For example, one popular urban legend involves Lee Marvin, Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan), and Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers fame. This story makes several false claims about each but most glaring are the claims about Mr. Rogers who, in addition to this false claim, is the victim of several sick rumors.
Mr. Rogers was not a Navy Seal with 25 “kills” to his record and he didn’t wear a long sleeve sweater to cover up tattoos. And the reason he did not have a live audience of children was not because he was a convicted pedophile, etc., etc.
Why would anyone tell these lies about someone so revered by the American public? How sick are these people who delight in attempting to destroy a person’s character and reputation? And why does the PBS attract the ire of the most ignorant of conservatives?
Mr.’ Rogers was apparently one of the most gentle, compassionate and highly respected people to ever grace this planet. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he lived his life Buddha-like and, although he was human and may have had some secrets, they most likely were not anything as bad as most of us are guilty of.
Shortly before his death caused by stomach cancer Mr. Rogers, Art Linkletter and Bill Cosby all served as co-marshals of the 2003 Rose Bowl Parade. Bill Cosby tells this great story of the parade. Despite Cosby's star power he said he was humbled that day. He, Art Linkletter and Mr. Rogers were all riding in back of a convertible waving to the huge crowds that lined either side of the parade route. As they approached and passed by, the crowds would begin applauding and cheering - not for him or for Linkletter - but for Mr. Rogers. The crowds would call out “Welcome to our neighborhood, Mr. Rogers”. Some would sing,” It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood”. Cosby recently said, “I just want you to know that Art Linkletter and I and Fred were riding in a '38 Packard in the Tournament of Roses parade, millions of people on both sides of the street for five and a half miles, and the one thing that I still remember is people waving and saying, 'Mister Rogers, welcome to the Neighborhood!'"
As for Bob Keeshan, most of us may remember he was also Clarabelle the Clown on the Howdy Doody Show before he played Captain Kangaroo on his own show. Keeshan spent a lot of time in Nashville years ago. I can’t recall why, probably music and book publishing, I’m not sure, but I think he had a residence here. Anyway, I met him once and would see him from time to time at music industry related events. His demeanor was the same as his TV character, Captain Kangaroo. A gentle spirit who owned any room the moment he walked in and immediately instilled a feeling of grace, gentleness and peace. I’m sure it was even more pronounced when Fred Rogers entered a room.
