Sign Language
Fred Rogers studied many languages throughout his life, including French, Spanish, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and American Sign Language. He presented these languages in different ways throughout the Neighborhood series.
David Newell Oral History
Overview
David Newell played Mr. McFeely for the entire run of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. He explains that Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed like a live show, with very long takes. Although Fred was not always comfortable in front of the camera, he would light up when Mr. McFeely came to the door. Newell comments on the genuine joy he would see in Fred when they would film together.
He explains that Fred was using television as a communication tool, not as a means to become a television star. In addition to appearing on the program as Mr. McFeely, Newell worked on props and public relations, writing the press releases announcing new theme weeks of the Neighborhood.
Date
2007
Type
Video
Source
Fred Rogers Center
Related Items
Video
Theater for the Deaf
Chef Brockett introduces Mister Rogers to two people who perform pantomime. The coach, Tim Scanlon, is deaf. Mister Rogers asks him to recite and mime a poem that most children would know. Mister Rogers wonders how his two new neighbors teach people pantomime, and they demonstrate by making an invisible banana split.
Video
Mister Rogers Visits Russia
Mister Rogers and a translator meet Tatiana Vedeneeva, the host of Good Night Little Ones. She shows them the television studio where she films her children's program. Mister Rogers plays the piano and meets the crew. Daniel Tiger even overcomes a bit of shyness to meet one of the puppets.
Contact the Archivist
The Fred Rogers Institute Archivist is available for requests and inquiries from students and researchers.