In this interview, I talk with Dr. François Clemmons. You know him best for playing the iconic character of Officer Clemmons on Mister Rogers Neighborhood! As Dr. Clemmons prepared to release his first book, a memoir entitled Officer Clemmons, I had the opportunity to chat with him about a little bit of everything … from very openly discussing his experiences navigating his personal life and his role in Mister Rogers Neighborhood with respect to his sexual orientation and race, to sharing stories about his childhood and literary influences. We laugh, we cry, and everything in between. My cheeks have never hurt like this after an interview from smiling so broadly … so, trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss!
- 2:09 - Dr. Clemmons discusses what he may have done differently, looking back on his life
- 4:17 - Dr. Clemmons talks about navigating his sexual orientation & race in both his personal life & his role as Officer Clemmons, as well as building a relationship with Fred Rogers
- 18:12 - The influence of family (& destiny!) on who Dr. Clemmons grew up to be
- 26:20 - Dr. Clemmons discusses the process of writing his memoir & his natural storytelling ability/influences
- 34:51 - Why Dr. Clemmons wants to share such a personal story with the world & his unique perspective on Fred Rogers
- 45:35 - Dr. Clemmons sings!
- 45:55 - What Dr. Clemmons learned from his mother, reading, & other life experiences
- 52:00 - How Fred Rogers taught Dr. Clemmons the power of unconditional love
- 53:00 - Dr. Clemmons discusses teaching at Middlebury College & other accomplishments
- 59:23 - Dr. Clemmons shares a few more literary influences
