Tom Junod Shares 4 Lessons Mister Rogers Taught Him about Life

When Tom Junod was assigned an interview with Mr. Rogers, never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that he would get the privilege to spend as much time with him as he did, let alone that he would be one of the main characters in the newly released film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. The film depicts the life of Fred Rogers. 

Junod recently sat down for an interview with Christian Headlines to talk about the life of Fred Rogers and what the television icon taught him.  

When asked what it was like to see his life portrayed on the silver screen, Junod is quick to respond.   

“It was surreal to watch my life and relationship with Mister Rogers play out,” he answered. Junod is a critically acclaimed journalist who has covered some of the top stories in American history, so when he was assigned a story covering Mr. Rogers, at first, he was begrudged. Soon, however, Junod would become fascinated with the PBS actor.

In 1998, Junod was in New York covering another story when he reached out to Mr. Rogers for an interview. He was surprised when Rogers invited him to stop by his New York apartment for the meeting. 

“Meeting Mister Rogers was special,” Junod said, and he taught him many things. Four major life qualities, however, stood out the most.

Here are four life qualities to keep in mind, as taught by Mr. Rogers:

1. Parent Well

Junod, who is a husband…