| David Newell | |
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Newell as Mr. McFeely |
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| Born | November 24, 1938 O'Hara Township, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1968–present |
David Newell (born November 24, 1938) is a television actor who is remembered for his career as Mr. McFeely, the delivery man on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His character's most famous catchphrase was "Speedy Delivery!" This was Newell's major role, but not his only one as he appeared in small film and TV parts throughout the years. He tours the country to this day, promoting Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as Mr. McFeely.[1]
Newell was born in O'Hara Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh,[2] he is the director of public relations for Family Communications, Inc. Newell now resides in Pittsburgh. He used to be an English teacher at Wilkinsburg JR/SR High school.
He began his acting career in a theatre school known as the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Through connections made there, he eventually met Fred Rogers. He was originally hired onto the show as a public relations manager, and while he did serve that function Rogers saw fit to also cast him in the role of Mr. McFeely. As a result of this he and Rogers became lifelong friends until Rogers' death in 2003.[3]
A documentary feature about Newell entitled Speedy Delivery, which chronicles his travels around the world as Mr. McFeely, debuted on public television in 2008.[4][5]
"Working with Fred Rogers was like receiving a master’s degree in child development. Fred taught by example, and he was subtle—but suddenly you’d realize that, after working side by side with him, your knowledge base had expanded almost beyond description."[6]
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