What Oscar-nominated actor appeared on MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD as Black and White Panda in the mid-70s?
The beloved children’s series MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD is, quite frankly, an American institution. Original episodes ran from 1968 to 2001 and it is still in repeats on many PBS stations. Fred Rogers is a pop culture icon, a man who taught thousands (dare I say millions) of children that they were special just the way they are. The regular performers included David Newell as Mr. McFeely, François Clemmons as Officer Clemmons and Betty Aberlin, Chuck Aber, Joe Negri, Robert Trow and Don Brockett as Make-Believe Neighbors. The long-running program also boasts guest stars like LeVar Burton, Bill Nye, Yo Yo Ma, Maya Lin, Koko the Gorilla, David Copperfield, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Andre Watts, Peggy Fleming, Caroll Spinney, Tony Bennett, Rita Moreno and many others.
But one of the more interesting credits is a character named Black and White Panda. No idea if there’s any relation to Purple Panda from Planet Purple (I would guess not) but imdb lists the character as showing up on two episodes, one in 1974 and one in 1975. The character was played by a well known actor who has dozens of credits to his name. He’s appeared in film, on TV and stage, his roles have been starring as well as supporting and his range runs comedic to dramatic. He has one Academy Award nomination and has one Primetime Emmy win, both within the last ten years.
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