Mr. Rogers Talks About Meeting Eddie Murphy | Letterman

[@dshepherd107]

That man saved me from my childhood. Abuse surrounded me. There were no good or trustworthy adults I could rely on, but I had Mr Rogers. I loved him when I was really young, & he taught me things I desperately needed to hear. What a wonderful, wonderful man.

[@dcee6670]

@@johndeeregreen4592 Don’t dump on GenZ. Every generation has its faults and challenges. Some members of each generation have a distorted sense of history and what factors and evolution contribute to generational differences. GenZ has some brilliant beautiful members. I know this to be true.

[@marmitenot.]

What a great story, so glad you shared. 🤗

[@janohare916]

I just got chills, reading your comment. I so much agree.

[@dshepherd107]

@@marmitenot. 💓

[@dshepherd107]

@@janohare916 ty 💞

[@wendyrathbun4724]

This man is "Mr Rogers" no breaking character.... He was a genuine advocate for children. We lost a "" dad" when we lost him.

[@dionysusnow]

Nothing fake about this guy, he had true virtue.

[@mikeyerian7531]

Was the Mr.Rogers movie any good? The one with Tom Hanks. I tried watching a few minutes of it but it honestly seemed a Lil weird lol

[@jayclyde6045]

I miss Mr. Rogers and the whole era that went with it...I know the world had it's own problems then but nothing like this. I so wish we could have put "repeat" on that entire era of time. The world would had been a utopia if world leaders were 1/8 as virtuous as Mr. Rogers was.

[@wendyrathbun4724]

@@jayclyde6045 we have the world we have because of the assault on virtue that existed then. It's so sad. Pray for our 🌍

[@bigwobs8040]

I watched Mr Rogers all the time as a child. I loved him then and I love him now, may he rest in peace 🕊️. I honestly believe that he was a wonderful, GENUINE human being. The world desperately needs him nowadays. R.I.P. Fred Rogers, we will make sure the fish get fed. 😊😉

[@jameswhittenburg5299]

I will always appreciate Mr. Rogers, because my childhood was one of abuse and violence. Watching an adult talk to me like I mattered and in a calm way was a refuge for me. It may sound corny and dramatic, but it was my reality back in the 80's. He was a blessing and a genuine person.

[@inscrutianaII]

Fred was speaking to you, James. I think that you can see in this interview that his childhood wasn't especially rosy and the official story is that he was shy, overweight, and asthmatic. There's probably more there. And eventually, he was Mr Rogers in the most genuine, compassionate, and serious way. As every man should be. Good luck to you.

[@the-original-ghost]

James you are not alone in what you went through.Fred Rodgers always made me feel special even when no one else did.He was there every day at the same time and never left me hanging.I reckon there are lots of adults who had rough childhoods and Mr Rodgers was there to make it a little bit better for us.I sure miss him and the world needs a Fred Rodgers right now.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

It wasn't enough of your reality. Which is sad. It wasn't mine, either.

[@deniseorlando9000]

He was speaking to you. I believe he really spoke to those who needed him the most. We still need him today.

[@PamCutler]

Same. Sending you love. 💝

[@sethloganhopkins6100]

It was 1992. In keyboarding/typing class our assignment was to write a letter to a famous person. 10th year of school, (truly sophomoric) and thumbing through the thick book of celebrity addresses (that was a thing back then) I found one Mr Fred Rogers. Now, just like Sesame Street it was a joke to 15 yr old me. So i wrote him a letter. Fake sincere. Telling him how i raced home every day and watched his show. The letter was clumsy comedy and full of BS. But I was the only kid in the class who received a reply to my celebrity letter. It was the most sincere, beautifully handwritten letter thanking me and had words of inspiration encouraging me in my life and education. He also included a signed poster and signed head shots of all the cast (including the puppets). I love this man. And i still have that poster.

[@Roda45Crossfit]

How did it make you feel after you received his letter knowing yours was “full of bs?” Interesting story, btw.

[@eoharrison7499]

​@Rosedaleb1 I was going to ask the same question, but you beat me to it! So, (asking the original poster) how DID you feel after receiving it, young man? Inquiring minds want to know!😉😁

[@ElleH123-w7w]

I love this story TY for sharing it. Even in interacting with Dave here, you can tell he is wicked smart but so kind. So humble.

[@facial210]

Maybe you should try to rewrite what you wanted to say .. but let his spirit reply this time...

[@YangonSleeper]

Do you still have the letter?

[@barrylippard1846]

Mr. Rogers was a national treasure. Soft spoken with a big heart. True gentlemen with morals and values. He is missed.

[@AngieJames4172]

I agree with you 100%. He is missed beyond words.

[@vinm3630]

There is no one left like him.

[@Michaelarkangel]

❤ Mister Rogers was awesome why can't there be more humans like him❤

[@vinm3630]

@suburban living in AZ because everyone thinks they are more important and social media has made it so bad that society will never recover.

[@trumphatesyou]

​@@Michaelarkangel There are! They just don't have a TV Show. I'm 48 and watched Mr. Rogers religiously when I was young. There will never be another celebrity like him.

[@justplainmark]

“Sometimes things don’t go right in the neighborhood.” Straight facts. 😂😂

[@fryerlawrence]

😂

[@vickiefinney6073]

If only he could see the neighborhood now 😢

[@jameskerrigan2997]

He was a green Beret, he has a contingency.

[@johnnyhurst9518]

Never served in the military @@jameskerrigan2997

[@ninademci1500]

@justplainmark, he couldn’t say that sentence without smiling and almost laughing. I’m now gonna check out the chimpanzee in the neighborhood.

[@maulekuul]

I'm 47 years old and I tear up every time I hear Mr. Rogers speak.

[@ronsbrat525]

I'm 62 and do as well. I watched his show everyday at lunchtime when I was in elementary school in pa.

[@mediocremaiden8883]

I am 37 years old and that makes 3 of us

[@xamorus]

I totally feel you brother

[@alexandermoon8883]

I'm 47 too and I'm watching this with tears in my eyes as well.... he brings us back to a time of innocence when we had the whole world and life ahead of us.

[@joshuavanwormer4955]

I'm over 40 and feel the same.

[@erikdevereux4997]

I lived in Pittsburgh 1991-1998 and met Mr. Rodgers several times. He was exactly the person you see on TV. Once after I gave him suggestions about places to film on a trip to New Mexico he called and left a voice mail at my office to apologize for not having time on the trip to follow my recommendations. (As if I would hold him accountable!) I would invite people into my office to hear that message and they would burst into tears. I'll alway remember the evening in the late fall of 2001 when ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced Mr. Rogers had called the network to request the news stop showing footage of the 9-11 attacks because children thought the events were happening again, and, of course, most networks complied. That was how you use power responsibly!!

[@ImaDieHrderLkeMyKidBruceWillis]

I didn’t know that! I hope that’s true. If so, what a profoundly beautiful thing.

[@lucesitareyes379]

Thanks for sharing this

[@billkeithchannel]

The CIA learned great intel on how their fear campaign in the media was working well.

[@melbabowen4389]

Mr Rogers was a truly wonderful man. He was the GENUINE DEAL! My husband met him in an elevator in Boston. He told Mr. Rogers that our two year old adored him. He asked for our address in SC. Within the week, our little girl received the sweetest letter, recollecting his encounter with her daddy. What a truly fabulous human being!

[@hollygrrl205]

And luckily no accusers have come forward to ruin how we viewed him. He actually was a great guy!!!!

[@Lyze]

That's beautiful.

[@fenixphire84]

❤ that 🥲

[@hannahhelton3789]

That’s priceless.

[@Ra7111]

Pure white America. And there's nothing racist about that. That's just fact, look around

[@OriginalSteve-o]

I don't think people realized that Mr Rogers was actually a foster parent to every child that watched this show. He's still fostering children posthumously. He just had that big of a heart and good spirit. Such a good man. RIP

[@davidporter28]

And idiots laugh at how he was, shame what the majority of people are.

[@joshuadowdle9691]

He had such a gentle way of speaking. Watching this, then seeing your comment gave me goosebumps. So wholesome.

[@Bill87762]

Dude, this. So true.

[@greenlimabean]

He was sincere. He looked at the camera and we knew he was talking to us individually.

[@davidporter28]

@@greenlimabean Unlike something you would do.

[@OldSaltyBear]

I love that he seems unfazed that some of the audience are not exactly laughing with him... or that Dave would ask him some baiting questions. The man is so comfortable in his own skin that he cares not what others think or say. One of the many reasons he was such a wonderful role model for us kids. A truly wonderful human being.

[@davidrussellhamrick1828]

So true! He was one of the people who taught me (thankfully my Dad was another) that a man doesn't have to be loud, tough, and swaggering to be a real man. He needs to respect himself and others, to know what his purpose is, and to do it to the best of his ability. Hardest thing in the world really, and Fred Rogers did it well.

[@elhior23]

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” ― Bernard M. Baruch

[@M_SC]

A lesson we can all learn. Not to “be comfortable” but to continue on as if people are laughing with us not at us.

[@tammyschmidt6869]

I agree wholeheartedly with you.

[@TheBandit7613]

If you watch the whole interview, Rodgers had fun trolling Letterman in a way only he could. He was no idiot.

[@thedaviesmusicacademy4602]

This interview really brought out the difference in levels of consciousness between him and Dave in the crowd in those moments. He maintained the purity without allowing the ignorance around him to intrude or sway him whatsoever. Such a beautiful example of love. ❤🙂

[@TheRealCoryKent]

That is incredible awareness and attention to detail. 🙂

[@DR-sv8ke]

Well, yeah, he wasn't playing a character. That was him. He was genuinely a kind soul.

[@Redruby2600]

David tried to .. not make fun of.. but kind of make fun of Mr. Rogers in this clip. But it totally backfired. Mr. Roger is, as usual, a perfect gentleman, and it made David look childish. ❤❤❤

[@Ftball10]

I thought they came off as friends. Letterman is irreverent and Rogers was riffing off of him, and together they were funny,

[@talastra]

It's true that Letterman, so brilliantly snarky, ,is clearly at a loss how to interact with one of the most non-ironic people the 20th century saw.

[@RubyTwilite]

To everyone in the comments who says 'We need more people like him' You must be that person. We must all strive to be strong, kind and compassionate like Fred Rogers. That is how we must honor him and ensure he is remembered.

[@dreadpirate907]

Underrated comment.

[@BananasananaB]

No one wants to be like Mr. Rogers. Yet everyone wants the outcome as if the world was filled with people like Mr. Rogers. You can tell how perverse society was then by the audience's reaction to statements made then. And that was 40 years ago. It has only gotten worse. Not enough people like Mr. Rogers out there.

[@josephel4292]

Amen

[@lisaryherd4685]

Yes, very well said!!

[@blueyedevil1531]

I try, I really do

[@coulombedon]

Fred Rogers was the keynote speaker at my college graduation. He was simply amazing. He was there at the beginning of our education, and again at the end. He told us he was going to give us a gift. He said "I'm going to give you one minute, a minute of silence to think about your parents and family, who gave so much and sacrificed so much and loved you, who helped you to become the person you are today." Then he stood in silence while the tears started to flow. I'll never forget it, or him.

[@tcxbeast]

That’s incredible, did he stay after and talk with any of you?

[@suzannehribal4117]

You were lucky. How wonderful that you have this memory.

[@HappySwedishPancake]

I hope there weren't any abused kids in the audience...

[@hughjorgen1051]

Boston University 1992, he gave the invocation for my sister’s graduation. Will never forget it.

[@msmacmac1000]

What University? He spoke at my alma mater, Marquette- years after I graduated- and I was so touched by his talk.❤️

[@bryymiller2475]

I love how Fred Rogers 10000% understands the audience and David's reactions and goes with it without ever betraying his nature.

[@dancegod1691]

Yeah he was being serious and stayed serious even when they were laughing at the situation, all without alienating the audience. What a masterful communicator.

[@healthylifehappywife8501]

@@dancegod1691 Right?! I think they mistook his even tone and mannerisms for deadpan humor when he was talking about the fire stuff.

[@jdanpey]

That's exactly right

[@wiredforstereo]

Because he was a pure soul. It wasn't an act. It wasn't a character. He was Mister Rogers in every single sense.

[@nspector]

Yes, exactly. Pretty amazing.

[@jeremypilot1015]

The words he chose and the way he delivered them was amazing. Dave mocks his childhood puppetry and his parent's response and Mr. Rodges shuts him down with a "happily no" Love it.

[@vissttaa]

Dave walked right into Mr. Rogers turf when he suggested that his parents might try to suppress a child playing with puppets. Fred shut him down with that simple response, as if to say, "Dave, I'm going to teach you and our audience something right now."

[@AndreaCrisp]

I am thinking that this was well before Letterman became a father. Didn't he have a child later in life? I am sure being a dad made a difference for him.

[@obiwan5999]

Letterman has always been an a**hole, talking down to people, he's a POS.

[@LordLOC]

@@AndreaCrisp I think Dave only became a father like 10 years ago.

[@Driven2Beers]

​@@LordLOCHis son is actually 20 now!

[@michaelhancock9636]

To everyone who says or thinks there should be more people like Mr Rogers, well he taught us so if we think the world needs more like him then it's up to us to emulate the qualities he taught. It's up to us. We are his legacy!

[@Katfancy40]

You're so on the money on this! He was such a kind and loving man and he chose to focus on the good and not the bad yet so many of us do focus on the bad and make choices we wish we hadn't. Speaking from experience! God broke the mold when he created Mr. Rogers!😊

[@glyakk]

I feel called out, and thats not a bad thing, thank you!

[@tanyasmith2173]

THIS! Maybe I just need weekly Mr.Roger therapy sessions to remind myself when I get off track, fire my actual therapist. Lol

[@dragonseyeangie]

Learning is one thing, putting what we learn into practice is another. It's not just the kindness and compassion that emanated from this man but his ability and willingness to put it on display for all to see.

[@tjlastname5192]

I keep telling people similar things. Everyone my age blames the older generation for anything bad that happens, but never does anything to change it for the better, and never gives credit for the good.

[@Thewolverine0865]

Mr Rogers was less concerned about being parodied by the radio host, and more upset about the radio host sending possible harmful information out to children using the parody. Genuine individual.

[@Astronopolis]

His delivery was so deadpan it makes you wonder if he was being comedic

[@horaceprince3449]

My heart would drop if Mr Roger's was upset after learning about his background

[@jimk4267]

you nailed it

[@FarkJoeB]

@@horaceprince3449 his back ground? Please don't say he was a sniper. . He wasn't even in the military.

[@gregjones8882]

Humility

[@Callmenobody174]

People laughed at him, kind of mockingly, everywhere he went. They thought he was playing some character, but he wasn't. He WAS that guy. A genuinely kind, caring person. I doubt I'll ever see another person like him come along in my lifetime. Thanks, Mr. Rogers!

[@theruddyone6443]

... you may. but i agree its supremely rare

[@themaskedhobo]

"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self." -Fred Rogers

[@BrobleYT]

You can also tell - or at least it seems to me - that Dave is visibly uncomfortable at times throughout the interview. It seems like he has respect for Mr. Rogers and wants to have a real conversation with him, but that's juxtaposed with the phoniness of the late night format and audience reactions. Either way, it seems like it doesn't bother Mr. Rogers that much. He was just there spreading his message, like he always did.

[@KarklinPumpkin]

My grandmother was like this. She died at 90 in 2006.

[@aypapi1371]

The sad thing is now I think our culture would cancel him now just based on his Christian Beliefs

[@lordpneumael]

What I admire most about Mr. Rogers was his ability to show us what a real man is. He was kind, considerate, soft-spoken even when facing unpleasant situations, and he went out of his way for others, especially kids.

[@topsecret1837]

That’s the perfect description of what a man is, and all a man needs to be.

[@dshepherd107]

I grew up in an insanely abusive home w/ no adults to protect us (me & my two brothers), nor were there any positive role models. None. But.. when I was very young.. around 3 (I’m 53 now), I’d watch Mr Rogers. I loved him so much. He was my adult role model , & I’ll always be grateful to him, & I’ll always love the man. He was the only kind adult in my childhood. If I’d of had him for a parent, I can only imagine how different my life would’ve been. THAT’S who we should have statues of & try to emulate imho.

[@pjost6643]

Wow that’s sad, I am almost 50 and I grew up on Mr. Rogers. I could feel that he was talking to me and I remember a lot of the things he said. My mother died when I was nine months old and I had some babysitters while my dad was working to help raise 4 kids. I grew up in Pittsburgh by the way. We knew Joe Negri, He lived up the hill from us

[@Shifter22]

❤️ 💯 🙋‍♀️

[@thedevilsadvocate5210]

You are my friend You are special You are my friend You’re special to me You are the only one like you Like you, my friend, I like you. In the daytime In the nighttime Any time that you feel’s the right time For a friendship with me, you see F-R-I-E-N-D special You are my friend You’re special to me There’s only one in this wonderful world You are special.

[@GODHATESADOPTION]

Amen

[@annas8535]

😥

[@bobobandy9382]

"Sometimes things don't go right in the neighborhood..." What a smile that guy had.

[@leifhietala8074]

Mister Rogers was always on. Even when he was on Letterman for adult viewers, he didn't stop being Mister Rogers. An absolute gem, Fred Rogers was the epitome of the good that could come from TV.

[@Matithyahu]

I agree. I commented that I believe his understatedness is confused for homliness. He was so sensitive to the role he played in kids' lives, I believe that he never would do anything that would set the wrong example, or send the wrong message.

[@calisongbird]

@@Matithyahu “homliness”??

[@PoisonIceCream1]

That's not being "on" brother. You're confessing

[@swayback7375]

He was “always on” because this is just who he is and he stays genuine and grounded. It’s easy to be always on when you’re just being yourself and have a reason for acting that way/doing what you do. It wasn’t an act, he wasn’t an actor

[@swayback7375]

He also wasn’t a sniper, a marine, a tattooed sailor or any of those other goofy tales.

[@sgt.pepper5794]

That's a special place in heaven for Mister Fred Rogers.

[@Kyutenessss]

There has to be. He was the ultimate example of a true christian. ❤

[@headhunter1945]

@@Kyutenessss That would be nice, but in fact he was just a good person.

[@Kyutenessss]

No, he was indeed a good Christian man. ​His faith was a very big part of who he was. @headhunter1945

[@user-rx1lc6mp5n]

Best part is all of us get to go there to be with him.

[@solitaryman777]

Heaven is a place on Earth, but you have to fight for it

[@2B1-t1y]

He will always be the GOAT of children's educational television. Just a great man.

[@christiancarranza1003]

Yes sir!!! 🙂

[@EARL-zl5mv]

Absolutely. Solid dude. 🙂

[@nymsnot_your_mommaz_stream5683]

It's a toss up between him and Mr armstrong

[@achosenone44]

oh a goat i see a devil minion

[@SpliFFFFFFF]

as a Canadian i think it was Mr. DressUp, but i hear your love for this man! ;) Hes also awesome

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

"Discipline is caring, just like love is caring. And you can't have one without the other." Such a simple statement but so incredibly relevant.

[@LouieNeira]

Misquote:.“One is as important as the other.”

[@trumpetprofessor]

Discipline is caring...if he said that today he'd probably get canceled

[@misters2837]

@@trumpetprofessor YES! - I got it pretty tough from my old man (even bare assed spanked in grocery store)...but I never spent a night in Jail...Sadly I don't have children but I have nieces and nephews and they know I can be Tough...and they know I don't play...You learn that it really DID hurt the adult more than the child to scold/punish them...but we do it out of love, so that when they are Young Adults they use their own judgment to make good decisions.

[@datheamore6395]

The problem is that people often mistake punishment as the same thing as discipline.

[@jenniferp1917]

@@datheamore6395 THANK YOU!!!

[@samcostanza]

Mr. Rogers is the only celebrity I ever shed tears over, when I learned of his passing. He was a huge part of my childhood.

[@FaultyFrontalLobe]

Same. Fred Rogers is my answer to the age old question "if you could meet anyone alive or dead and talk with for an hour who would it be?" He made that large of an impact on me growing up and as an adult.

[@justinm.791]

There's been very few "celebrities" who's passing broke my heart.... Mr. Rogers, Gene Wilder, Bernie Mac and Madeline Kahn come to mind...

[@hawkeyeten2450]

There was another celebrity many folks cried over, when he died. He too ironically was named Mr. Rogers, Roy Rogers was his name. Along with his wife Dale Evans Rogers, they influenced an entire generation of kids on honorable living through their western tv show and other means. Offscreen, they were advocates for special needs children and even adopted minority race kids into their own family...in the 1950s. Truly incredible people who were part of a rare type on this earth.

[@JustSomeKittenwithaGun]

What did he pass into?

[@KrayZJoy]

Same. I never cried when a celebrity died. Not even Shari from Lamb Chop, but when Mr. Rogers died, I actually had to mourn him.

[@justinryanmusic7204]

What a gentle man. His pure love for children and their wellbeing was beautiful

[@titanfan2k1]

Mr. Rogers spoke directly to the kids on his show. He didn't talk down to them because they didn't know something. He treated them as humans all equal. He is the first kids show I had ever watched that talked directly about subjects like death. He was a kind man and we need more like him in the world. RIP Mr. Rogers - you've left such an impression on generations of kids and as adults we miss you!

[@PaulDo22]

@Smokey Mcb Death ain't the end, it's the beginning.

[@tarmaque]

Always follow _The Rogers Rule:_ "If Steve or Fred wouldn't do it, neither should you."

[@229whocares]

One of the best parts of my childhood

[@user-or4dm1fv3f]

@@PaulDo22 If you are referring to an afterlife, no evidence of that but I would rather spend my afterlife roaming the universe than spending eternity praising a god that advocates for slavery and thinks homosexuals should perish.

[@PaulDo22]

@@user-or4dm1fv3f He does? You gotta stop getting your information from people who don't care about your eternity and think He's some masochistic psycho. He made everybody to be with Him forever and to enjoy their eternity but the choice is up to you.

[@joedonlan2979]

Fred was quite a man. I appreciate how he stood his ground with Letterman with kindness and authenticity.

[@I_g0T_WoRmz]

And even David Letterman was subdued in a way from his usual style. I always like Letterman is he always was, and all in good fun but you can see how different he was with Mr Rogers. He was softer. That is the power of Mr Rogers gentle ways and caring for others as he had always had.

[@arisketch9247]

after watching this interview, I just realized what you see on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood is basically him, he wasn't acting or trying to be someone else just for the show, that was him. Fred Rogers was Fred Rogers on and off the show. Such genuineness, it definitely, and exponentially, multiplies the kindness he shows on the show.

[@jayaom4946]

Really incredible. Since he meant so much to me as a child I was just so happy to discover that he was authentic. I just felt with the show that he was the most sincere adult in my life.... and he was in the rest of his life!

[@DanielSnow316]

Exactly! It was no character in reality.

[@josie4peace]

@@freespirit5105 💖🤍💖

[@scarletice]

I think I remember seeing an interview where Mr. Rogers said that once he started making his show, he made a very conscious decision to live as the made he portrayed on camera. I'm not saying he wasn't a good person before, but I think he used his show to better himself in addition to his audience.

[@derpyeh9107]

Pretty much everyone who has ever met him irl has said the same thing. He really was *that* guy.

[@jamesdavis625]

Mister Rogers is just so genuine and kind... not an ounce of cynicism or sarcasm within his body.... None of Letterman's jokes land because Rogers just can't process on that mental wavelength

[@KarlRoyale]

Honestly the man was and is the definition of the Class Act.

[@shizuokaBLUES]

Well put

[@jogman262]

My mom was a stay at home housewife with 4 of us little kids running around. When Mr. Rogers Neighborhood came on she would sit us in front of the TV and the 4 of us would get lost in the show, and my mom got to relax a little. She cried when Fred Rogers died.

[@3-2-1-.]

@@jogman262 Oldest of five boys here, and my Mom would actually sit with us and watch it. She used to say that taking care of us was so trying at times, that she would just say, what the heck, if you can't beat them, join them. Then she would just play with us as if she was a child too. When I think of that, it still shows me that my house was filled with love from her.

[@ricosuave8123]

When he said; _”happily it didn’t”_ you could sense that he didn’t find it funny, nor appreciated the question in how it was asked. ~ He took his life’s work, very seriously. He was just so genuine.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

I thought it was a nod to the hint of his childhood neglect and possibly mistreatment…that if they’d found his talking to himself odd or problematic that it would’ve been bad news for him…looked like he traveled back in time in his child’s mind and felt a bit of fear and maybe relief…then grief. That’s my take anyway…

[@MK-ws4tw]

@@Seeker0fTruth I took it to mean Mr. Rogers wasn't happy with Letterman giving the impression that his parents thought there was something "wrong" with him because he worked so hard wanting children to be accepted for who they are.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

@@MK-ws4tw ok I can see that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts…

[@TheFunnyGuy9000]

Nothing wrong with your own traumas though

[@MrWolfSnack]

The question was bait, this was when talk shows were losing grip and tried to desperately garner and hold views, so they tried to intentionally antagonize the guests for ratings. There was a huge vacuum after Carson retired.

[@SunRayeCorey]

My brother & I were too cool for Mr. Rogers. But, oddly enough, we never missed an episode. Truly a great being.

[@graceandfavor9273]

You sound like Samuel L Jackson. Too cool for school.....

[@mjpalafox1]

Me too! My brother and I would watch Mr Rogers in our early teens, in the mid 1980's with our spiky hair and black concert t shirts. Honestly we loved every minute of his show. What a great man.. RIP Mr Rogers 🙏

[@scottshepard3662]

Lol...I'd NEVER admit to watching him, although I don't believe there was an episode I didn't see!!!! ,😃👍👍

[@ahill4642]

He rocked, in his own quiet way.

[@nomsg7942]

the most compassionate human being to ever walk this earth.

[@mzsjonzz2029]

I love this man...he was the calm, stable and consistent part of my life. He confirmed in me that being kind is good.

[@LilySteph1949]

Prior military experience

[@josephwiese1114]

Being kind AND with strong morals is what he exemplified.

[@ClaudiaPadme]

@@LilySteph1949No, that’s incorrect. Are you thinking of Bob Ross, perhaps? Fred Rogers was in children’s television and a Presbyterian minister basically his whole life. He was never in the military.

[@IndianaBones]

He helped shape me into a calm soul myself and i am grateful to of been growing up watching this kind heart soul

[@rondobson1828]

Even though I wasn't a big "Mr. Rogers" fan as a kid, now as an adult I can easily see he is one of the most genuine people you'll ever see.

[@SpasticSquirrel543]

I remember loving him as a child. I connected so deeply. He spoke so clearly and was able to talk on my level as a small child without talking down to me.

[@zimnizzle]

Mr. Rogers was the purest, kindest man. We were so lucky to have had him with us. ❤

[@HawksDiesel]

Let's hope we can learn from his stories.

[@TomSpeaks-vw1zp]

Violence, violence, violence, and the entertainment industry doesn’t care. I see a future when ask about the 10 commandments. The response will be. What’s that?😢

[@somefiend5460]

Wow, idk how long it’s been since I heard his voice but I instantly started crying. He was the epitome of comfort and a safe place.

[@hollyshaw-elliemae]

me too..... im bawling

[@SmichG]

Omg me too! I’m crying & idk why

[@seattlegolfer]

​@@hollyshaw-elliemaeYou're bawling??? 😅

[@bepoetico]

Me too

[@tylertilwick6852]

Same here, honestly! His voice is like a warm comforting hug

[@RavenTheValkyrie]

Everytime I see him, he transmuted all the cynicism, sarcasm and anger in my heart. I feel like I return to a more loving place in my heart, my core being. That man was a Saint. Bless him, truly.

[@vissttaa]

Yes, indeed. Well said.

[@wolf.eye._-]

Beautifully said and I love your name.

[@felinefinetessaslegacy]

The world was a better place with Mr. Rogers. ♥

[@justinfalzon6854]

I miss Mr Rogers. The world could use another one like him.

[@kittycatmeowmeow963]

There's only one Fred. Rogers and no one can replace him.😞

[@treavy1]

Hey Justin where still here I’m always trying to be like mr Rodgers was to our generation the good helpers of the world are still here

[@A_Bunch_of_Savages]

The man completely deserves to be as revered as he is. What a legacy. He probably doesn’t get enough credit for his intelligence, and how sneakily funny he was. Thank you Fred. RIP

[@maximusprime3459]

Not in today's environment. People would just accuse him of something, then ruin his career and reputation.

[@dafttone]

There is. His name is Blippi. Lol

[@thenewlc]

It’s an oversimplification to say Fred Roger’s was “kind.” He was also a master of complex social skills like establishing connection, framing (or reframing) the conversation, staying calm and focused in the face of teasing (usually hood-natured, but not always), etc. Mastery of these skills greatly increased Mr. Rogers’ ability to influence more people through his kindness. I only say this to remind us all that we, too, can develop skills that allow us to communicate our inner kindness as he would have wanted us to.

[@FaultyFrontalLobe]

Agreed! I believe he was a master at those skills because the connections are what truly mattered to him. He made it his lifes work to let children know they mattered. To let people know they mattered. It's been said by many people who had the pleasure to meet him and have a conversation with him that he made them feel like they were the only person in the room. He engaged with them, was interested in what they had to say and listened to them. He didn't just hear their words but listened. I can't think of any person in my life that was truly interested in what i have to say and truly listens to me. They hear and try to tell me what I mean but they don't listen. If that makes sense at all.

[@redwolflancer3051]

Excellent point

[@strangevisions5162]

@AJC1983 "staying calm and focused in the face of teasing (usually hood-natured, but not always)" that hood-natured teasing is the most dangerous though

[@bad74maverick1]

teasing (Hood-natured)? Is that like hanging out the passenger window of a 64' Chevy Impala with a Nine pointing it at your rivals but not pulling the trigger?

[@thenewlc]

​@@FaultyFrontalLobe "They hear and try to tell me what I mean but they don't listen." Damn, that hits.

[@bd9299292]

I love how completely Mr. Rogers owns this entire segment. I've never seen anybody with such total self-assurance on a talk show like this before. Lots of very famous and powerful people get star-struck, tongue-tied, and otherwise nervous as hell on Letterman, but Mr. Rogers just busts out, "thirty years ago... I was a floor manager in these studios." The part where he tells Paul they don't have time for the song, and Letterman tries to make a joke, "well, maybe you and Paul can get together after the show..." is glorious. Mr. Rogers just smiles at David, and Letterman backtracks from kind of poking fun at him, to sheepishly saying "I mean if you rehearsed it, no sense in wasting the song!" Given how brutally Letterman torches some of his guests, it's fascinating to see him cowed so thoroughly by such a quiet, unassuming man.

[@bes03c]

You put that beautifully.

[@jimperry4108]

well said. Dave's tone really changed towards the end of that. Hard not to respect a man who was perhaps the kindest person to ever appear on television.

[@Hullified]

I totally agree. And Mr. Rogers knew they were trying to poke fun, but he didn’t let work on him. He was such a classy guy.

[@MurderBong]

HE REALLY DID GREAT AT INTERVIEWING LETTERMAN....

[@tonymctony4551]

@Betty Zyrebchyk here not so much.

[@NanaMamaS]

That man had real class. Thank you, Mr. Rogers for educating us. ❤

[@thewhamji]

Have you ever read the comments on a Mr. Roger’s video? It’s unlike anything on KZbin. The amount of positive comments and the almost complete absence of negative comments is unreal. It’s like we feel the spirit of Mr. Roger’s over our shoulder while we type, and we know we would be letting him down if we said something unkind. Now that is a lasting legacy! 😊

[@mrchopsticks3]

Because he has this power to make everyone want to be a better person. The movie they made about him stated as much.

[@thewhamji]

@@mrchopsticks3 yeah, that was a good movie

[@EssEll9791]

Aww! Wonderfully put!

[@joshuaburba1048]

@@mrchopsticks3 Well, he didn't have the power, but he utilized the power of God working through him. I know what you meant though.

[@tbc210]

I was about to write pretty much the exact same comment when I saw that you had already written it! Needless to say I agree with you. It is pretty wild to scroll through the internet comment sections of his videos and see how shockingly civil and decent all the comments are. Even after his death, we still all find ourselves wanting to be better versions of ourselves when we watch him. Amazing.

[@DC-tm7ys]

My kids were raised with Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street. When Mr. Henson and Mr. Rogers passed away, I cried. Both giants treated children with respect and did not treat them like they were stupid. Bless them both. 🙏

[@chrisheroldt5871]

WORD

[@somefiend5460]

Now that you point this out, I realize a lot the programming for people my age (I assume I am similar age as your children) were more respectful towards the audience (the children). I grew up on Mr. Roger’s, Lambchop and Bob Ross haha TV is not what it used be

[@maplobats]

The more I know about Fred Rogers, the more I look up to him. Dude is a fricken legend, and if more people had his attitude, we would have world peace.

[@ADoT_L]

Totally agree, it's almost like him and Michael Jackson shared the same energy genuinely kind and caring

[@jchinckley]

I like your comment, but I'd change the word "people" to "politicians."

[@dblshotz75]

When people choose the power of love over the love of power only then will the world change for the better and peace will reign

[@michaelcelani8325]

@@dblshotz75 "" Jimi Hendrix " quote.

[@NoOne-kr4jc]

​@@jchinckleyI think it's people, because that includes politicians. We get them elected. They come from our environment.

[@supergg07]

I love Mr. Rogers, RIP

[@samuelatwood9924]

he was an amazing man, the world seems a little colder without him.

[@ronniesnakehissiii9413]

It is a bit chilly

[@kellysong2256]

He was a rare gem 💎

[@Supernaught00]

A lot colder.

[@Bubu567]

He was genuinely so kind and pure of heart that normal people simply rejected the very idea that it could be authentically who he was, but kids knew he wasn't putting on, and that's all that mattered.

[@paulroys5019]

Yeah I think with this video, it was a time when there were 20- and 30- somethings who were too old to have grown up with him, but too young to have kids who were watching him. Whereas 10 or 15 years later he would have absolutely had the affection and respect of everyone in the studio.

[@ateamoffroad1179]

This man helped raise America when I was a kid. I remember sitting there in front of the TV on the floor so excited.

[@DJMarcO138]

I grew up in Pittsburgh and had the pleasure of meeting Mr Rogers as a kid - and he was 100% the real deal. Nicest guy ever!!

[@jamesythetrue]

Honestly, Fred Rogers was from another planet. And I mean that in a good way - the best possible way. Who else has ever been this hybrid of brilliant creator, source of wisdom, and gentle soul? He was the epitome of the Leo Buscaglia quote "Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." I recommend the video of his lifetime achievement award speech, as well as the video of him convincing the Senate to fork over more money for public broadcasting & children's programming. He was a true gem and the world misses him.

[@tigergreg8]

Very nicely said. Thanks.

[@elh305]

I was hoping someone would mention his interaction with the Senate. It was beautiful. Those men are jaded, and used to power plays; after he spoke, they were so disarmed they were practically little kids again -it was beautiful to see.. 👍🏼😍

[@tigergreg8]

@@elh305 The meek shall inherit the Earth. That day is soon upon us, and sooner then many may think. When He said that the weak will become strong, he wasn't talking about physical abilities. Many people who read this may not realize He was speaking to them, which means you.

[@BobStein]

@@elh305 so true, a most sublime moment in those hallowed halls. What you said about "those men" could also be said about the children in Mister Rogers' audience. Heck, about each of us. What an example Fred Rogers set.

[@globalcitizenn]

There was another like him.. brilliant creator, source of wisdom, gentle soul.. Michael Jackson. But he wasn’t the “right race”.

[@r.durante528]

We need more Mr. Rogers in the world today.

[@players7686]

Unfortunately the world has gone bonkers lately and don't deserve his kind anymore.😥

[@kit2770]

@Players I feel like Mr. Rogers may disagree with you. I think he'd say that everyone deserves guidance and love.

[@hviii7452]

Indeed…

[@brettnorton1977]

Now more than ever

[@jacobvanausdeln1696]

Someone would just MEtoo him… that’s the sad part. He can and does exist right now, but it’s looked at as creepy for grown men to be nice to children now. That’s the sad fact.

[@JoyInAccomplishment]

He’s got this deadpan, understated sense of humor that you don’t quite see coming. He’s so serious and calm, but deadly funny. I’m kinda mystified, awed, and mildly unsettled all at the same time.

[@roughwaves]

Oh good, I wasn't imagining it. Mr. Letterman and his audience definitely wasn't picking up on that, made think I was the crazy one

[@Armataan]

@@roughwaves Letterman did. When Dave finds people genuinely funny his lip curls. He especially likes dry humor. He was giving his real smile for like half of this interview.

[@ericgood8960]

That's because he was an Army sniper with over 100 confirmed kills. Lol

[@arthurjeremypearson]

"I think that could cause a lot of fires" No, really? You think!? Lol

[@phatsakk43]

That reply could just as easily have been Norm MacDonald. He nailed it, honestly. @@arthurjeremypearson

[@lw5489]

"Discipline is caring just like love is caring and they're both, as important as the other" need more this nowadays, you are missed by the world Mr. Rogers

[@shac9131]

So long as not hit, physically abused also mentally and emotionally abused. He didn't define the thin line

[@Dudemon-1]

@@shac9131 I guarantee that the show he was promoting did not teach abusive discipline.

[@shac9131]

@@Dudemon-1 I know this, but many others grown up abused and whacked from it may see it as a correct way to handle things because like 90% spank, yell at kids and oddly all find it okay when it's actually damaging to the kids... And it passes on from teaching to most You know how some kids raised from an alcoholic parent will NEVER drink alcohol based from how their parent abused them? There's also a vice versa to it... Same as physical abuse.

[@recynd77]

The world lost a gem when we lost Fred Rogers. The word “discipline” means “training to act in accordance with rules” and “an activity, exercise, or regimen that develops or improves a skill”. Not until you get down the list a long way do you get “an instrument of punishment, especially a whip or scourge, used in the practice of self-mortification or as an instrument of chastisement in certain religious communities”. Civilized people don’t hit DOGS to train them; we don’t hit our spouse to show our love and devotion to them. Why would anyone hit a child? My husband and I managed to raise a son who became an upright and honorable man without hitting him…imagine that. I wish hitting and hollering as “discipline” would go the way of the dodo bird.

[@wyrmbane6771]

That was the most profound and underrated truth that he said during the whole clip. You cannot have one without the other, and both reenforce each other. Well said, Mr. Rogers.

[@broaddusmarines]

Mr. Rogers actually taught me to tie my shoes by watching him. I was devastated when he passed away. I felt like I lost my favorite uncle.

[@LindaB651]

Because you DID!

[@obrysii]

I think we're all still coping with his passing.

[@terrygracy8345]

The day he died was surreal. I didn’t think much of it until I had two encounters with strangers. One was in a checkout line in the store. The other was the server at a restaurant we ate at that night. Both of them mentioned his passing and how sad it was, they were people I had never met yet they felt the need to talk about it. Blew me away And then on SNL Horatio Sands did a two minute homage to the man that was beautiful and stunning. Opened my eyes to just how important he was to many people

[@galehess6676]

Same. Still tying them every day haha

[@tinamarie8061]

Me too!!! My mother was shocked

[@Hellseeker1]

The guy was a true saint, he's 1 in a million. R.I.P. MR. Rogers, your lessons and compassion are truly missed.

[@TG-uj6yu]

Actually he's 1 in infinite. God only made one Fred Rogers and there will never be another person like him again. There may be someone similar but there will never be another Fred Rogers

[@wiredforstereo]

One in a million is still a lot of people. He was rarer even than that.

[@PherPhur]

A literal saint. These are the people they made holidays from, that they made statues of, that they wrote about and still speak about to this day.

[@JohnG6]

I would like to think that you're wrong. I think there are more genuinely pure hearted people in the world than we realize. Mr. Rogers was able to reach a much larger group of people because he had a TV show. If it wasn't for that he would have been the exact same person, but we never would have known about him.

[@bane2201]

@@JohnG6 I definitely agree. I think that Mr. Rogers was definitely one of the most pure-hearted people (and definitely the most pure-hearted person that was famous), but I think that a lot of other people do well. I've met many people (teachers, professors, doctors friends of family, etc.) who are genuinely good and pure-hearted people, but they don't _express_ that all the time. That is, they never act poorly, whenever you interact with them you know they cared about you and others, they can tell if you need help (and would help you!), and they are doing good in the world in their own ways (and happily). They aren't as expressive about their worldview as Mr. Rogers was (since he was talking to kids), but if you listened you could find the similarities. One of my teachers grew up in an abusive family and worked at an inner-city school before going to mine, and his goal was to help kids thrive even if they came from bad circumstances. He always had time for me when I needed it. Another one of my teachers believed her purpose was to help gifted kids learn (in a school that wasn't good at that). She went WAY out of her way to help me - I actually just wrote her an email thanking her, and it's been 15 years since I left her class! One of my doctors believed her mission was to help people struggling, and often she saw poor patients for free (I was one). I never felt pressured to end the appointment, even when she was running behind. She was always very sympathetic to my issues. One of my professors has helped me out a lot (long story short, I couldn't have gotten my biology minor without him writing to the chair of his department), is VERY passionate about teaching, and has done a lot research the causes of diseases (e.g. cancer) so that someday people can cure them. Point is, if you talked to one for a short time you wouldn't think they were abnormal. But if you saw them at their job, you could tell they were passionate and really wanted to do good. Mr. Rogers's job was public, so we could all see the way he interacted with others. Mr. Rogers may be gone, and there may be very few people who are close to the same. But even if Mr. Rogers was one in a billion, I'd bet at least 1 in 20K people have 10% of his attitude and mindset. And to me, that's a source of hope in its own way. (Sorry for the long ramble.)

[@rahmanshabazz767]

I met him in person many years ago. He was the most calmest Human being I've ever met.

[@browbeat4562]

@Dave Dan calmest is more absolute in this context.

[@Iregretmostofmyposts]

When I introduced my kids to Fred Rogers I realized that for me and a lot of other kids in the 70’s and 80’s, he was one of the few people who were ever nice to us. I love to see him and listen to his voice. Thanks Mr. Rogers.

[@relevation0]

Was everyone an ashole back then or what? Lol

[@poohbear4life1]

@@relevation0 I mean they still kind of are lol

[@mzsjonzz2029]

You're right...adults weren't very nice to children back in the day

[@micks336]

​@@relevation0 Pretty much... I remember being seven trying to cross the street at an intersection. Not one car would stop. Now adays kids walk out into the street like they are bosses doing business in the mob.

[@b3at2]

i realized something… my kids are sweet as can be and werent really exposed to mr rogers.. but i grew up on him and i was a rotten little kid.. I dont know what it means 😂😂😂

[@siobhanmulvey]

I love his slower paced cadence. So soothing to listen to him💚

[@asdfasdf7199]

intentional for the very reason you stated. a beacon of tranquility for many children with chaotic home lives.

[@RogueT-Rex8468]

There are so few people that can even scratch what Mr. Rogers was. So soft spoken, so gentle, his words just as carefully and lovingly chosen in any subject…. This man was an angel on earth. Very few ever born can leave this life into the next and leave the entire world in genuine tears of loss. God be praised for sending someone so gentle to a world that really needed that kind of love.

[@leolovell6218]

He was truly a loving person. He helped and educated children he was a kind gentleman.

[@darylfitz4189]

Can I use that on my headstone?

[@MrCaLiBoNeZ]

This Man is so pure with his energy. Rise In Paradise Mr. Rogers. The Neighborhood has never been the same.

[@jeffk.9075]

He was truly a class act and better then everybody in the room and he would never show it or even act like he knew it. We need a world of Fred Rogers'.

[@wyldelf2685]

I hear you man , and totally agree with you ,,😸👍

[@ridethepace6005]

I think your comment exactly sums up Fred Rogers. Well put.

[@fezzik7619]

*Rogerses (an apostrophe makes a name possessive) and I agree that there should be more people like him out there.

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

@@fezzik7619 it’s impolite to correct ppl on their grammar

[@brendafleming8155]

Absolutely profound statement so true love is caring.

[@stevesmith3556]

I remember watching him as a young child. He was genuinely caring and kind. We need more people like him for kids these days. He was a national treasure. God bless you Fred!

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@lisamarcoullier3874]

Fred Roger's one of the finest human beings of all time. Love and miss him. The world is a sad place without him.

[@Shifter22]

It's a better and less sad place because of his time here. ✌️

[@grayfox4239]

Mr. Rogers was like a third parent to me, if that makes sense. Along with my own flesh-and-blood parents, he taught me how to be kind, the importance of creative play, gentleness, measured speech, understanding and dealing with hard emotions, coping with death/loss, self-confidence, self-reflection.. I'm sure so many other things on a subtle but nonetheless impactful level. He may have died, but he's NOT gone to me - his story lives on. I now teach my own kids everything he taught me.. Mr. Rogers, you're among the best of humanity that has ever existed, in my opinion.

[@robertwilliams450]

He always looked at things like a child would and from there try to explain that stuff.

[@Tangleddogs]

I was wondering where I learned all that stuff from

[@midwest1984]

I'll second that.

[@matt8264]

Today we have drag queen story hour. What a time to be alive. 🤪. The media would paint Mr Rogers as a hateful man for promoting a mother and a father as normal parents.

[@ZERO_O7X]

Same. Both he and Jim Henson are the main reason I am the man I am today. ❤️

[@antman8887]

As a child, I thought of Mr. Rogers' show as the boring half-hour between Sesame Street and The Electric Company. As an adult, my memories of the show and the man bring tears to my eyes. What a rare and wonderful human being.

[@Sparkina]

I remember that lineup! Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers and The Electric Company. None were boring. I loved all three equally

[@Dioramarama_Collectibles]

Mr. Rogers was a one of a kind, beautiful human being. We didn't deserve him but glad we had him

[@moosedawg71]

We so desperately need someone like Mr. Rogers back in our lives right now!

[@randyfreeman3794]

You may want to take out a cartoon show called Daniel tiger. Even though it is animated he carries on the tradition and values of Mr. Rogers

[@Dadcad16]

That is not true. Daniel Tiger does not carry on values at all.

[@nerfherder4284]

Mr Rogers taught us to be the goodness we wanted from the world. It's up to us now, good or bad. He was a very good teacher

[@darhopkins5433]

One of the most sincere gentleman I have ever known of. I was 40 when he died and I cried like a baby. RIP, F.M.R.

[@matsujonen]

Me too......

[@4Him4u2]

Same. My daughters asked me who is was. I broke down all over again.

[@ytr3488]

LOL tissue?? 🥱

[@darhopkins5433]

@@ytr3488 ... dolt

[@markhicks71]

I think that the world cried too at the loss.

[@kirk4086]

Mr Roger an family lived a block an half from my grandmother's home in Latrobe, Penn. He donated so much to our town, the swimming pool, football stadium. All of which is still here! This man was simply incredible! Rest In Peace Kind Sir!

[@brandonholmes8655]

I worked for WQED from September 2012 to March of 2013. I remember seeing X The Owl's tree, King Friday's castle and Lady Elaine's museum and I was 6 years old again. I knew Mr. Rogers was a big impact on my childhood but man, seeing everything in person that was on the show just took back in seconds. Thanks for the memories, Mr. Rogers!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@emptycarousels3950]

Mr. Rogers is a truly unique individual; his cadence; his thought process. He’s one of a kind.

[@grievousangelic]

I sent an email to Mr. Rogers several years ago. He sent a personal reply. I treasure that email. Fred Rogers was a man who lived his faith in every aspect of his life. May his memory be for a blessing! I know it is to me.

[@christophernewman8741]

I loved his reply to the insinuation that his parents may have thought he was crazy talking to himself. "Happily not" Mr Roger's was a very calm yet brave man. He stuck by his beliefs and genuinely cared about other people. He didn't use this opportunity to bad mouth any one only to demonstrate how important it was to be careful what you say because of who may be listening.

[@micahwhite7484]

He always reinforced that imaginative play is a living entity, and it can reside within an individual and it can exist between individuals. In my career, part of what I do involves inventing the storyline on my own, and part of it is communicating the story to others to bring the team onboard with the vision. It's fascinating how now that I have learned about psychology and philosophy, I understand the influence Fred Rogers' lessons had on me as a kid. And what's more, I comprehend the wholesomeness and unassuming nature of his message.

[@alexandragonzalez8333]

Exactly! Letterman is making a joke at his expense, but Rogers is making the point that a child’s imagination is a beautiful thing and thank God his parents recognized that young Fr d was simply being a child. Playing with puppets is way better than playing on video games.

[@yunengdahl3675]

I wish we would have gotten to know his parents too. I'd love to see what kind of parents would mold this special man.

[@MeemsKaso]

He was so kind. I enjoyed Mr. Rogers so very much. You just felt he cared. The way he spoke was so calming. A great man who did so much for the children.

[@flipfloppingwithMike]

When I was a young boy, I had the distinct honor of meeting Fred Rogers and he shook my hand. Indeed, that was a moment I will never forget. NOBODY will ever replace Mr. Rogers....he was that unique. Godspeed, sir....

[@michaeltaylor4984]

Mr. Rogers was one of the most influential people in my childhood. He made coming from a broken home and an abusive/neglective father a little bit easier. RIP, you magnificent man.

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@sydneyevans2637]

The inimatible Mr. Rogers, that everyone tried to imitate. What a gracious man. Thank you Mr. Rogers!

[@tonymarselle8812]

Who tried to imitate mr rogers?

[@hollyshaw-elliemae]

hearing lady fairchild, gave me chills. i teleported back to my childhood livingroom. he was the father i never had. too this day, hearing his voice makes me want to plop down in front of the tv with a blanket and get ready for some dad time. im bawling right now.

[@wolf.eye._-]

❤❤❤ Hope you're doing well.

[@HarmonyinChaos-ul3fk]

What he did for so many of us lonely and hurt children, can never be replaced. Thank you Mr Rogers, forever

[@susie5254]

I wish I could "like" this comment a million times.

[@grandlx]

One of the best human beings to ever walk this earth. He wasn’t just playing a character - he was the character we saw on tv.

[@ookookook]

I love watching Dave try his hardest to keep himself toned down out of respect for Mr. Rogers. Solid.

[@bcbarc7044]

Ya, Dave wanted to be snarky, but thought better of it.

[@michaelcelani8325]

@@bcbarc7044 Dave is passive- aggressive -- a very unappealing trait that somehow accepted by a broad audience. They simply did not realize it. Jealousy is always part of the passive aggressive personality.

[@dannycalley7777]

@@michaelcelani8325 M.C. ..............spot on ......I used to like............then couldn't stomach him !!!!!!!

[@annehaight9963]

@@michaelcelani8325 I've never liked David Letterman. He's mean-spirited and a bully. And he isn't funny.

[@WaitingtoHit]

@@annehaight9963 I've never liked Anne Haight. She's imperceptive and humorless.

[@marcgoff775]

There’s a story about Mr. Rogers that’s true and it goes something like this. He had an older model station wagon that he drove to work daily and parked it in the Pittsburg NPR parking lot. I think this happened on a Friday. When it was quitting time he proceeded to the parking lot and his station wagon was missing. He reported it stolen and he figured that he wouldn’t see it again. He returned to work on Monday and low and behold his station wagon is there before him in the parking lot. Upon further inspection he discovered a note on the dashboard. It read something like this. “We’re sorry. If we had known it had belonged to you we never would have stolen it”. Pretty remarkable to be held in such high regard even by thieves

[@nfullenwider]

I'd like to believe he held no ill will towards the thieves, only compassion.

[@gamejedi]

It is a good story, but it's an unconfirmed story that's highly unlikely to have actually happened.

[@CliveNDerek]

@@gamejedi I find this story totally, completely believable.

[@gamejedi]

@@CliveNDerek Certainly believable, even if untrue. The man was a national treasure.

[@David_R922]

It sounds good but I highly doubt car thieves would care whose car they stole, nor bring it back with a note attached.

[@tnpoohjessica1]

Mr. Rogers had the calmest voice EVER!

[@jeromewalton5553]

My wife asked me at dinner tonight why I always try and make her feel like she is special and support her and I literally pointed at the television and said thank Mr Rogers. He was a one of a kind amazing human who shaped so many.

[@jmer3536]

We need this man more now than ever

[@mauricehinton5889]

God needs this man more than we do.

[@ferox965]

@@mauricehinton5889 No. We do.

[@edwardofgreene]

We need men like him for sure, and we have them. All around us.

[@fightingtosurvive6527]

@@edwardofgreene Well I sure could use one in my life...I lost my husband to cancer and the males here in California aren't that mature or emotionally intelligent.

[@edwardofgreene]

@@fightingtosurvive6527 I'm sure Mr. Rodgers would look straight at you (straight at the camera) with a smile, and say "There are wonderful people everywhere aren't there? I bet there are some right where you live. Wonderful children, nice women, even many really good men." "I like to meet new people. That is always exciting. How about you? Do you like meeting new people?" "Sometimes it can be scarry if you are shy. That's ok. I still think it's wonderful when you do get to meet someone" 🙂 Not the best Mr. Rodgers imitation, but you get the gist. I'm sure he would also talk about how difficult it is to loose someone. Especially someone close to you. He would talk about it frankly, and with great care in his heart. Keep up the good fight Fighting To Survive.

[@blackandgold676]

Wow. Dave handled that more maturely than anything else I've seen him do. All respect and no goof. Fred was unique and gentle and earnest which made him "different."

[@sporkfindus4777]

Yeah, and I think Dave was trying to sort of block out the audience's laughs out of respect

[@kyle-409]

I saw Dave tapping his foot and biting his lip though. It was hard for letterman to behave. I used to stay up as a child and watch news, mash, night court, and Dave letterman. I sure miss those years

[@SullySadface]

"Sometimes things don't go right in the neighborhood" is the most heartbreaking thing I have ever heard

[@jasmineblocker103]

I sobbed and laughed at the same time when he said that. If that's even possible.

[@scottw6704]

It was about bloopers that happened when filming...but yeah if you take it out of context, it could be a very sad statement.

[@metalmafiachris]

Fred was my father figure. I now live my life trying to be as genuine and compassionate as he was.

[@johnathonmullis4234]

He’s definitely one of the most beloved people of our time. We’re all better for him having been part of our lives. Can you say we love you Mr. Rogers? Sure you can

[@psmith669]

I love this man. He taught me kindness and love. He taught me not to be ashamed of being who you are.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

David was actually really nice here. You can tell he's trying so hard not to laugh, but he was wonderfully respectful and I really love that.

[@kathryncumberland]

No other celebrity or public figure can unite the comments like Mr. Rogers! I scrolled and scrolled and every single comment expresses love and appreciation.

[@pikecollisionllc9868]

Very rarely do I tear up when thinking of a past away celebrity. Mr Rogers is one that tops my list. Such a kind and caring man.