note, there was this wimpy little man (who just passed away) on PBS, gentle and quiet. Mr. Rogers is another of those you would least suspect of being anything but what he now portrays to our youth. But Mr. Rogers was a U.S. Navy Seal, combat-proven in Vietnam with over twenty-five confirmed kills to his name. He wore a long-sleeved sweater on TV, to cover the many tattoos on his forearm and biceps. He was a master in small arms and hand-to-hand combat, able to disarm or kill in a heartbeat.
After the war Mr. Rogers became an ordained Presbyterian minister and therefore a pacifist. Vowing to never harm another human and also dedicating the rest of his life to trying to help lead children on the right path in life. He hid away the tattoos and his past life and won our hearts with his quiet wit and charm.
America’s real heroes don’t flaunt what they did; they quietly go about their day-to-day lives, doing what they do best. They earned our respect and the freedoms that we all enjoy.
Look around and see if you can find one of those heroes in your midst.
Often, they are the ones you’d least suspect, but would most like to have on your side if anything ever happened.
Take the time to thank anyone that has fought for our freedom. With encouragement they could be the next Captain Kangaroo or Mr.Rogers
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posted by ken pittman on 6-4-2007 at 9:58 am
Mr Roger’s tv show was a great show, I like how it used such simplistic ways of teaching children, not the flashy stuff thats on nowadays that passed off as childrens shows. I used to watch him when I was little and always hoping what new item or object he would bring to show.
posted by Shane on 6-4-2007 at 10:28 am
All this (not about his death; the stuff about him being such a nice guy on AND off screen) reminds me of an urban legend I read. It said that Mr. Rogers was actually a Green Beret (or Navy Seal or whatver), and he was the best sniper in the whole, uh, group(?). (ie - he was the best sniper in all of the Green Berets, whatever). Anyways, he started doing the show as a way of dealing with PTSD, and - the best part - he always wore long sleeves to hide his military tattoos. LOL…
-ak
posted by A K on 6-4-2007 at 10:41 am
I remember in 6th grade I was in art class. I hadn’t talked or even thought about Mr. Rogers in a while even though he was my favorite show. But for some reason I brought him up and we talked about him throughout the whole class. The next day I came into school and when I walked into the classroom, everyone ran up to me and told me, “Mr. Rogers died yesterday.” I couldn’t believe it. It was like one of those weird coincidences that you feel have a purpose. He has become one of my greatest heroes.
posted by Joseph on 6-4-2007 at 10:43 am
Oops! Should have read all the posts before I posted my previous comment. Sorry! (For those that don’t know what I’m talking about, “Frank” brought up the topic in post #106, and it continued in 111, 112, 115, 120.) At least, those were the ones I saw. I kinda speed-read through the comments. :)
-ak
posted by A K on 6-4-2007 at 10:54 am
I look forward to chatting with Mr. Rogers in heaven. Are you going there too? Make sure you know where you’re headed!! I know Mr. Rogers would welcome you joyously!!
posted by Esther M. on 6-4-2007 at 10:57 am
My first child was born in ‘84 and I decided that PBS was the best choice for children’s shows.
I grew up as the youngest of 4 (I’m 50 now), our Father died of Cancer & Mother had to work, I grew up in an UNHEALTHY ENVIRONMENT of physical & sexual abuse; with feelings of abandonment and out right fear for my safety.
After having moved into a home of our own, I quickly incorporated Mr. Rogers into my daily routine & learned so much from him about unconditional love & acceptance. I learned alongside my first daughter & when my 2nd came along, I became a childcare provider & watched with her and the children I cared for as well. He was both parents for ME; encouraging, accepting, empowering. I truly hope that when my girls decide to start a family, that they bring Fred Rogers into thier home. I haven’t checked, but it would be fantastic to be able to buy his shows on DVD, so I can share him with my grandchildren! GOD BLESS FRED ROGERS!
posted by Daphne on 6-4-2007 at 11:03 am
I grew up with Mr. Rogers neighborhood.
I miss you, Mr. Rogers, we all miss you.
posted by Tanya Harmonn on 6-4-2007 at 11:16 am
Didn’t he die of stomach cancer? Why do all of the awesome guys die from nasty stuff?
posted by Citrus on 6-4-2007 at 11:48 am
What a beautiful soul. A reminder to all of us, young and old, of our true potential for kindness, wonder, care and sharing. He will be missed, but may his qualities live on and multiply.
posted by Glenn on 6-4-2007 at 3:04 pm
Fred Rogers: Boddhisattva!
posted by Rob on 6-4-2007 at 4:22 pm
Mister Rogers, among a vast arsenal of good, useful, and constuctive things is single-handedly responsible for my deep abiding love of music– most especially Jazz.
posted by Shane Milton Coronado on 6-4-2007 at 4:43 pm
I enjoyed this article about Mr. Rogers. Although I was in my late 30’s at the time my youngest son was two years old, I watched Mr. Rogers with him sometimes. More often I was preparing dinner at that hour. Mr. Rogers had a very calming effect on an active two year old, and our dinner hours were always peacful and loving with a little boy who told us how he loved us “just the way” we were. I wrote Mr. Rogers a fan letter; it was the only fan letter I ever wrote in my life. I cried when he died. Sometimes, now that I am retired, I’ll be watching daytime TV and come upon a rerun of one of his shows, and I will stop there and watch it. At my age! Imagine!
I checked out the urban legends concerning Mr. Rogers, Bob Keeshan, and Lee Marvin. Turns out all were wrong. Marvin was wounded in the butt, but in Saipan, not on Iwo Jima. He did not serve with Bob Keeshan. Keeshan did not join the military until 1945, shortly before the bombing of Hiroshima and the subsequent Japanese surrender. Keeshan never saw any combat at all. Mr. Rogers never served in the military at all, especially WWII (he was only 12-16 years old then) or Vietnam (he was around 40 at that time). I dont know what bothers me more - the urban legends themselves, or the fact that so many people who read them in email attachments believe them and send them along to others, kind of like passing innacurate gossip over the back fence.
posted by Jan on 6-4-2007 at 5:10 pm
I always knew Mr. Rogers was amazing, I just didn’t quite realize how wonderful he truly was. Thanks for being my neighbor, Mr. Rogers!
posted by Shmuzz on 6-4-2007 at 5:50 pm
Mr. Rogers was always my favorite show and guy when I was little. After watching a Barney show, I would watch Mr. Rogers. He was always my hero and he still is now that I’m 15. I still watch reruns when I can!
I hope to see him in Heaven.
posted by Allison on 6-4-2007 at 6:11 pm
I was born in 1969, I watched Mr Rogers twice a day, I remember most of the shows. I believe his values, that I learned from his shows at age 3, are the ones that I follow today. He did influence me, especially that line “God loves you, just the way you are.”. Thank you PBS for airing Mister Rogers.
posted by DREW on 6-4-2007 at 9:54 pm
I grew up watching Mr.Rogers on T.V. as a little child and have grown up to be a tough, steel working, motorcycle riding, dock worker, and this article and the following transcripts are the first thing that have caused me to shed a tear in almost a decade he was truly a wonderful person and will be missed forever.
posted by Greg on 6-4-2007 at 10:11 pm
Man Mr. Rogers was great. I don’t think I watched him when I was a little kid (I probably did but I just don’t remember), but after reading this it just makes me love Mr. Rogers. He was a great influence and a great person.
posted by Vozzon on 6-5-2007 at 11:33 am
I met Fred Rogers once: he was a kind and gentle man! He inspired my life in many ways - ironically, I wound up becoming a teacher because I wanted to work for him but couldn’t without a degree in education!
posted by mendillo on 6-5-2007 at 12:10 pm
Love Mr. Rogers and everything he stood for …. a must read is Tim Madigan’s
I’m Proud of You book on Mr. Rogers.
It will remind you why we all fell in love with his beautiful spirit. Where are the reruns playing, this and every generation needs Mr. Rogers.
posted by margo on 6-5-2007 at 1:18 pm
Fred was my man. I KNOW I wasn’t the only divorced single-mom who made sure I tuned in every day to the end of his show just to hear one person look in my eyes and say to me, “I like you just the way you are.”
posted by Shirley on 6-6-2007 at 12:50 am
Mr. Rogers will always be a part of my life. I love the song “Would you be my Neighbor?”
The blog post almost brought a tear to my eye ( I was at work, and I resisted)
Good work for bringing back great memories
webcure
posted by webcure on 6-6-2007 at 7:49 am
I used to watch Mr.Rogers every single day. BOB DOG freaked me out though and made me cry. I have Mr.Rogers picture that he signed himself on my wall. its awesome.
posted by joe on 6-6-2007 at 2:46 pm
I loved Mister Rogers!!!! I remember watching all my life, even after I was grown. Mister Rogers was a great neighbor and an inspiration to all children. He is truly loved and missed.
posted by Micki on 6-7-2007 at 6:47 am
it’s “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood”…number 8 is wrong. seems like it’s important to get that right.
posted by jessica on 6-7-2007 at 1:46 pm
He truely was a good person who praticed what he preached. How many of our politicians today can say that? A great man who will be missed by many.
posted by Jelena on 6-7-2007 at 5:07 pm
Re: being colorblind — the day after Mr. Rogers died, in my Music Appreciation college class, two young black men were lamenting his death, when one, genuinely bummed about it, said “Man… no more make-believe and sh**.”
Ironically, it was quite touching.
posted by Bryan on 6-8-2007 at 8:31 am
I never heard about Mr. Rogers until I was in my late teens. If we had got our first television set earlier, I would have seen Mr. Rogers in his first shows teamed with Mr. Dressup (Ernie Coombs) on CBC TV. Fortunately, these two people cared enough (when TV hosts had some creative control) to provide three generations of kids in North America with healthy, wholesome TV without the marketing and hype kids are watching today. While I cannot remember Mr. Rogers, I will fondly remember his buddy Mr. Dressup whose tickle trunk was always full of imaginative surprises, his amazing ability to draw his stories on flip chart paper and his friends, Casey, Finnegan (by puppeteer Judith Lawrence) in the treehouse.
Here’s to Mr. Dressup and his buddy, Mr. Rogers!
posted by DL Hunt on 6-8-2007 at 9:51 pm
Every day is still a ‘wonderful day in the neighborhood’ thanks to Fred Rogers.
posted by Chuck Sosnicki on 6-9-2007 at 7:02 pm
Hi. I just wanted to say that i loved Mr Rogers, it used to come on right after Sesame Street. I was a latch-key kid, my mom was a single mom working 12 hour shifts as a nurse in order to support me, and when i’d get home and be waiting for my mom to come home, i’d watch Sesame Street and Mr Rogers and always felt safe.
As i got older, i got a little creeped out by him and his weird sweaters and teh shoe thing, so i faded away from that and was moer into the Electric Company. But i still named my beloved stuffed kitty Henrietta and my beloved pet cat Daniel Tiger… i did love the Land of Make-Believe…
But here is one more story i have heard about Mr Rogers… i wonder if anyone can tell me if this is true or not?
Mr Rogers lived on Nantucket and his son (sons?) turned out to be a drug dealer and criminal. I first heard this when i was about 12 or 13, and have never really heard anything more about it. So i wonder if it is true or if it is just yet another urban legend?
What IS true about him is that he was a truly lovely man, and a rock of strength and security for me in my latch-key days…….
posted by lunamoth on 6-10-2007 at 9:08 pm
Someone just posted the video of Mr. Rogers testifying before congress. Check out the user “capnshady” on livejournal. His 6/1/2007 post.
Cheers,
Avocado
posted by Avocado Tom on 6-11-2007 at 6:04 am
I absolutely love Mr. Rogers. I watched him when I was a kid. I so cry my eyes out when he died. I miss him, but it brings me comfort to know that I can pass him on to my children. He always made me feel special. I hope he knew how special he was.
posted by Cristina on 6-13-2007 at 2:49 am
Fred Rogers was a man of faith. He lived and breathed his beliefs and taught them to others without being “preachy” or asking for money or damning anyone to hell.
His memory and legacy will live on in all of us who watchd him and believed in what he said.
posted by Bob on 6-14-2007 at 2:28 pm
Mr. Rogers was the greatest influence in the world for me when I was growing up. I lived in the poor projects of San Francisco, Ca so seeing him and his very gentle style and choice of words showed me another way of life, and I implement that in the way I rear my 3 children. I will always love him.
posted by Queen on 6-14-2007 at 6:14 pm
“What a lovely family”, it’s become a family joke, but they were the words Fred Rogers spoke to me, my wife and our small son when we met him crossing Craig St. in Pgh. years ago. Mr. Rogers went on to explain to our wide-eyed son that while he was real, other things seen on TV were not and he shouldn’t worry about seeing them in person. A moment in time, but an example of a man who was real on and off the job.
posted by rotholo on 6-19-2007 at 11:45 am
I miss Mr Rogers. I wish there were more peole like him in this world today
posted by Rachel on 6-19-2007 at 10:12 pm
Mr. Rogers became part of my morning routine as an adult. I turned on the television one morning (normally I can’t stand the sound of one in the AM) to check the weather. It was still on KERA from the last time I’d used it and Mr. Rogers was on. I watched the whole program and was late for work.
For some reason, this wonderful article made me cry. Good tears, though.
posted by Lisa on 6-21-2007 at 8:20 am
It is painfully obvious that Dick and George NEVER watched “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” … They should have.
posted by Ron on 6-23-2007 at 9:37 pm
On the day Mr. Rogers died David Newell who played Mr. McFeeley stood outside the WQED studios and greeted the stream of visitors who came and left flowers and memorials.
A ten foot sculpture of Mr. Rogers tying his shoes and a parklet is being constructed in Pittsburgh on what is called “the North shore.” Plans call for the site to be completed by March 20, 2008 which would have been Mr. Rogers 80th birthday.
This info came from www.post-gazette.com
posted by Tdave on 6-26-2007 at 4:13 am
I just found this website and think it’s great! My former boss received a telegram from Mr. Rogers after he and his sister were caught in a fire in their home. They were both little (he was 3) and HUGE fans. He still has that telegram framed at home.
posted by Laura on 6-27-2007 at 6:47 pm
of course no one ever cared that he was an alcoholic and there’s a video of him punching out his cameraman
posted by Zak on 6-28-2007 at 8:28 am
I watched his show a few times when I was little, but now I feel like I never noticed how great it really was
posted by Crimefiction on 6-29-2007 at 8:08 pm
I’m yet another person who grew up watching that show. Very pleasant memories of a much simpler time. Mr. Rogers was, is, and will always be an integral part of my life if only for the lessons in morality and humility (and maybe the little scampish part of me that wants to have a stoplight in my house, too). I’d say “you’ll be missed” but I think it’s pretty much obvious by the comments here that it needn’t be said.
posted by Marty on 7-13-2007 at 11:38 pm
I never liked his show, but I did like him just the way he was.
posted by Bruce Williams on 7-14-2007 at 5:26 pm
Fox “News” recently did a hit piece on Mr. Rogers (youtube: n44WCUKIK2Y). I came here for materiel for a rebuttal, but the archive links at the end are now dead. Does anyone know where I can find those articles again?
posted by mos on 7-16-2007 at 5:21 pm
AND! the reason why he even wore those sweaters and long sleeved t-shirts in 100*F weather was because he had sleeves(tattoos down his arm)
posted by Traci on 7-30-2007 at 7:39 pm
Mr. Rogers is creepy:
Mr. Rogers weighed in at exactly 143 pounds every day for the last 30 years of his life. He didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, didn’t eat the flesh of any animals, and was extremely disciplined in his daily routine. And while I’m not sure if any of that was because he’d mostly grown up a chubby, single child, Junod points out that Rogers found beauty in the number 143. According to the piece, Rogers came “to see that number as a gift… because, as he says, “the number 143 means ‘I love you.’ It takes one letter to say ‘I’ and four letters to say ‘love’ and three letters to say ‘you.’ One hundred and forty-three.”
He’s too nice. He’s probably the nicest person in the world. It’s scary. Nobody should be allowed to be that nice. It looks abnormal. You could totally make a zombie movie out of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
“The sweaters. Every one of the cardigans he wore on the show had been hand-knit by his mother.”
It’s pathological.
posted by Bob on 8-1-2007 at 12:13 am
I love Mr. Rogers. When I was little, I named our family car Fred after him. (Fred Tree Datsun was the full name. I liked trees too.)
posted by Jennie on 8-7-2007 at 11:10 pm
Mangesh,
What a great article yours is. Mister Rogers would be proud of you.
I haven’t read all the posts here, so if someone has already submitted the following, my apologies:
Fred Rogers not only couldn’t see blue, he could see only yellow. He had to have someone tell him which soup was which, as he couldn’t see the red in tomato soup.
As for post #193, this is false and easiy disprovable; Mister Rogers went swimming on one episode, and has NO tattoos.
as for post #194, do you feel the same way about real love? Not the mushy kind; the strong kind in which a man is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, in front of others who disagree?
Someone who stands up to angry fundamentalists to tell each one of us that God loves us “just the way you are” is one side of such strength. It would seem to me that those angry people resemble movie zombies much more than Fred Rogers.
Maybe you have trouble accepting someone so nice simply because you’ve never met anyone like that before.
But Bob, if you had spent any time with the real Fred Rogers, I doubt you could say the same thing. You would sense that he was the real item, that during his brief few minutes with you, he w