Why Children—and the Rest of Us—Still Need Mister Rogers

Mister Rogers reminds us of the importance of communication, gratitude, kindness, and more kindness.

Fred Rogers, known as Mr. Rogers, was the creator and host of the beloved children’s television show "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood." MovieStillsDB

From 1968 to 2001, tens of millions of Americans, most of them children, watched “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” on television. He enthralled the preschool set, puzzled many adults—was this guy for real?—and was so one-of-kind that comedians such as Eddie Murphy parodied him.

Behind his famous pair of sneakers and cardigan sweater, Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was a man of many talents and gifts. He was a musician and songwriter, composing most of the songs used on his show. Although he never headed up a church, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister and a lifelong reader of the Bible. He studied child psychology and was a pioneer in children’s television.