Mail in the media: 5 times letter writing was a TV and film star

While characters in today's sitcoms may communicate primarily via text, the art of letter writing has long been a staple of television and film. From the "Peanuts" comic strips to Jimmy Fallon's hilarious thank you cards, the presence of mail in the media has been ubiquitous for decades.

1. Snoopy
Is there any comic strip image more iconic than Snoopy furiously pounding away on his typewriter as he sits atop his red dog house and attempts to write the great American novel? You may think that typewriters have gone the way of eight tracks, but they're making a comeback thanks to their unique typographic capabilities (and perhaps a touch of nostalgia). While Snoopy may have never gotten much further than "It was a dark and stormy night," his devotion to his typewriter lives on. The next time you have to send a memo or business greeting cards, consider using a typewriter to add some personality.

2. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
A gentle soul who taught kids what it meant to be a good neighbor for decades, Fred Rogers was also well known for personally writing back to the children who took the time to sit down and write him a letter. Mr. Rogers often received letters from children asking to visit his television studio, and although he could not honor their requests, he made sure they knew how special they were and that he would always be their friend. Although the children who received these letters are now all grown up, they still treasure the valuable keepsakes.

3. The Postman
The excitement of receiving a letter is so universal that there's even a film about it! It's called "The Postman," and stars Kevin Costner as a man who sets out to bring hope to survivors living in post-apocalyptic America by delivering their mail. While the movie didn't do very well – it notably earned five Razzie Awards – it sure got one thing right: Letters can have a powerful impact, even in a world where technology is still available to us.

4. The Notebook
It's rare that a letter penned in a film is listed among the most famous love letters of all time, but Noah's letter to Allie in the much-beloved movie "The Notebook" definitely makes the cut. Of course, this comes as no surprise, because author Nicholas Sparks (who wrote the book the movie is based on), is known for his epic love stories. Pouring one's heart out with a pen is much more romantic than typing out an email or shooting your significant other a text. Don't believe me? Just watch the movie.

5. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
This is a more recent manifestation of the universal power of thank you cards. Every Friday on "The Tonight Show," comedian and SNL-alum Jimmy Fallon takes some time to write, shall I say, some untraditional thank you notes. While you may be writing your thank you cards to family and friends rather than oatmeal or clapping, you can certainly use Fallon's hilarious thank you's for some inspiration. Consider sending a thank you card for small gestures of kindness – you could really make someone's day.