Understand, I didn't actually watch Misterrogers much when I was growing up. In later years, I happened to see his show now and again if my kids happened to have it on. Always seemed very nice, very gentle. So much a part of the culture that Willow Rosenberg's mother could crab about King Friday dominating the other puppets that everyone would get it.
What I remember is two things: First, many years ago, he was on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. When he came out, yes, he didn't have the sweater, but his demeanor was exactly the way it was on the TV show. And you realized, this was how he *always* talked. This calm, gentle manner that made you feel like a comfortable five year old, even if you were forty five. And Carson desperately wanted to laugh, because it was just so funny, but he didn't want to be insulting. So Rogers smiled and said, "You want to laugh, don't you? It's okay." At which point, of course, Carson lost it. Rogers, meantime, was unflappable.
The other thing I remember was years and years ago, I wrote an Op-Ed piece for the New York Times about my fruitless endeavors to get a Cabbage Patch kid for Shana, who was about six at the time. And I mentioned Misterrogers in the context of the piece. So the piece sees print, and the next thing I know, I get a package in the mail from the office of Misterrogers, addressed to Shana, with a signed picture and a Misterrogers T-shirt.
Damn. If only we could have sent *him* in against Saddam. This whole thing would've been settled in no time. Actually, now that I recall it, Dana Carvey said his George H.W. Bush and Misterrogers impressions were almost interchangeable.
PAD
Posted by Peter David at February 27, 2003 03:42 PM | TrackBack | Other blogs commentingI don't know about you, PAD, but I watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood a lot when I was little. As a Pennsylvania native, I grew up on Mister Rogers and also Sesame Street on PBS, and he was a man of such responsibility and care. I remember some of the trips into the Land of Make-Believe with King Friday and all those other delightful characters too, they were so wonderful.
It's a real shame that now Fred Rogers is gone. I thank him so much for all the great shows he did for us, the little children of the public, and I'm certainly going to miss him.
Mister Rogers is another example of something we take for granted: That special person who has touched our lives in such a way that we wish he'd be around forever. We grow so comfortable with the thought we never once stop to think of the end. Of course, for many of us, he will remain a part of our lives.
Like you, PAD, I was not one to watch very often, but took an occasional interest. In fact, I had not heard of the show until I was 11. When the National Lampoon parody came out, my adolescent mind thought I had outgrown such things and saw him as an object of ridicule. But later I realized how concious he was of children and have been amazed at how tirelessly he worked. And I took great offense at those who claimed they hated him, no doubt their reaction to those parodies (which I realize was not the intention).
Bob Keeshan was a friend to Fred Rogers. Has he made any public statements?
As another native Pennsylvanian, I also grew up with Mister Rogers and Sesame Street. Though I had long since outgrown his TV, I still remember the nice gentle man who always made kids feel like the world was a safe place to grow in. He entertained and educated without the manic plagiarism of Barney or inane baby talk of the Teletubbies.
It is a sad day in the neighborhood. There will never be another one like him.
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was very special to me growing up, but it has been in later years that I have truly come to realize just how rare a man like Fred Rogers is. He was a man who actually stood for something decent and kind, a man who believed in something and made others believe in the virtues that he represented. We, as a people, were blessed to be in the presence of such a good man, and I for one am thankful that I experienced his teachings and way of living. I hope that one day, when I am a father, I will be half the man for my children that he was.
After "The Master of Disguise", we really should send Dana Carvey over there.
(This was the Shakespearian funny post to make the tragic posts that much more tragic.)
>>....now that I recall it, Dana Carvey said his George H.W. Bush and Misterrogers impressions were almost interchangeable.<<
Actually, Peter, I remember Dana Carvey demonstrating how his George H. W. Bush impression was basically his Misterrogers...but then throw in a bit of John Wayne delivery and swagger.
And yes, I too, have fond memories of Misterrogers while I was growing up. As I got older, my respect for the man and his gentle message that every child is loved, unique, and special grew exponentially.
Eddie Murphy told a story how Fred Rogers came backstage to see him once after a show. Eddie was surprised and thrilled, exclaiming: "Yo, Fred!! What's up?? Come on in, baby!!". Misterrogers smiled and in that quiet and patient....but never patronizing or condescending....manner that he's known for, related to Eddie how much he enjoyed Murphy's "Misterrobinson's Neighborhood" parody, which was still appearing on 'Saturday Night Live'! He wasn't insulted by it, threatened by it, or outraged by it, but saw it as the affectionate and respectful...in its own way...homage that it was!!
And even though I believe it owes more to the National Lampoon parody recording ( with none other than Bill Murray as the jazz musician!! ) than Rogers himself, "Can you say:....." is very much a part of the popular lexicon!!
Of course, Fred Rogers will long be remembered for contributing far more to several generations than just a mere catch phrase!!
Hooper
Peter,
I'd love to read your NYT op-ed if you have it lying around available.
To everyone:
Similar to those Cabbage Patch Kids, my comic store immediatley sold out of "Hulk: The End." I'm a poor student and I just can't afford to pay those ebay prices. If anyone has an extra copy thay would be willing to part with for around $10 lemme know. I'd love you forever. C'mon, make it a beautiful day in my neighborhood!:)
Sincerely,
Shawn
does anyone else remember the mister rogers episode where he showed how crayons were made? there was the video of the inside of the crayola factory. i always loved mister rogers but that remains my favorite episode. he will be sorely missed.
When I learned of Mr. Roger's death today, I thought to myself that he always made me feel good and that he was very good at what he did. That took about a second. In the next second, it occured to me to hope that others have similar thoughts of me.
And YES to Greenbaum. I always loved the films. Today they wouldn't show anything so detailed. Children's programs today cut real-life segments to pieces in an attempt to cater to so-called short attention spans. As a result, they make little sense and do nothing to help strengthen little attention spans.
I also saw the film at the Crayola Factory. What an awesome place! I went for the first time just before Christmas. My kids are 5 and 2 and we needed to break up a road trip from Virginia to Long Island. There were only 3 other families there, and we had a blast. I was particularly impressed with the gentleman who taught us how to make the crayons and markers. I wish I could have gone when I was a kid. (That and ballpit playgrounds. No ballpit playgrounds until I was too big to enjoy them. Poor me. At least I got to see so many wonderful years of Mr. Rogers.)
As a current college student, there are many in my dorm that are saddend by this loss. I also learned today that he was a Presbyterian Minister and that he was called to minister to children, which is how "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" came about. I think that we can all aspire to be as polite, kind and gentle as Mr. Rogers. Like Jim Henson, I don't think that his name will ever be forgotten.
Chris
My favorite MR. ROGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD episode as a kid was when he went to the set of THE INCREDIBLE HULK. I remember they were shooting a stunt on a plane, showing how Lou Ferrigno would go on the plane on the ground, then a stunt man would get on for the ariel shot.
My favorite character was the Trolley and the tiger with the watch. The dude had me eating bananas with cheese from Chef Crocket (was that his name?). The strange thing was, I didn't watch the show all that long. Hm.
Bill
To me, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was the show in the middle: Between Sesamne Street and the Electric Company.
He had neither the soft-plush appeal of the Muppets nor the somewhat subversive antics of the Electric Company, but he was honest and sincere and kind, and that came through over the cathode-ray tube.
I don't actually remember any particular episode, and that's in large part because it never mattered what was actually ON the show--what was important was that there was a kind adult actually TALKING to you--neither condescending nor patronizing; simply communicating.
Now, he's always been easy to parody--the National Lampoon sketch, the Mister Robinson sketches, the Jay and Silent Bob comic ... hell, even *I* do a great "Mister Rogers-as-pedophile" impression. But that in no way took away from the simple achievement he made: Literally millions of children found in him a man who genuinely wanted to be their friend; who gently entertained with intelligence and good sense, who tried to show that the world could be a fine and moral place if people just believed in one another.
And he did not preach; he forced no beliefs on his viewers other than the singular belief that each and every one of them were special.
And that in itself is an amazing feat.
He was a good man.
He loved children.
He did right by the children about whom he cared so very much.
The world in which I live is lessened by his passing.
Well after hearing the news I started crying. I'm 27 years old and grew up on the show. It used to upset my dad because I'd watch his show every day. What upset him was the locas PBS station replayed the episodes 3-4 times a day. I would watch it every time it came on. I remember The Hulk episode and the crayon episode. I also remember him looking at moon rocks on the show. I even remember him discussing the Challenger accident on his show.
I almost considered him a member of my family. I am greatly saddened by this news and am glad he was around when I was growing up.
There will never be another like him. I'm glad I have the good memories and still remember most of the songs.
While he was around it was always a beautiful day in my neighborhood.
Later,
Kyle
I can never think of Fred Rogers without seeing my then pre-school aged son bouncing up and down when the simple piano music started, pointing at the TV set as its image panned across the room chanting "That door! That door!" He *loved* the show.
I thank every power that was my kids were too old for Barney!
Does anyone else remember the series of episodes when King Friday XIII almost went to war with a nearby Kingdom because they were buying huge amounts of 'pieces' for reasons he couldn't figure out? Are they rerunning them now?
When my wife and I got home last night we started talking about Mr. Rogers and she said that she had been talking to her father about it and he reminded her that when she was a little girl and they were living near Pittsburgh they actually met him...she had spotted him across a busy street and my father-in-law started to take her across the street to meet him. Mr. Rogers, noticing the commotion that my wife-to-be was making, gestured to them to wait because the street was busy and HE came over to THEM. Spent about 10 minutes talking to them, during which time all Julie could do was smile and nod her head.
I don't remember being too impressed as a kid by Mister Rogers, but my mother insists that my brother and I liked it as muchas we liked the two shows I do remember loving, Sesame Street and The Electric Company. I think that to a degree, Mister Rogers was the antidote to the excesses of the other shows. While I still swear by the imagination of CTW's fine children's shows, there is something to be said for the calm and gentility of a Mister Rogers. Kids need to see the world move slower now and again, and see it through the eyes of so soft-spoken a man.
I'll admit to being one of those people who didn't care for his show; I was more into JP Patches. I was on the Patches show as a kid and let's just say my love of the show was diminished after meeting him in person.
Another time, when I was dragged by my father to work, the lone kid in a sea of adults, I found out the reason he took me was because he wanted me to meet Fred Rogers. I had no clue who that was until we entered the office somewhat late. Mr Rogers was deep in discussion with someone, saw me - a lone kid - excused himself from his conversation and came over to me, made eye contact and put me completely at ease by chatting with me ABOUT me. He asked questions and listened. He seemed genuinely delighted.
God has a very special neighborhood in heaven for this wonderful minister of His grace. This world is poorer for his passing.
First off No I'm not related to Mr. Rogers I grew hearing that. I would loved be one his childern. If you think about all the kids that watched his son where his kids. I like alot of you grew up on the show. I watched the show all the time as a kid. there was just some special about Mr. Rogers he will be misssed. The world isn't poorer for losing him we richer for him being here.
I watched Mr. Rogers while growing up. I had a childhood friend named Christine who lived a couple of houses down from me in Boston. We would go to each others houses and watch the show together. I loved the Neighborhood of Makebelieve and followed the story lines from day to day with great interest. I was talking to Peter about this today and until today it never struck me that part of my love of puppets came from viewing Mr. Rogers at a young age. He was a good man who made the world a better place and children feel good about themselves and the world around them. He will be missed.
Kathleen
With all the talk about Mr. Rogers parodies, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Robin Williams' parody on his "Reality... What a concept" album. I'll always remember the "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood... oh, damn, someone stole my sneakers." And of course, putting Mr. Hamster in the microwave because "the Universe is entropying... can you say Entropying? Nice try."
None of which is relevant to the fact that children have lost a great friend. He will be missed.
To all those who remember Mr. Rogers visiting the set of the Incredible Hulk -- he actually visited in two episodes in a row (in the second episode, they showed Lou Ferrigno getting his makeup on). I contacted PBS a couple of years ago about getting a copy, and they were really great about it! All I had to do was send in a blank tape and a nominal fee (I think something like $10).
I remember the Incredible Hulk one! That was one of my favorites as a kid, actually.
Just to add to the hilarity of Mr. Rogers associating with really big tough people, one of his "neighbors" way back in 1985 was none other than the grizzled Voice of Goliath himself, Keith David.
Mr. Rogers ... and Keith David. Just try to envision it.
Paul F. P. Pogue
Yeah, I think I recall seeing the episode where he visited the Hulk set on Universal's lots too. Plus one where he showed the viewers an interesting recipe for combining slices of cheese with bananas. As said before, he'll be very much missed.
Well, I have only cried three times before about the death of people that I personally didn't know: Jim Henson, Audrey Hepburn and River Phoenix. I was a blubbering mess Saturday night following the death of Mr. Rogers. I am a native of Pittsburgh, and have met him on the streets of Pittsburgh (it's amazing how well he receives fans coming up to him), and one of my friends was his trainer at the gym where Mr. Rogers swam DAILY.
But my Mr. Rogers story is a slightly different one, as it doesn't actually involve him.
The studios of WQED, where Mr. Roger's Neighborhood were filmed, are in Oakland, the University District of Pittsburgh. My drama major friends were filming a TV project at the studios, so I went there to hang out with them after class was done. It turns out that I had just missed them, but as I was walking back to the recording studios, what should I come across but the set pieces to the Neighborhood of Make Believe, gathered in the hallway in a jumbled mess, but otherwise being very present and RIGHT THERE.
As I walked up to them, I got to peer over the wall of the Castle of King Friday, stand under the leaves of the Tree where X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat lived, and see the Museum Go Round on the pole that allowed to spin (without the wall in front of it).
The only thought I remember having as I walked amongst these iconic pieces is "Ohmygod, the Neighborhood of Make Believe is REAL!"
Then as I peered around the Eiffel Tower, tucked into the corner was the Clock, home to Daniel Striped Tiger, and the tears just started flowing.
Seventy Four years was just not long enough of a life for a man as great as Mr. Rogers.
Meow Meow Sad
michael j pastor