Google's feel-good tribute to 'Mister Rogers' is melting hearts
It’s been more than 15 years since his death in February 2003, but Fred Rogers is undeniably the man of the hour right now.
The beloved children’s TV host has recently inspired a documentary (Won’t You Be My Neighbor?), a series of stamps, and an upcoming film in which he’ll be played by Tom Hanks (2019’s You Are My Friend).
Now he’s scored his very own Google Doodle in honor of a special anniversary only the most avid Rogers fans would know. Sept. 21, 2018, marks 51 years since the first episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed, though it wouldn’t actually air until Feb. 19, 1968.
It’s a beautiful day in this Neighborhood! Today’s #GoogleDoodle celebrates #MisterRogers, who taught children & adults across the US the power of love, kindness, acceptance, & a good sweater. 😊→ https://t.co/dcJS1Vr5tq pic.twitter.com/NMxxe6me45
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) September 21, 2018
Visitors to the search engine are being treated to a kid-friendly (and big-kid-friendly) stop-motion animated short with a soundtrack of Rogers’s famous vocals to “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” and featuring cameos from Neighborhood of Make-Believe favorites like King Friday XIII.
The video also includes a feel-good message of self-acceptance.
“You help to make each day a special day by just your being yourself,” Rogers says. “There’s nobody else in the whole world who’s exactly like you, and people can like you exactly as you are.”
If that made you reach for a Kleenex, trust that you’re not alone.
Just saw the "Mr. Rogers" Google Doodle. I'm not crying, you are…😭😭😭https://t.co/djhWDUq9km
— Kemi! (@Kemi_VB) September 21, 2018
Such an incredible job done by @GoogleDoodles Just opened Google, clicked on it, and my heart melted.
— Anthony Despain (@asdespain) September 21, 2018
Me after watching he Mister Rogers Google doodle… pic.twitter.com/SRJOlGlVNa
— Margarita Hernandez (@Mhernandez287) September 21, 2018
I grew up watching Mister Rogers. I just saw today's Google Doodle and I'm smiling because I was so lucky to have him raise me. I didn't listen to my mom. I listened to Mister Rogers. TV is powerful.
— LadyL RN ??🌊 (@LadyLecondoliak) September 21, 2018
Imagine how different the world would be if all children were spoken to like this from the day they were born. It's so easy, and it's free. Sniff. "Mister Rogers" #GoogleDoodle https://t.co/KOKt0OQMtQ
— That's All, Brother. (@ThatsAllBrother) September 21, 2018
“Mister Rogers” Ok so I’m gonna act like I wasn’t 5 again and singing them words by heart in tears and just go back to my 44 year old business 😔 #Google #MisterRogers
— Tanya Von (@tanya_von) September 21, 2018
Nicely played, Google. Nicely played.
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