David Newell

Short Biography

David Newell (born November 24, 1938) is a television actor who is remembered for his career as Mr. McFeely, the delivery man on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. His character`s most famous catchphrase was "Speedy Delivery!" This was Newell`s major role, but not his only one as he appeared in small film and TV parts throughout the years. He tours the country to this day, promoting Mister Rogers` Neighborhood as Mr. McFeely. Newell was born in O`Hara Township, Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, he is the director of public relations for Family Communications, Inc. Newell now resides in Pittsburgh. He used to be an English teacher at Wilkinsburg JR/SR High school in Pittsburgh PA also. He began his acting career in a theatre school known as the Pittsburgh Playhouse. It`s through connections made there that he eventually met Fred Rogers. He was originally hired onto the show as a public relations manager, and while he did serve that function Rogers saw fit to also cast him in the role of Mr. McFeely. As a result of this he and Rogers became life long friends until Rogers` death in 2003. A documentary feature about Newell entitled Speedy Delivery, which chronicles his travels around the world as Mr. McFeely, debuted on public television in 2008.