Fred Rogers, also known as Mr. Rogers, was an American television producer best known for hosting the preschool series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He was born on March 20, 1928, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to James and Nancy Rogers. His family owned the McFeely Brick Company which was one of the biggest businesses in town. Even though Rogers’s family was relatively well-off, he had a difficult childhood. He overcame his shyness in high school and made friends while also being the president of the student council.
After graduating from high school, Rogers attended Dartmouth College for a year before moving to Rollins College to study music. Not long after he got his start at NBC, Rogers went back to Pittsburgh to work for PBS on children’s programs. He developed a couple of children’s shows for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before finally creating his highly acclaimed series, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The show was one of the longest-running and most awarded programs on television, dominating the screens for more than 30 years.
Throughout his entire career, Rogers was praised for his work with child development and television programs. He received numerous honorary degrees and awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Emmy and being inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. In 2002, Rogers was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom which is the highest civilian award of the United States. Even after his death, Rogers’ work and legacy continued to influence many writers, producers, and children.
Unlike other famous personalities, Rogers’ personal life and career remained clean and wholesome even after his passing. However, it didn’t mean that he was free from speculations. Although he was married, many people assumed that Rogers was a homosexual due to his soft and gentle personality. So, was Mr. Rogers gay? Let’s uncover the person behind the character below.
VOTE: What was Mr. Rogers’ Sexuality?
Mr. Rogers’ Personal Life
In 1952, Rogers met his future wife, Sara Joanne Byrd, while studying at Rollins College. The pair tied the knot and remained married until his passing in 2003. They accomplished many things together throughout their lives including having two sons and working together on Rogers’ programs. According to biographers, Rogers was “absolutely faithful” to Byrd and never once went astray or did anything to disrespect his marriage vows.
There are also plenty of interesting things about Rogers. In addition to being colorblind, he was a vegetarian as well and protested the wearing of animal fur. The television host was also a conservative Republican and religious, but never imposed his views on anyone. Rogers also answered every single fan letter sent to him by hand.
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster”, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.”
Archive clip of Fred Rogers, TIME, 2019
Mr. Rogers’ Gay Allegations
There were many speculations stating that Rogers was gay. While none of them were true, it was well-known that the host had many gay friends. François Clemmons, who appeared on the show with Rogers as Officer Clemmons, was a closeted gay during the airing of the series. According to Clemmons, Rogers knew about his true sexuality but discouraged him from coming out to protect himself and the program’s viewers.
Sacrifice was a part of my destiny. In other words, I did not want to be a shame to my race. I didn’t want to be a scandal to the show. I didn’t want to hurt the man who was giving me so much, and I also knew the value as a black performer of having this show, this platform. Black actors and actresses—SAG and Equity—90 percent of them are not working. If you know that and here you are, on a national platform you’re gonna sabotage yourself?”
François Clemmons, Vanity Fair, 2018
Despite his views, Clemmons didn’t consider Rogers to be homophobic. The actor insisted that his colleague didn’t judge him and only gave advice based on the political and social situation at the time.
The times have changed significantly. But you cannot underestimate the shunning that was happening to people who had the audacity to express their love for the same-sex back in 1965, ‘67, ‘68, ‘69. That era—there was so much negative activity in this country against gay people.”
François Clemmons, Vanity Fair, 2018
Clemmons also revealed that Rogers encouraged him to get married. The actor eventually did marry, but still got divorced years down the road. Clemmons also shared that he considered Rogers as a surrogate father and a spiritual friend.
I think what you get from Fred—I certainly did—is that he didn’t judge. . . . I talked to him about something I had never spoken to anybody about, and that is that I wanted to have children. He’s the one who said to me, “You need to think very clearly about this, what it is that you want.” … red was the one who said to me, “Be very clear on what you want to do, and do it, understanding that there will be those who can accept and those who cannot.” Fortunately, I’ve never found anybody who did not accept it.”
François Clemmons, Vanity Fair, 2018
Was Mr. Rogers Gay?
No, Mr. Rogers wasn’t gay. He was married to Joanne Byrd for most of his life and they had two sons together. Despite his soft personality and his defiance of anything macho, Rogers was considered to be straight.
Featured Image: “Mr. Rogers”, by Unknown Author, licensed under CC0 1.0 DEED