Mr. Rogers Tom Hanks

Mr. Rogers was a friend to millions of American children. Many of us either grew up watching his show or had children who watched it. “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” was a staple program in homes across the country for decades. Now, the man who taught so many of us how to be a good friend is going to be the subject of a movie titled You Are My Friend.

Fred Rogers had a message of compassion and understanding that is still relevant and badly needed in today’s toxic and emotionally charged climate.

The movie will focus on Mr. Rogers’s friendship with award-winning journalist Tom Junod. They met when Junod was writing a profile piece on the beloved television host. The journalist was rather cynical, but his friendship with Fred Rogers helped transform his life.

Hannah Minghella, president of TriStar Pictures said of the film, “This is the perfect alchemy of talent coming together at the perfect time to remind us all of the transformative power of kindness and respect to heal and to unite.”

The choice of the actor who will play Fred Rogers is also being cheered. Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks has stepped up to the challenge of portraying the childhood icon.

Hanks is not your typical Hollywood star. When the rest of Hollywood was joining the Resistance after President Trump was elected, Hanks was the grown-up and said that he wants Trump to succeed and was hopeful that he would vote for his re-election in 2020. Hanks voted for Hillary Clinton but immediately came to terms with the fact that Trump won.

Mr. Rogers would likely not be thrilled with how so many relationships have broken down in today’s world because of a failure to communicate and listen. He was a master of this. One of his most memorable moments from the show was meeting a boy named Jeff who used an electric wheelchair. That video is below.

This movie will be interesting as it will bring perspective to a friendship Mr. Rogers had with another adult who isn’t cheerful as he is. Perhaps, it will motivate us to take time to understand and be compassionate.

Mr. Rogers passed away in 2003. It’s hard to imagine that it has been 15 years since his death at age 74. Given the subject of this movie and Hanks being cast as Rogers, it is likely to be a cinematic success as many will want to rekindle their memories of Mr. Rogers’s neighborhood.

Source: USA Today

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