Childlren's show 'Blue's Clues & You' returns with a Filipino American host

Joshua Dela Cruz and his new pal, Blue.

A FILIPINO AMERICAN will be moving into Mr. Roger's neighborhood, right around the corner from Sesame Street, a few doors down from The Captain's Place.

In the exclusive community of shows targeting preschoolers, Joshua Dela Cruz will add his name to lovable and gentle hosts Mr. Rogers, Big Bird, Captain Kangaroo and Howdy Doody.

Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues has found a new pal for Blue in TV newcomer and Broadway actor Joshua Dela Cruz, and a brand-new title: Blue’s Clues & You. Dela Cruz will have a new generation of preschoolers searching for clues with the beloved energetic girl puppy Blue. Production on Blue’s Clues & You has started in Toronto.

The significance of his new gig, especially its impact on Asian American children is not lost on Dela Cruz.

Growing up “I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on American film and television. More specifically, there weren’t any Asian actors that played Americans,” he told Huffpost. “I had always felt that if you wanted to be on television, you had to know how to fight or have an accent. It was incredibly alienating.”

In his role as a television host, of the popular show Dela Cruz will have an strong influence on millions of kids at age when they are most impressionable, who will watch and interact with a host of color. 

Original Blue’s Clues host Steve Burns helped guide the audition process during the search for the new host. Said Burns, “I had the great honor of being a part of the search for the new host, and I give Josh two thumbs up! He can definitely fill my shoes, and the rugby shirt.”

Dela Cruz is making his television series regular debut as the new host of Blue’s Clues & You. Dela Cruz recently appeared in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway as the understudy for Aladdin and a member of the ensemble. Other notable theatre credits include David Byrne’s Here Lies Love and Encores!: Merrily We Roll Along. He has also appeared in CBS’ Bull and ABC’s Time After Time.

In Blue’s Clues & You (20 episodes), beloved puppy Blue invites viewers to join her and the live action host on a clue led adventure and solve a daily puzzle. With each signature paw print, Blue identifies clues in her animated world that propel the story and inspires viewers to interact with the action.

The original Blue’s Clues series launched in September 1996 to critical praise from educators, parents, and preschoolers and ran for six groundbreaking seasons. Its unique interactivity helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time. 

 The landmark series also raised the bar in preschool television by exploring advanced subject matter such as sign language, geography, physics, emotions, and anatomy.

“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, Talent, Music and Events, Nickelodeon Group. “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.”
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