Fred Rogers

1928–2003 · American (Latrobe, Pennsylvania) · 20th Century

Known for: Mister Rogers — the Presbyterian minister who taught generations of children they were special just the way they are

Fred McFeely Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister who created Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, a children's television program that ran for 895 episodes over 31 seasons. In an era of flashy, commercial children's TV, he spoke directly to the camera with gentle sincerity, addressing children's fears and emotions with unprecedented honesty.

He testified before the US Senate in 1969, saving $20 million in PBS funding with a simple, sincere speech about the emotional lives of children. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and is universally regarded as one of the genuinely good humans in American public life. No scandal, no dark side — just a man who believed every child matters.

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