David Newell

For the American journalist (1898-1986), see David McCheyne Newell.

David Newell
Newell as Mr. McFeely
Born	November 24, 1938 (1938-11-24) (age 72) 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.^{[citation needed]} He tours the country to this day, promoting Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as Mr. McFeely.^[1]

Newell was born in O'Hara Township, Pennsylvania. 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]

Quotes

"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]

References

1. ^ "Neighborhood News". Family Communications. http://www.fci.org/newsletter/readnews.asp?ID=37&newsletterID=10. Retrieved January 16, 2008. ^{[dead link]}
2. ^ Slattery, Holden (Fall 2008). "Speedy Delivery". Pitt Magazine (Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh). http://www.pittmag.pitt.edu/?p=263. Retrieved 2009-09-15 
3. ^ Speedy Delivery Film
4. ^ The Tartan Online : *Speedy Delivery*
5. ^ Yale Daily News - Music student pens Mister Rogers score
6. ^ "Staff Bios". Family Communications. http://www.fci.org/viewcontent.asp?sectionID=3&subsectionID={C4741AE9-B471-40AE-B594-E7BFE5A26C5B}&subsubsectionID={5B10796F-A045-46F3-A004-06DDCB1AE875}. Retrieved January 16, 2008. ^{[dead link]}

External links

• David Newell at the Internet Movie Database
• A downloadable audio interview with Mr. McFeely actor and Family Communications Inc. Public Relations Director David Newell. From Wisconsin Public Television.
• "'Mr. Speedy Delivery' talks about his neighborhood". CNN. 2001-08-31. http://archives.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/TV/08/31/mcfeely.chat.cnna/. Retrieved January 16, 2008. 
• Vancheri, Barbara (2004-02-26). "Speedy Mr. McFeely extends the legacy of Mister Rogers". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/tv/20040226newell0226p2.asp. Retrieved January 16, 2008. 
• Vancheri, Barbara (2008-04-09). "'Special 'Delivery': Documentary follows Mr. McFeely as he carries the message of Fred Rogers". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08100/871497-42.stm. Retrieved April 27, 2008. 

Persondata
Name	Newell, David
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	November 24, 1938
Place of birth	O'Hara Township, Pennsylvania
Date of death
Place of death