Iconic TV role: David Newell

Americans who were children at the right time or had children of their own then might recall David Newell from his role as Mr. McFeeley, the avuncular speedy delivery man on the kiddie show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."

The show itself began on Canadian TV in 1963 and moved to the USA in 1967. Its appeal gave the program great staying power; it ran until 2001 and became the longest-running PBS program ever, thanks mainly to the genuine kindliness of its star, Fred Rogers, who also was a Presbyterian minister.

Newell originally signed onto the show as its PR representative and prop man. Then he found his way in front of the camera and played his role for three decades. His character appeared dressed in what looked similar to an old-fashioned Western Union uniform. Newell outlasted Mr. Rogers, who died of cancer at age 74 in 2003.