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Everyone’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers, was born in 1928 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Though Rogers obtained a degree in music, he became fascinated by the burgeoning medium of television in the early 1950s, and decided to pursue a career in television. Rogers believed in the power of television as an educational tool. In 1953, he helped develop the children’s show The Children’s Corner for Pittsburgh public television.

At the same time, Rogers was attending the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1963, but he decided that instead of giving sermons in church, he could be a positive guide for families — most importantly, children — through the airwaves. In 1963, Rogers developed and hosted his own children’s show for a Canadian TV network. By 1968, he was back in Pittsburgh and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premiered. The show stood out for several reasons, primarily its calm pace, direct-to-camera communication, and focus on feelings. Every episode also featured Rogers changing into a cardigan and sneakers, a comforting and consistent routine that resonated with young viewers.

Rogers was lauded for his kindness and empathy. The latter quality had its roots in a difficult childhood — Rogers was shy and sickly as a child, and was bullied and teased by his peers for being overweight. The show also took children seriously, trusting them with complex subjects such as death and divorce, and tackling major issues such as racial inequality during pressing social times. Rogers’ philosophy — that every child is special and deserves love and respect — and his messages of kindness, acceptance, and self-worth stuck with generations of viewers. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood aired until 2001. Rogers died at his home in Pittsburgh two years later in 2003 at age 74.