known as Mr. Rogers
born March 20, 1928, La Trobe, Pa., U.S.
died Feb. 27, 2003, Pittsburgh, Pa.
U.S. television host and producer.
He produced the local public-television show The Children's Corner (195461) and later created a similar program, Mister Rogers , for Canadian television (196364). In 1968 he developed it into Mister Rogers' Neighborhood . Known for his gentleness and his desire to educate, Rogers, who was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1962, used puppets, music, and guests to teach his viewers about various subjects and emotions. His show, the longest-running U.S. children's television program, garnered many honours. In 2002 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest U.S. civilian honour.