Beloved 60s legend and TV icon d!es days before 100th birthday
The TV legend starred on the beloved programme for over 30 years.
Joe Negri rose to fame on Mister Rogers’ neighbourhood (Image: PBS)
Joe Negri, the beloved jazz musician known as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood, has tragically died, just days before his 100th birthday on Saturday, May 30. The guitarist starred on Fred Rogers’ iconic children’s show from 1968 until Rogers stopped producing new episodes in 2000. The TV legend’s death was announced by his eldest daughter, Lisa, who confirmed to TribLIVE that her father died of natural causes. He would have turned 100 on June 10.
Among the thousands of tributes that have followed, the Fred Rogers Production told People: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Negri, a beloved member of the Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood family whose warmth, incredible musical talent, and gentle spirit brought endless joy to viewers for decades. As Handyman Negri, Joe taught children that everyone’s contributions matter, and off-screen, his mastery of jazz and dedication to education inspired countless musicians.”
Joe was also credited as a musician or arranger in other productions (Image: Getty)
Longtime fans also honoured Joe’s memory on social media, as one heartbroken viewer wrote: “He was one of my favourite characters on Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood as a kid. I even made a joke referencing him in one of my books. RIP Handyman Negri.”
A second added: “He was our handyman. He was our music teacher, and he was ‘our’ neighbour, Godspeed Joe Negri. 99 years is still too soon.”
“The legacy of a legend like Joe Negri is about far more than just a TV show; he was a bridge between the world of high-level jazz and the gentle lessons of the Neighbourhood,” shared another fan.
As an emotional fan reflected: “He wasn’t just Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers Neighbourhood, he was a world-class jazz guitarist, educator, and a kind soul. Thanks for making our neighbourhood so special, Joe.”
Joe Negri starred on the kids TV show for over 30 years (Image: PBS)
On Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood, the educator appeared to be the fix-it man in the Land of Make-Believe, as well as the owner of Negri’s Music Shop. He also gave regular performances and music showcases on the show.
In a previous interview with CBS, the star spoke about his TV career and admitted the handyman title didn’t reflect his real life. “I said, ‘Fred, I’m not handy at all, I can’t even hammer a nail,’” Joe explained.
“And he said, ‘Don’t worry about a thing, it’s going to be all pretend.’” He added, “I’m glad he gave me the music shop because it gave me a really good opportunity to utilise my music.”
Outside of television, Joe built a respected career as a musician and educator. He was known for helping introduce jazz guitar into educational settings and spent decades teaching aspiring musicians.
He was widely recognised and celebrated for his contributions to the arts, as Joe received a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award from the state of Pennsylvania in 2019 as part of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.
