'The need to share responsibility'

 

“Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.” – Fred Rogers

 

Probably no other person had as much impact on children’s television as Fred McFeely Rogers, born on March 20, 1928 and famous, of course, for creating and hosting “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” on PBS.  Initially planning to be a minister, Rogers found himself displeased with how television addressed children and made an effort to write things that could cause change.  In the process he became an indelible icon of children’s entertainment and education, as well as a symbol of compassion and morality. 

 

At the time of his death (from cancer in 2003) he had been honored with some 40 honorary degrees, a Peabody Award for his writing, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  He also was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, the first “Children’s Advocate” so named.    Subsequently honored with two Congressional resolutions, he is ranked among the 35 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.

 

The author of 31 books for kids and a dozen more for adults, he also was a great musician, recording a number of songs and writing several song books. The 2019 drama film "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” tells the story of Rogers and his television series, with Rogers' distant relative Tom Hanks giving a lasting portrayal of his legacy – which lives on.

 

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility,” he said.  “It's easy to say, ‘It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes”.