Fred Rogers dead at 74 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brett Ferino · 02-27-2003, 08:13 AM

PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Fred Rogers, who became a nurturing television friend to millions of children as host of the public television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," died of cancer on Thursday at 74, his producer said.

An ordained Presbyterian minister who believed the television airwaves should be used to enhance the human spirit, Rogers died at his home in Pittsburgh. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Rogers, who began his career in children's television doing puppet voices for a local show on PBS affiliate WQED in Pittsburgh, became a national personality in 1968 when "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" became available to PBS stations across the country.

Each episode opened with the gentle Mr. Rogers entering a comfortable living room, singing "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" and donning a cardigan sweater and pair of comfortable shoes.

One of the red sweaters is now at the Smithsonian Institution.

The show was quickly embraced by both children and parents for an imaginative but simple approach that came with his own songs and puppet voices, and the ongoing message: "There's only one person in the whole world like you."

It became the longest running children's program on public television. He taped his last program in December 2000. The final episode aired in August 2001, but earlier program continues to run on PBS.

Rogers also tackled important subjects for children, including death and violence on television, including the TV news.

During the Gulf crisis a decade ago, he made a public service announcement that told parents: "Children aren't responsible for wars. The least, and the best, we adults can do is to let our children know that we'll take good care of them, no matter what."

Characteristically, the Web site of his production company Family Entertainment Inc. announced his death with advice on how to relay the sad news to children who will continue to see him on television.

"Children have always known Mr. Rogers as their 'television friend,' and that relationship doesn't change with his death," the message said.

Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he studied early child development at the University of Pittsburgh and received a charge to continue his work with families and children through television when he was ordained a minister.

Rogers is survived by his wife, Joanne, their two sons and two grandsons.

Faith · 02-27-2003, 08:20 AM

RIP Mister Rogers

AtlantaBravesFan29 · 02-27-2003, 10:40 AM

I wonder if Fred Rogers' death warrants a mention in the Cartoons/Animated Post as well. He definitely was a true legend in children's programming as well as Captain Kangaroo. If anyone wants to post his death on there you could do so.

We will always remember you through reruns on PBS.

God Bless You, and God Bless Your Family.

Fred Rogers--1928-2003

Barnabas1 · 02-27-2003, 11:14 AM

Tuesday Weld · 02-27-2003, 12:54 PM

Condolences to his family

Babes_Cat · 02-27-2003, 01:09 PM

Liza · 02-27-2003, 01:48 PM

No way! Mister Rogers CAN'T die!

Well, in a way he won't. He'll live forever. Rest in peace.

britt britt · 02-27-2003, 01:51 PM

that's so sad, I love Mister Rogers.

-*Leah*- · 02-27-2003, 01:52 PM

Thats so sad. I used to love watching that show. He will be missed.

friend to IDOJ lover · 02-27-2003, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by leah02_06
Thats so sad. I used to love watching that show. He will be missed.

I agree. Thats just about all i watched when i was younger.

*ShortCake* · 02-27-2003, 02:06 PM

RIP Mr. Rogers!!

Brett Ferino · 02-27-2003, 02:40 PM

This is one of the saddest deaths for PBS since Shari Lewis' death and Will Lee (Mr Hooper) and Northern Calloway (David) from Sesame Street.. Fred as well as Will, Northern, and Shari will be missed...

Ian · 02-27-2003, 02:53 PM

RIP, Mr. Rogers

Chad22 · 02-27-2003, 03:24 PM

dlemond · 02-27-2003, 03:50 PM

Rest in Peace, Mr. Rogers.

And thanks for all the wonderful memories.

You will be missed.

02-27-2003, 08:13 AM	#1
Brett Ferino Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 18, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,782	Fred Rogers dead at 74 PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Fred Rogers, who became a nurturing television friend to millions of children as host of the public television program "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," died of cancer on Thursday at 74, his producer said. An ordained Presbyterian minister who believed the television airwaves should be used to enhance the human spirit, Rogers died at his home in Pittsburgh. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Rogers, who began his career in children's television doing puppet voices for a local show on PBS affiliate WQED in Pittsburgh, became a national personality in 1968 when "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" became available to PBS stations across the country. Each episode opened with the gentle Mr. Rogers entering a comfortable living room, singing "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" and donning a cardigan sweater and pair of comfortable shoes. One of the red sweaters is now at the Smithsonian Institution. The show was quickly embraced by both children and parents for an imaginative but simple approach that came with his own songs and puppet voices, and the ongoing message: "There's only one person in the whole world like you." It became the longest running children's program on public television. He taped his last program in December 2000. The final episode aired in August 2001, but earlier program continues to run on PBS. Rogers also tackled important subjects for children, including death and violence on television, including the TV news. During the Gulf crisis a decade ago, he made a public service announcement that told parents: "Children aren't responsible for wars. The least, and the best, we adults can do is to let our children know that we'll take good care of them, no matter what." Characteristically, the Web site of his production company Family Entertainment Inc. announced his death with advice on how to relay the sad news to children who will continue to see him on television. "Children have always known Mr. Rogers as their 'television friend,' and that relationship doesn't change with his death," the message said. Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he studied early child development at the University of Pittsburgh and received a charge to continue his work with families and children through television when he was ordained a minister. Rogers is survived by his wife, Joanne, their two sons and two grandsons.

02-27-2003, 11:14 AM	#4
Barnabas1 Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 01, 2001 Posts: 4,598
	__________________ My favorite shows :: I Love Lucy, Dark Shadows, Leave it to Beaver, The Munsters, Chico and the Man, and Get Smart. Formerly Babalu and agsfan

02-27-2003, 12:54 PM	#5
Tuesday Weld I missed you all. hugs Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 02, 2003 Location: Having a great time. Posts: 22,285	Condolences to his family
	__________________ Cindy Formerly musicrocksmyworld, ElvisDustyfan and vintagetvgirl. After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say "I want to see the manager." - William S. Burroughs

02-27-2003, 01:51 PM	#8
britt britt Catherine O'Hara Senior Member Join Date: Apr 28, 2002 Location: canada Posts: 2,690	that's so sad, I love Mister Rogers.
	__________________ When I see you again As I always do It appears to me that Destiny rules That the spirits are ruthless With the paths they choose It's not being together It's just following the rules No one's a fool

02-27-2003, 01:52 PM	#9
-Leah- Back for More Forum Fanatic Join Date: Jan 15, 2003 Posts: 10,563	Thats so sad. I used to love watching that show. He will be missed.
	__________________ i'm obsessive when just one thought of you comes up i'm aggressive just one thought of closing up you got me stressing, incessantly pressing the issue cause every moment gone you know I miss you :::::::::::::::::::::::::: this time please someone come and rescue me cause you on my mind it's got me losing it

02-27-2003, 08:20 AM	#2
Faith Internet Junkie Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 07, 2002 Location: HELL Posts: 9,879	RIP Mister Rogers

02-27-2003, 10:40 AM	#3
AtlantaBravesFan29 Atlanta Braves Fan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 13, 2002 Location: Pleasanton,TX--40 Miles South Of San Antonio Posts: 1,859	I wonder if Fred Rogers' death warrants a mention in the Cartoons/Animated Post as well. He definitely was a true legend in children's programming as well as Captain Kangaroo. If anyone wants to post his death on there you could do so. We will always remember you through reruns on PBS. God Bless You, and God Bless Your Family. Fred Rogers--1928-2003

02-27-2003, 01:09 PM	#6
Babes_Cat Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Oct 11, 2001 Location: massachusetts Posts: 34,145

02-27-2003, 01:48 PM	#7
Liza BestYearsofOurLives Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 24, 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 6,537	No way! Mister Rogers CAN'T die! Well, in a way he won't. He'll live forever. Rest in peace.

02-27-2003, 02:06 PM	#11
ShortCake Blair Warner fan. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Florida Posts: 3,761	RIP Mr. Rogers!!
	__________________ Ashley "Nice girls don't throw tree's"- Jo Polniaczek.

02-27-2003, 02:40 PM	#12
Brett Ferino Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 18, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,782	This is one of the saddest deaths for PBS since Shari Lewis' death and Will Lee (Mr Hooper) and Northern Calloway (David) from Sesame Street.. Fred as well as Will, Northern, and Shari will be missed...

02-27-2003, 02:53 PM	#13
Ian Member Senior Member Join Date: Nov 03, 2000 Posts: 1,234	RIP, Mr. Rogers

02-27-2003, 03:24 PM	#14
Chad22 Captain Juke N Jive Moderator Forum Addict Join Date: Nov 23, 2002 Location: Caribou, Maine Posts: 71,661

02-27-2003, 03:50 PM	#15
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	Rest in Peace, Mr. Rogers. And thanks for all the wonderful memories. You will be missed.