He also heard from people who had no connection to him, yet who felt as if they knew him from his compassionate portrayal of Keating. Among the more unexpected letters of congratulations was one from Fred Rogers, the gentle broadcaster and educator who hosted the PBS children’s program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His note to Robin read: This afternoon—all by myself—I went to see “Dead Poets Society.” It’s a fine film and your performance in it is superb. I admire you greatly and I thank you for enriching the lives of so many through your art. You certainly contribute many verses as “the power
...more
