He was different.

He wasn't controversial. He didn't cause headlines for being involved in a sexual harassment lawsuit or being arrested because of domestic abuse.

Fred Rogers truly was a role model.

Some may have called him wimpy and frail. Comedians even parodied his tame and meekish lifestyle.

So what?

Here was a man who not only had solid beliefs, but who also passed them on to children for the better half of the 20th century.

I diligently watched Mr. Rogers as a child, along with shows like Sesame Street. Each had programs within the program to teach children important values in life, along with instilling healthy doses of self confidence.

But it was Mr. Rogers, and his cast of make-believe characters that brought the show to life for many young children.

The first part of the show was always the same: starting out with the familiar theme song that many of us know, which ended by saying "Please won't you be my neighbor."

Then, as he was finishing tieing his sneakers, he would look into the camera and say 'Hi neighbor.'

Instantly, there was this connection between Mr. Rogers and viewer, no matter what the age. When he was feeding his fish, it felt you were alongside him.

When the trolley would go into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, it felt you were also going through the tunnel into a new world where you could learn one of many valuable lessons in life.

People like Daniel Tiger, Lady Elaine or even King Friday were mediums that many children could relate with. The puppet-like characters came to life, many times through the voice of Mr. Rogers himself.

The show peaked in popularity in the mid-80s, when 8 percent of all American households tuned in. Of course, people like comedian Eddie Murphy began imitating Mr. Rogers.

But Mr. Rogers didn't get angry, retaliate in the newspapers or file a lawsuit. He turned the other cheek and, in fact, said he was amused by such antics.

By the end of his career, Mr. Rogers -- who was also an ordained Presbyterian minister -- would rack up four Emmys, a lifetime achievement award from the TV academy and a George Foster Peabody Award.

And this past July, Mr. Rogers was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest award and average Joe like us could ever receive.

Who's wimpy now?

The measure of a man isn't about wearing a cardigan and sneakers. It's about living your life as an example for others to follow.

And without question, America's most popular neighbor was that example.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at :mailto:dan.fields@austindailyherald.com