Fred Rogers, celebrated host of `Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' dies at 74
Mr. Rogers worked in broadcasting for more than 50 years, but he's best known for the 33 years he spent writing and starring in PBS's "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."

On television he was ever tolerant and always understanding, and that carried over to his humble real-life demeanor. His persona was no act. There are no stories of him turning into a raging tyrant behind-the-scenes. By all accounts, he was the same soft-spoken person on the air and off.

"It's been a privilege to pass on the good stuff that was given to me, and television has really been a fine vehicle for that," Mr. Rogers said before recording his last episode of the "Neighborhood" in fall 2000. He pointed to a frame on the wall of his office: "Life Is for Service."
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