The Very Specific Reason Why Mister Rogers Always Kept His Weight At 143 Pounds
The beloved performer and educator had a special affinity for the number 143
One of the most beloved figures in American history was Fred Rogers. Lovingly called Mister Rogers, the educator, author and minister was best known for the eponymous Mister Rogers Neighborhood young children’s television program that ran on PBS for 33 years (1968–2001). A man known for his kindness and an incredibly even temper, he had at least one unusual characteristic — his obsession with a number that resulted in insisting that he always maintain his weight at exactly 143 pounds.
Generations of American children grew up learning the basics of humanity and social interactions from Rogers. His show served as an introductory point for the basics of socialization, including more complex matters like divorce and race. Simultaneously, he managed to be unfailingly wholesome and transformational for impressionable kids.
Plenty of people have favorite numbers, but in doing so they usually have reasons why. Luck, birthdays or favorite sports hero jersey numbers are among the most common. 143 may seem like an unusual number to favor but Rogers had a very specific reason for doing so. According to The Fred Rogers Center, his devotion to the…
