Filipino theater actor Joshua Dela Cruz is the new host of ‘Blue’s Clues’
“Blue’s Clues,” the longest-running animation show for pre-school children, is back after a long hiatus, and with a new host: Joshua Dela Cruz, a Filipino American actor who debuted on Broadway in “Aladdin.”Josh becomes the show’s third host, following Steve Burns, the original host who began in 1996 and left in 2002, and Donovan Patton who continued until 2006. The show took a break after that, and went through a period of restructuring as they launched a quiet search for a third host.
“The search for the new host of ‘Blue’s Clues & You’ was no small task, but we knew as soon as we met Josh that he was the perfect choice,” said Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, executive vice president for talent, music and events at Nickelodeon Group, in a statement. “From his genuineness to his comedic timing and range, there was no doubt that he could carry the show on for the next generation of preschoolers.”
“Blue’s Clues & You” is the new name of the revival show.
Said Cathy Galeota, senior vice president preschool content at Nickelodeon Group, “Josh’s wonderful theater background and his natural charisma checked all the boxes for us, and of course Steve’s stamp of approval only solidified our decision.”
Burns, who was involved in the search, said in a statement Josh “can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt.”
Josh belonged to the troupe of FilAm actors – including Adam Jacobs, Bobby Pestka, Don Darryl Rivera, and Angelo Soriano — who play significant roles in “Aladdin.” He was with the ensemble cast; he also understudied as Aladdin. He remembers having a knee surgery, and a month and a half later was called to play the thief who falls in love with Princess Jasmine. “Aladdin” is his Broadway debut. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Montclair State University in New Jersey.
His comedic timing may have been apparent during the search, and Josh is not shy about describing himself as one who is “super, super silly.”
“That’s probably the biggest thing about me. I am a clown among my friends,” he told a video interview for Nickelodeon, the TV channel that produces “Blue’s Clues.” He used to watch “Blue’s Clues” with his younger sister.
“In preschool, I was a very talkative kid. I used to get in trouble a lot, and I remember one time I was talking when the teacher said everyone has to be quiet, and I was made an example of, and it wasn’t a bad thing. I understand what was happening, and I understand the teacher wanted to keep order in the classroom, but I remember receding a lot after that, and I became very quiet and very shy,” he shared.
His theatre credits include, “King and I” with Lou Diamond Phillips” and David Byrne’s “Here Lies Love” where he was the understudy for the role of Ferdinand Marcos.
His credentials include stage combat skills with his knowledge of martial arts, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do.
© The FilAm 2018