Whoever says Mr. Rogers is a complete bigot for not wanting Francois to come out, know it was because he loved him the way he was and didn't want the producers to fire him which they said they would do if he did. And also it was because of Mr. Rogers he could be who Francois is telling him he could never pray away who he is.This was a completely different time when it was thought gay could be cured and he knew better. I love you Mr. Rogers
FozzieatDetour BillNye Fred Rogers and his wife had many gay friends; they were never homophobic. Like you said, Fred knew that even though he accepted François the way he was, at the time, others (such as the show’s sponsors) would not. Of course, we all know that despite this, Fred accepted Clemmons regardless of public opinions on homosexuality at the time, which is much more that can be said about LGBTQ acceptance and overall acceptance of people who are different or unique as everyone is, which was always Fred’s message: there’s nobody on this earth exactly like you, and people can like you just the way you are.
In our time however, Rogers looks like he rolled over to his corporate sponsors and his producers. Was Fred Rogers incapable of producing (maybe he couldn't do that, I don't know)? He could write script, he could write songs, he could not direct or produce?
Anyone else cried when they showed François Clemmons in the the mister rogers exhibit with all the stuff they use in the show and the wax figure of Mister Rogers thinking about how much time already pass since mister rogers died
@@evangelinedouros254 the only time I ever cried over the death of a person I never met was when Fred Rogers passed....but people like Francois are helping to keep his spirit and legacy alive.
Dude, I'm from Chile. In here we never knew Mr Rogers. I just started to learn about him because the Tom Hanks Movie. After watching the documentary, I started to watch any piece I could find in CZcams, and I have to say, makes me feel a lot of emotions.
Nah... The angel underneath just burned through the human disguise and had to go back home. Once his new meat suit is complete, he'll come back and save us. :] Jokes aside, honestly Mr Rodgers almost makes me truly believe in god. He's what I'd image jesus to be like.
Wherever "Officer" Clemmons is right now, I want him to know that his arresting singing is a part of my soul. I watched this story and when he sang I remembered so deeply that the response brought me to tears. My young self never forgot the notes, and my older self is moved to hear it again.
You know, he does an Airbnb out of his house. I went up to see him and it was awesome...Francois is a wonderful host and I am honored to now call him my friend.
This is way too good of a clip for that type of show. Apparently Fred Rogers' superpower of spreading empathy, kindness, and tears of joy was contagious. I think Francois caught it by sharing a kiddie pool with him....
during the doc when he says " are you taking to me?" and mr. rogers replied "I've been saying I love you for two years now and you are just now getting it?"....tears...every time. God Bless Mr. Rogers and all of his neighbors.
My now 53 yr old daughter and I spent everyday with Mr. Rogers. She knew she had a friend! When he died I immediately called her, and we grieved together at the loss of this truly remarkable man!
God bless those who were on that show and all of us who were touched by such sweetness and unconditional love from that show. My childhood was greater because of it... the world is a better place due to the teachings of that wonderful show.
I agree. I wish the kids of today had an equivalent. As children we watched this as our beloved program. But I really don’t think we knew how deeply profound it is until we grew up and experience life for what it is.
Francois and Fred made a difference in millions of peoples lives. When he sings "There are Many Ways to say I Love You" I break down every time. Such a sweet gentle man and such a beautiful heart wrenching song and what a beautiful voice. Thank you Francois for your loving testimony.
I remember when I was little and heard Mr Rogers tell Francois that he was proud of him. I had a WICKED crush on Officer Clemmons. I was so happy to learn his first name and called my little boy doll Francois. I still have that doll. And I still have a wicked crush on Francois Clemmons. #Buttercup
Christ, this made me tear up. It felt good to express these emotions, something that I feel Mr. Rodgers would’ve loved, despite me not having known him or growing up on his show.
He was a life long Republican, but what it meant to be that didn't mean the same thing as it does in 2018. He also didn't impose the religious beliefs he had on others. Most people, in fact, didn't even know he was a minister, because he was both smart enough, and moral enough, to understand that all he really had any business preaching was love--and not in any specific form. He wasn't perfect. What Mr. Clemmons is leaving out is that Fred, while he was completely loving and supportive of François from a racial perspective, made a few mistakes in how he advised François about his sexuality. People should watch the documentary for more about that. But even the bad advice he gave him was rooted in Fred's desire to help.
The feels, the heart, the love, the hope, the legend. Bless your heart Francois Clemmons. God blessed you by sending you to Mister Rogers all those years ago.
Just knowing he wasnt homophobic and so open and kind and gentle gives a deeper connection,knowing i would not be judged because of something thats apart of me (mental illness and all) just changes the way i look at him even more in a good way. I was alwats bullied for my looks and was emotionally abused and never had a positive male role model or a positive model in general and its sad that i finally got around to finding out about him and his show at the age of 18 but its better late than never. Whike he may not be here just watching him and hearing these stories make me tear up and just watching a few episodes i feel so loved and cared about it even when hes passed on,he truely feels like a neighbor and a father figure to me. Thank you mr.rogers for everything youve done for everyone then and especially now whn things arent certain and the government is in a fire right now,thank you and bob ross for giving me a comfortable place and safe space when i dont have much of one especially during these hard times 💖
The meaning of life is to make as many positive interactions with other people as possible and to leave the world a little better. Fred fulfilled his lives meaning astoundingly.
I had the privilege of reading N.E.R's interview with François Clemmons and resonated with him. Unlike Fred, he had a traumatic childhood, and yet is able to radiate all this warmth and love and strength today. It mustn't have been an easy journey. As Fred used to sing, "Know that there's something deep inside that helps us become what we can." -- and I think François' life is proof of that. What an inspiration.
You can just tell he is such a fun person. His portion on the Mister Rogers documentary was comical and honest. I'm glad he has so many good memories of his time on the program.
This man listened to Fred Rogers and took the lessons to heart. When he was crying while talking about Mr. Rogers I cried with him. François has a beautiful spirit.
Francois, youre making me cry buddy. I grew up in Pittsburgh. I grew up attending Rodef Shalom, right near where you were filming these episodes. I grew up knowing Jamie Rogers. I grew up watching you. Thank you for being a part of my life!
Thank you for this CZcams video. It touched my heart and you are special! I watched you with my children. One is now 47, 45 and my 14 year old misses you tremendously! I certainly will get him Note to Buttercup. Your amazing! Thank you for being you! Sigird
When Francois Clemons sings “There’s a boat that’s leaving soon for New York” it’s my favorite cover of the song and one of my favorite songs on the show
I actually saw this as a kid and at the time I thought it was weird seeing to old men soaking their feet. I was kind of a weird kid and seeing this then was like seeing 2 men skinny dip for me. Obviously bare feet seemed weird. After seeing it now I think its the most beautiful thing that 2 of the kindest men saw no color. Im glad Mr. Rogers did this. Sadly I grew up with a racist father and I wish I saw the true meaning as Mr. Rogers was always a great teacher. Maybe I understand it more because of the legacy. Beautiful. I dont know if Francois ever been married but I think he's very lucky if nothing else to find a brother in Mr. Rogers.
Francois WAS married to a woman at one point, but the marriage didn't work out and they divorced. Apparently, he married a woman in order to try to hide his homosexuality from those who wouldn't accept his orientation.
Thank you for restoring my faith in Humanity today… been at the end of my rope… moved to Pittsburgh (ironically), to get away from toxic family after a long battle with cancer. Every day I see the cruelness the world has to offer, and I have grown weary… thank you.
I saw an astronaut say that a tear could "technically" turn into a floating salt-water bubble in space. Put me in space, put this on, (or anything with Mr. Rogers) and my space capsule would look like an aquarium, lol! 😅 I cry so hard watching this stuff that the tears FALL out of my eyes & land on my shirt or floor!! I 💘 Mister Rogers Neighborhood! 😍
Mr. Rogers is a beautiful soul. I never met him but I watched his shows almost daily when I was a kid (I’m now 34). God bless him, there’s no doubt that he advanced into a dimension of reality which is humans call “heaven”.
Well, did or does Francois have a show of his own. Seems like about the closest one who really could take over for Mr. Rogers. Someone to carrie on that legacy. Someone to basically pass the torch to. I can't think of anyone else who is probably as worthy.
When he told him he was so proud of him, it was because Francois 4:28 was finally accepting who he was and was coming out. Fred never hated. Not one hate bone in his body. Watching his show and seeing him grow as a person too and becoming more open. Was beautiful. He was such a beautiful soul.
Like many children born in the 1960s through to the 80s, maybe into the 90s, I used to watch *"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood".* One of my favourite characters from the TV show was "Officer" Francois Clemmons. It didn't bother me that he was black, it didn't bother me that he was gay. He was one of my favourite people from the children's TV series.
All the PBS shows had black actors, and that was apparently rare in the late 60s and early 70s. Sesame Street had Gordon & Susan, and Electric Company had Morgan Freeman and Bill Cosby.
Whoever says Mr. Rogers is a complete bigot for not wanting Francois to come out, know it was because he loved him the way he was and didn't want the producers to fire him which they said they would do if he did. And also it was because of Mr. Rogers he could be who Francois is telling him he could never pray away who he is.This was a completely different time when it was thought gay could be cured and he knew better. I love you Mr. Rogers
FozzieatDetour BillNye Fred Rogers and his wife had many gay friends; they were never homophobic. Like you said, Fred knew that even though he accepted François the way he was, at the time, others (such as the show’s sponsors) would not. Of course, we all know that despite this, Fred accepted Clemmons regardless of public opinions on homosexuality at the time, which is much more that can be said about LGBTQ acceptance and overall acceptance of people who are different or unique as everyone is, which was always Fred’s message: there’s nobody on this earth exactly like you, and people can like you just the way you are.
In our time however, Rogers looks like he rolled over to his corporate sponsors and his producers. Was Fred Rogers incapable of producing (maybe he couldn't do that, I don't know)? He could write script, he could write songs, he could not direct or produce?
thats a crock fred Rodgers hired him and so he stayed. officer clemons had mr Rodgers in his corner so his part on the show was safe.
I think Fred could not let Francois come out because he would have chased off the air at that time.People just were not ready for this.
Fred did break barriers by having him on
Anyone else cried when they showed François Clemmons in the the mister rogers exhibit with all the stuff they use in the show and the wax figure of Mister Rogers thinking about how much time already pass since mister rogers died
Jace Obeya I would love to know what was running through his mind
Jace Obeya You know I did, friend. I was crying before that.
I myself stood there a few months ago. It was quite emotional seeing him there. People like Fred and Francois continue to inspire me.
I have been crying since fred Rogers died
@@evangelinedouros254 the only time I ever cried over the death of a person I never met was when Fred Rogers passed....but people like Francois are helping to keep his spirit and legacy alive.
It seems that the male host at the end got a little choked up. Me too.
Dude, I'm from Chile. In here we never knew Mr Rogers. I just started to learn about him because the Tom Hanks Movie. After watching the documentary, I started to watch any piece I could find in CZcams, and I have to say, makes me feel a lot of emotions.
He always sounds that way. 😊
We literally watched Mr. Rogers grow old every week. As we grew up, he grew old. Without his light in the world, we've gone into a darker place
His relatives are still making TV even now. The new show is Daniel tigers neighborhood.
James, Not if you carry it with you. :)
It's our job as his neighbors to carry that light and spread his love to other neighborhoods
I’m a relatively knew neighbour. The lights being passed on still.
hello neighbours
Love from the UK
Nah...
The angel underneath just burned through the human disguise and had to go back home.
Once his new meat suit is complete, he'll come back and save us.
:]
Jokes aside, honestly Mr Rodgers almost makes me truly believe in god. He's what I'd image jesus to be like.
33 year old man here with tears streaming down his face 😭
I’m going on 39.. former gang member & ex convict (11yrs) and I feel the same way. We need more of this on CZcams, social media 🙏💯
@@jefreetaleno323you my dear lad or lass, are a great one.
Wherever "Officer" Clemmons is right now, I want him to know that his arresting singing is a part of my soul. I watched this story and when he sang I remembered so deeply that the response brought me to tears. My young self never forgot the notes, and my older self is moved to hear it again.
You know, he does an Airbnb out of his house. I went up to see him and it was awesome...Francois is a wonderful host and I am honored to now call him my friend.
I cried along with you man, takes us back. Sad the kids now will never know either of these great men.
"You are who you are, and it can *not* be prayed away."
This is way too good of a clip for that type of show.
Apparently Fred Rogers' superpower of spreading empathy, kindness, and tears of joy was contagious. I think Francois caught it by sharing a kiddie pool with him....
during the doc when he says " are you taking to me?" and mr. rogers replied "I've been saying I love you for two years now and you are just now getting it?"....tears...every time. God Bless Mr. Rogers and all of his neighbors.
My now 53 yr old daughter and I spent everyday with Mr. Rogers. She knew she had a friend! When he died I immediately called her, and we grieved together at the loss of this truly remarkable man!
Mr. Rogers was such a sweet kind man who loved everybody regardless who you where or what you liked. I'm sure God is rewarding him in Heaven
Francois Clemmons is the Artist-in-Residence at my alma-mater. You'll never meet anyone more fun or focused on music.
God bless those who were on that show and all of us who were touched by such sweetness and unconditional love from that show. My childhood was greater because of it... the world is a better place due to the teachings of that wonderful show.
I agree. I wish the kids of today had an equivalent. As children we watched this as our beloved program. But I really don’t think we knew how deeply profound it is until we grew up and experience life for what it is.
I actually watched this segment 3 times. The name "Buttercup" definitely got my attention. I enjoyed the way he told his story.
Angelique Collins yeah hes a great story teller! It felt so personal like you grew up with him
Mr. Clemons was such an integral and gifted member oif the Neighborhood. His love flows from him to us.
I met Francois and stayed at his house once...I can tell you that he is one cool dude!
PJ DiMaria oohhh!! Tell us more!
Please. 💖
Mr Rogers is greatly missed!
silver70 his legacy and message need to carry on
Francois and Fred made a difference in millions of peoples lives. When he sings "There are Many Ways to say I Love You" I break down every time. Such a sweet gentle man and such a beautiful heart wrenching song and what a beautiful voice. Thank you Francois for your loving testimony.
I remember when I was little and heard Mr Rogers tell Francois that he was proud of him.
I had a WICKED crush on Officer Clemmons. I was so happy to learn his first name and called my little boy doll Francois.
I still have that doll.
And I still have a wicked crush on Francois Clemmons. #Buttercup
Christ, this made me tear up. It felt good to express these emotions, something that I feel Mr. Rodgers would’ve loved, despite me not having known him or growing up on his show.
Kevin Rivera Absolutely he would. Only real men cry, btw. :)
°~•♡•~°
And Kevin, it was Christ in Fred Rogers' life that made our lives more meaningful and simple .
1:42
It’s ok man, we all could also cry remembering this beautiful man and his legacy :’(
😢 I’m crying as well. I’m 54 years young grown woman from Atlanta. Love Mr. Rogers as a kid. Now I can see how much she was so love.❤❤❤
Mr. Rogers wasn’t liberal or conservative: he let love lead.
As we all should.
We all should
We all should!!
He was a life long Republican, but what it meant to be that didn't mean the same thing as it does in 2018. He also didn't impose the religious beliefs he had on others. Most people, in fact, didn't even know he was a minister, because he was both smart enough, and moral enough, to understand that all he really had any business preaching was love--and not in any specific form.
He wasn't perfect. What Mr. Clemmons is leaving out is that Fred, while he was completely loving and supportive of François from a racial perspective, made a few mistakes in how he advised François about his sexuality. People should watch the documentary for more about that. But even the bad advice he gave him was rooted in Fred's desire to help.
WileyCoyote69 I don't think he hated gay people
The feels, the heart, the love, the hope, the legend. Bless your heart Francois Clemmons. God blessed you by sending you to Mister Rogers all those years ago.
"God Just Wanted a Neighbour" so Mister Rogers was Called.
arthur dsouza cool man. Wasn’t teary enough as it was.
😭😭😭😭😭😭
All that emotion in that larger-than-life voice! Officer Clemmons was one of my favorites on Mister Rogers.
For some reason this made me cry.
Cherokee C. C. Cry for love w’ve experienced and love we lack..
Crying over this clip is nothing to feel ashamed about.
Just knowing he wasnt homophobic and so open and kind and gentle gives a deeper connection,knowing i would not be judged because of something thats apart of me (mental illness and all) just changes the way i look at him even more in a good way.
I was alwats bullied for my looks and was emotionally abused and never had a positive male role model or a positive model in general and its sad that i finally got around to finding out about him and his show at the age of 18 but its better late than never.
Whike he may not be here just watching him and hearing these stories make me tear up and just watching a few episodes i feel so loved and cared about it even when hes passed on,he truely feels like a neighbor and a father figure to me.
Thank you mr.rogers for everything youve done for everyone then and especially now whn things arent certain and the government is in a fire right now,thank you and bob ross for giving me a comfortable place and safe space when i dont have much of one especially during these hard times 💖
That's the spirit!
I'm loving his jewelry. I'm loving him. The kids today need Mr Rogers
The meaning of life is to make as many positive interactions with other people as possible and to leave the world a little better. Fred fulfilled his lives meaning astoundingly.
I recommend everyone watching this to see the documentary on HBO about Fred Rogers. The love of Christ was shown through this man. ❤️
I had the privilege of reading N.E.R's interview with François Clemmons and resonated with him. Unlike Fred, he had a traumatic childhood, and yet is able to radiate all this warmth and love and strength today. It mustn't have been an easy journey. As Fred used to sing, "Know that there's something deep inside that helps us become what we can." -- and I think François' life is proof of that. What an inspiration.
You can just tell he is such a fun person. His portion on the Mister Rogers documentary was comical and honest. I'm glad he has so many good memories of his time on the program.
‘You are who you are, and it can not be prayed away.’
I needed to hear that, and will live positively on that.
This was beautiful
💕💕💕His tears! Such a beautiful man. Man, I love his singing. It's amazing.
Both great men. I love Mr. Clemmons' personality. He's just so fabulous!
Yes I love his personality. Could listen to him talk for hours.
This man listened to Fred Rogers and took the lessons to heart. When he was crying while talking about Mr. Rogers I cried with him. François has a beautiful spirit.
I remember françois clemmons and his beautiful voice. So glad I got to see this excerpt from his beginnings on the mister Rogers neighborhood show.
Ohhh the tears! ❤
So special he was. Mr Rogers was an escape for me. Thank you ❤️
Francois, youre making me cry buddy. I grew up in Pittsburgh. I grew up attending Rodef Shalom, right near where you were filming these episodes. I grew up knowing Jamie Rogers. I grew up watching you. Thank you for being a part of my life!
I'm reading his book right now. This video is so full of heart. ❤️
Thank you so much, Officer Clemmons, for this wonderfully moving tribute to one of my all time heroes. I have now inducted you into those ranks!!!
Fantastic singer!!! So glad your life was impacted by Mr. Rodgers
Thank you for this CZcams video. It touched my heart
and you are special! I watched you with my children. One is now 47, 45 and my 14 year old misses you tremendously! I certainly will get him Note to Buttercup. Your amazing! Thank you for being you! Sigird
Dagmar Sigrid Manon de Nijs - Blake wow 47, 45 and 14??
Omg I just want to meet him and give him a hug. I loved when he'd visit.
When Francois Clemons sings “There’s a boat that’s leaving soon for New York” it’s my favorite cover of the song and one of my favorite songs on the show
Amazing. Though there's one thing about this that bothers me: that ad on the store door for raisin pie. Who could possibly want raisin pie?
I would
Many people. Especially those who enjoy mincemeat pies on Christmas or Black Bun for Hogmanay.
What a beautiful humble person thank you Francois you make the world a better place
Wow. This is awesome. Great singing and great to see my neighbor, Mr. Rogers.
I actually saw this as a kid and at the time I thought it was weird seeing to old men soaking their feet. I was kind of a weird kid and seeing this then was like seeing 2 men skinny dip for me. Obviously bare feet seemed weird. After seeing it now I think its the most beautiful thing that 2 of the kindest men saw no color. Im glad Mr. Rogers did this. Sadly I grew up with a racist father and I wish I saw the true meaning as Mr. Rogers was always a great teacher. Maybe I understand it more because of the legacy. Beautiful. I dont know if Francois ever been married but I think he's very lucky if nothing else to find a brother in Mr. Rogers.
Francois WAS married to a woman at one point, but the marriage didn't work out and they divorced. Apparently, he married a woman in order to try to hide his homosexuality from those who wouldn't accept his orientation.
He is gay.
He is BEAUTIFUL and I love this man
.
@@Michelle-pn9xt ....Gay people can get married, you know.
Awesome. Just awesome. 💙💙💙
precious
Thank you for restoring my faith in Humanity today… been at the end of my rope… moved to Pittsburgh (ironically), to get away from toxic family after a long battle with cancer. Every day I see the cruelness the world has to offer, and I have grown weary… thank you.
Love his voice 💕
I loved seeing Officer Clemmons on Mr. Rogers
Neighborhood!
Too beautiful. Hope Mr. Rogers was my neighbor.
He is everyone's neighbor ♥️
I saw an astronaut say that a tear could "technically" turn into a floating salt-water bubble in space. Put me in space, put this on, (or anything with Mr. Rogers) and my space capsule would look like an aquarium, lol! 😅 I cry so hard watching this stuff that the tears FALL out of my eyes & land on my shirt or floor!! I 💘 Mister Rogers Neighborhood! 😍
love love love this
11 people didn’t grow up watching mr Rogers ‼️💯
Mr. Rogers is a beautiful soul. I never met him but I watched his shows almost daily when I was a kid (I’m now 34). God bless him, there’s no doubt that he advanced into a dimension of reality which is humans call “heaven”.
i cant wait to c the movie n the doc was so good.
I was 6 when he retired. Great memories watching his show.
I just remember him singing he had a beautiful voice.
Mr. Rogers *THANK YOU.*
Mister Rogers was a forward thinking man.
How beautifully written.
What a great singer.
Hard to watch through tears
Beautiful, François.
Well, did or does Francois have a show of his own. Seems like about the closest one who really could take over for Mr. Rogers. Someone to carrie on that legacy. Someone to basically pass the torch to. I can't think of anyone else who is probably as worthy.
Amazing
I cried
Beautiful ❤️
I appreciate this guy.
Thank you
Brilliance..And Radiance😢😀😀😢😀🌷🌷🌷
I remember this man on the shows.
WHAT A STORY!
I love his singing too
What a beautiful letter. :’)
Damn Clemmons sure can sing!
When he told him he was so proud of him, it was because Francois 4:28 was finally accepting who he was and was coming out. Fred never hated. Not one hate bone in his body. Watching his show and seeing him grow as a person too and becoming more open. Was beautiful. He was such a beautiful soul.
Fred Roger was the greatest Human ever.
You are a good person
❤💛💚💙💜
Absolutely
Like many children born in the 1960s through to the 80s, maybe into the 90s, I used to watch *"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood".* One of my favourite characters from the TV show was "Officer" Francois Clemmons. It didn't bother me that he was black, it didn't bother me that he was gay. He was one of my favourite people from the children's TV series.
i love you so much.
❤️❤️❤️
I miss that train 😢
God I miss him.😥😪
I think if Mr. Rogers would have been president, there would have been World Peace.
Carlos Zenon No such thing
8 Years in truth, don't know if it could be mantained
Love you Buttercup
Wow
Does WQED still house the Mister Rogers set pieces?
I believe they do. I might be wrong but it is my understanding that the set remain intact and untouched. ( expect for maintaining)
Looks like Ben Carson in that scene 4:19
All the PBS shows had black actors, and that was apparently rare in the late 60s and early 70s. Sesame Street had Gordon & Susan, and Electric Company had Morgan Freeman and Bill Cosby.
I like you just the way you are 🎉 Amazing ❤x
Ohhhh Buttercup, giiiirrl.
I love this show even though it wasn’t my generation.
I remember officer clemmons. I:)