After decades teaching children kindness, resilience, curiosity, and joyfulness, Rogers ended his show in 2001.

He was diagnosed with stomach cancer and died the next year at age 74.

In the years since, love and affection for Mister Rogers has only grown.

Tom Hanks (Finalized)

Credit: Lacey Terrell/Sony

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Lacey Terrell/TriStar Pictures

Fred Rogers and David Newell in costume on porch set of Mister R

Lynn Johnson/Focus Features