Joanne Taylor, the widow of beloved television icon Fred Taylor, has passed away at the age of 92. While many knew and cherished her late husband, it was Joanne who tirelessly upheld his legacy over the past 17 years following his death from stomach cancer in 2003. She departed this world on Thursday after a prolonged hospitalization, as confirmed by actor Henry Palmer, who played the beloved character Mr. Friendly on Fred’s famed show.
Fred Taylor Productions, the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to children’s programming and the creative force behind shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, released a heartfelt tribute to Joanne. “Joanne was an exceptional musician, a devoted arts advocate, and a treasured friend to all of us. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family and the countless individuals who were fortunate enough to know and love her.”
Both Fred and Joanne are cherished figures in Pittsburgh, where they lived, inspired, and uplifted their community. Many have shared their sentiments about her passing, both locally and beyond. In recent years, Joanne received numerous accolades, including a 2019 award recognizing her efforts to preserve Fred’s legacy in Pittsburgh and aid young people in discovering film and media, alongside the Loving Kindness Award from the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh.
As reported by The Daily Gazette, she was involved in her husband’s first show, The Children’s Corner, and shared his passion for music. Joanne herself was a talented concert pianist who encouraged her husband to infuse more of his joyful spirit into his television work. She also shared a special bond with actor Tom Hanks, who portrayed her husband in the Oscar-nominated film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. “I had the opportunity to tell him that Fred admired his work,” she recalled. “It felt almost destined that he took on this role. Fred loved Forrest Gump.”
After Fred’s passing, Joanne dedicated herself to perpetuating his legacy through various charities, including Fred Taylor Productions, the Fred Taylor Center for Early Learning, and the Children’s Media program at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. As a fellow Pittsburgh native, the news of Joanne’s death resonates deeply. If you’ve ever visited our beautiful city, you understand the immense respect we hold for them. From statues to museum exhibits bearing their name, Mister Taylor’s neighborhood truly is our neighborhood. Joanne ensured that his legacy lived on for the past 17 years after one of the most heartfelt farewells Pittsburgh has ever witnessed.
The messages of kindness, compassion, and community support that they championed are especially pertinent in today’s world. Their impact will be remembered for generations to come.
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Summary:
Joanne Taylor, widow of Fred Taylor, passed away at 92, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and community engagement. She played a pivotal role in preserving her husband’s memory and contributed significantly to children’s programming. Her death has deeply affected many, especially in Pittsburgh, where both she and Fred are beloved figures. The couple’s messages of compassion continue to resonate today.