Rogers, Fred

Rogers, Fred (McFeeley)

(1928– ) television producer, host; born in Latrobe, Pa. He produced a local children's show in Pittsburgh during the 1950s, becoming a Presbyterian minister in 1962. In 1965, National Educational Television began broadcasting Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, which he continued to produce, host, and write, using puppets and songs to talk to preschool children about their feelings on serious issues. He also recorded albums and published books. His distinctive gentle manner made him both a national institution and the subject of frequent comic parodies.