WithMister Rogers ' Neighborhood , Fred Rogers invited viewers into a world of his creation . But as anyone who was affect by the show can tell you , that land of make - believe was the reference of many meaningful material - life sentence moments . Not just for the consultation , but also for those who helped make it .
François Clemmons , who played series regular Officer Clemmons , recently sat down with ally Karl Lindholm to record an audience forStoryCorps . Their short talk is deep illuminating and affect , and reaffirm everything you already knew about Rogers as a force for good in children ’s telly ( and the world ) .
William Penn Adair Rogers first approached Clemmons in 1968 after hear him sing in church . Clemmons was a graduate student at the clip and hesitated when Rogers asked him to join the show . He accept upon finding out it was a paying gig , and became the first African American with a recurring part on a tyke ’s series .
Clemmons was onMister Rogers ’ Neighborhoodfor the next 25 eld as he concurrently maintained a calling as a professional singer , but another level of contention almost preserve the character from happening . Clemmons told Lindholm that when Rogers suggested he play a constabulary officer , “ That form of stopped me in my tracks . I grew up in the ghetto , and I did not have a positive opinion of police officer . ”
Even after live the function , the doer was n’t indisputable his portraiture would have a electropositive influence , but says in the consultation that he was proven incorrect . He also says that in Rogers , he ground a “ acquaintance for life . ”
heed to the full interview below . you could also watch a memorable fit with Clemmons and Rogershere . ( give-and-take to the wise to : Have some Kleenex ready . )
