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American Morning
'Mister Rogers' Dies at age 74
Aired February 27, 2003 - 07:19 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: As we have reported, we've learned the sad news this morning that Fred Rogers, the lyrical and soft-spoken host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," died overnight after a very brief battle with stomach cancer.
Michael Okwu takes a look back now at the man who has for generations touched the lives of children and adults alike.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRED ROGERS, HOST, "MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD" (singing): It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor...
MICHAEL OKWU, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fred McFeely Rogers started his television career as an assistant producer in 1951, and ultimately became one of the most trusted and respected faces in children's programming.
His world of make believe truly became a reality in 1968, when his series, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," was made available to PBS affiliates.
In 1962, he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister with the charge to continue his work with children and families through the media. He lived up to that charge. Over the years, he spoke candidly to children about heavy topics, like death, divorce and the anxieties of growing up.
His aim was also to help parents. In 1981, he produced a visionary documentary about helping children understand violence in the news.
ROGERS: All over the world, there's so much violence in the news. I felt it was urgent to talk with families about it.
OKWU: Over the years, Rogers played host to many famous guests, including President Clinton on a Disney channel special.
ROGERS: These are some questions that children from around the country asked me to ask you.
OKWU: A link to the president, a voice of calm reason, a grown up with answers, Fred Rogers was a small-screen pioneer who played a big role in bringing up the TV generation.
ROGERS (singing): Please, won't you be my neighbor? (END VIDEOTAPE)
ZAHN: What a kind man.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
Aired February 27, 2003 - 07:19 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: As we have reported, we've learned the sad news this morning that Fred Rogers, the lyrical and soft-spoken host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," died overnight after a very brief battle with stomach cancer.
Michael Okwu takes a look back now at the man who has for generations touched the lives of children and adults alike.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FRED ROGERS, HOST, "MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD" (singing): It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor...
MICHAEL OKWU, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Fred McFeely Rogers started his television career as an assistant producer in 1951, and ultimately became one of the most trusted and respected faces in children's programming.
His world of make believe truly became a reality in 1968, when his series, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," was made available to PBS affiliates.
In 1962, he was ordained as a Presbyterian minister with the charge to continue his work with children and families through the media. He lived up to that charge. Over the years, he spoke candidly to children about heavy topics, like death, divorce and the anxieties of growing up.
His aim was also to help parents. In 1981, he produced a visionary documentary about helping children understand violence in the news.
ROGERS: All over the world, there's so much violence in the news. I felt it was urgent to talk with families about it.
OKWU: Over the years, Rogers played host to many famous guests, including President Clinton on a Disney channel special.
ROGERS: These are some questions that children from around the country asked me to ask you.
OKWU: A link to the president, a voice of calm reason, a grown up with answers, Fred Rogers was a small-screen pioneer who played a big role in bringing up the TV generation.
ROGERS (singing): Please, won't you be my neighbor? (END VIDEOTAPE)
ZAHN: What a kind man.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.
