UK readers may be bemused when the name is mentioned, as his fame didn’t really extend across the Atlantic, but the somewhat unfortunately middle-monikered Fred McFeely Rogers was a staple of children’s television in the United States for over thirty years, best-known as host of the preschool classic, Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood.
Famed for his gentle, friendly manner and simplistic, accessible way of addressing the audience, the champion of zip-up cardigans basically broke the mould for the way TV shows were made for kids, challenging the government to fund programming and winning five Emmys along the way. He will never be forgotten by the generations who grew up watching him – and that’s why, although there’s something a bit creepy about this autotuned tribute to him, it’s also rather touching.