Officer Clemmons
A Memoir
by Dr. François S. Clemmons
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Pub Date May 05 2020 | Archive Date May 01 2020
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Description
The intimate debut memoir by the man known to the world as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’s Officer Clemmons, who made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s television program.
When he created the role of Officer Clemmons on the award-winning television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, François Clemmons made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s program. A new, wide world opened for Clemmons—but one that also required him to make painful personal choices and sacrifices. Officer Clemmons details Clemmons’s incredible life story, beginning with his early years in Alabama and Ohio, marked by family trauma and loss, through his studies as a music major at Oberlin College, where Clemmons began to investigate and embrace his homosexuality, to a chance encounter with Fred Rogers that changed the whole course of both men’s lives, leading to a deep, spiritual friendship and mentorship spanning nearly forty years.
From New York to Russia, Berlin to California, Grammy Award–winner Clemmons has performed for audiences around the world and remains a beloved figure. Evocative and intimate, and buoyed by its author’s own vivacious, inimitable energy, Officer Clemmons chronicles a historical and enlightening life and career of a man who has brought joy to millions of adults and children, across generations and borders.
Advance Praise
The intimate debut memoir by the man known to the world as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood's Officer Clemmons, who made history as the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s television program.
As recently featured in the acclaimed documentary film Won't You Be My Neighbor.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781948226707 |
| PRICE | $26.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kasa C, Reviewer
François Clemmons, born during the Jim Crow era, had a grandmother who remembered the days of slavery, at least the times when white men "worrying" black women was a fact of life. Even though his family moved to Ohio in search of a more stable existence, the attitudes in Youngstown were not much better than deep south, especially if he ventured outside zones of safety. Blessed with a God-given singing voice, François determined early on that that was where his destiny lay. Despite being best known for his appearances in the Neighborhood of Fred Rogers, Dr. Clemmons has continued with an illustrious career and multiple degrees in his beloved field of music.
But it is the character of Fred Rogers that gives him his strength and confidence, who encourages him to follow his dreams, a friendship and mentor-like relationship that spanned 30 years, that gives him his strength and confidence, and encourages him to follow his dreams. It was no accident that barriers were broken and the character of Officer Clemmons was created. Fred Rogers knew what he was doing. François is most generous with details of his life, his accomplishments. Those who remember him fondly from those decades as a visitor to Mr. Rogers' home, will have those feelings rekindled.
Meghan S, Librarian
This book was received as an ARC from Catapult in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was a fan of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and remember the character of Officer Clemmons and how he and Fred just got along and were so happy with each other that it made the whole show come to life. I knew I had to jump at the chance to read this book because of all the memories that came to light from watching the show. It also was interesting to hear the upbringing of Francois and learning about the road he got to meet Fred and how he not only landed the role in the show but how that sprung into a lifelong friendship and mentor-ship that will last him an entire lifetime. I know a lot of people will be on the lookout for this book once it is released and I can't wait to hear their reactions.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Robin B, Librarian
Following Francois's adventures as an African American Gay artist was amazing. He really helps the reader understand what it was like to be a gay artist in the 60s and 70s. What it was like to have to have a "closeted" lifestyle in order to have a role on children's television. What it meant to be estranged from his family. Doing honor to Oberlin College and all of of the remarkable people that supported his journey.
Beth M, Reviewer
I thoroughly enjoyed this book... I think it’s a must read for those who grew up watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and probably would be an engaging read for others as well. Well written and nicely paced. I recommend this book.
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