I just watched the recently released biopic of Fred Rogers, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” and was struck by what a unique and visionary performer he was. I never had the pleasure of viewing “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” in real time – I was a few years past the ideal age – and I didn’t quite realize what a seminal figure he was in the advent of children’s television.
There’s a wonderful scene where Fred Rogers is testifying before a taciturn Senator Joe Pastore in an effort to secure $20 million in funding to continue. All the previous testimony has been dry and dogmatic and Senator Pastore has clearly heard enough. When Rogers’ turn comes, he speaks plainly and simply and from the heart. When he is through, there is a moment of silence until Senator Pastore announces: “Well, I guess you just got your $20 million.”
Like many artists and performers referred to in this blog, Fred Rogers exemplified the courage to follow his creative muse, despite there being no previously created template for such a show. The movie includes a particularly telling quote of his that neatly sums up his philosophy:
What is essential in life, is invisible to the eye.
