Rogers, Fred (McFeely)

known as Mr. Rogers

(born March 20, 1928, La Trobe, Pa., U.S.—died Feb. 27, 2003, Pittsburgh, Pa.) U.S. television host and producer. He produced the local public-television show The Children's Corner (1954–61) and later created a similar program, Mister Rogers, for Canadian television (1963–64). In 1968 he developed it into Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Known for his gentleness and his desire to educate, Rogers, who was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1962, used puppets, music, and guests to teach his viewers about various subjects and emotions. His show, the longest-running U.S. children's television program, garnered many honours. In 2002 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian honour.

Rogers, Fred (McFeeley) (1928– ) television producer, host; born in Latrobe, Pa. He produced a local children's show in Pittsburgh during the 1950s, becoming a Presbyterian minister in 1962. In 1965, National Educational Television began broadcasting Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, which he continued to produce, host, and write, using puppets and songs to talk to preschool children about their feelings on serious issues. He also recorded albums and published books. His distinctive gentle manner made him both a national institution and the subject of frequent comic parodies.