Today’s mystery guest was born on March 20, 1928. He was an American educator, Presbyterian minister, songwriter, author, and television host.
Initially educated to be a minister, he was displeased with the way television addressed children and made an effort to change this when he began to write for and perform on local Pittsburgh - area shows dedicated to youth.
He was known for his advocacy of various public causes. His testimony before a lower court was cited in a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Betamax case, and he gave now-famous testimony to a U.S. Senate committee, advocating government funding for children's television.
The Public Broadcasting Service developed his own nationally - aired show in 1968 and, over the course of three decades on television, he became a symbol of children's entertainment and education, as well as a symbol of compassion, patience, and morality.
He was honored extensively for his life work in children's education and he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor. He also received a Peabody Award for his career; and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. Two resolutions recognizing his work were unanimously passed by U.S. Congress, one of his trademark sweaters was acquired and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution, and several buildings and works of art in Pennsylvania are dedicated to his memory.
Other clues :
- Mr. McFeely ( his real middle name ) - King Friday XIII
- Queen Sarah Saturday - Daniel Striped Tiger
In 1996, he was ranked #35 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.
He died on February 27, 2003 soon after retiring from his TV Neighborhood.
Have you guessed yet ? Why it’s Fred McFeely Rogers.
More commonly known as Mr. Rogers.