Meet the New Host of ‘Blues Clues,’ Filipino American Actor Joshua Dela Cruz
By Ryan General
Nickelodeon’s beloved classic children’s show “Blue’s Clues” is about to make its return with a Filipino American actor stepping in as its new host in the updated series “Blue’s Clues & You.”
After a lengthy selection process, Broadway star Joshua Dela Cruz was able to land the iconic role left by original host Steve Burns. beating out (allegedly) John Cena and thousands of other hopefuls.
Burns, who helped find the new show’s host, gave Dela Cruz his “two thumbs up” noting that the young actor “can definitely fill my shoes and the rugby shirt.”
“I know that they saw thousands and thousands of people. And when we saw Josh, I turned to everyone and said we can start filming tomorrow,” Burns told the Huffington Post.
“He was phenomenal from Day One. And I’m here to tell you it’s not an easy job. It’s technically demanding, and it requires an incredible strength of imagination. And that’s something I think Josh brings to this that’s so important. Imagination and authenticity ― those are the two major requisites for the role, and he has them big time.”
According to Dela Cruz, the show will start shooting soon and he feels ready because of the guidance he received from Burns.
“What they did, which was wonderful for me, was that they gave me some coaching time with Steve. So Steve was my Jedi master in the auditions and he was helping me, prepping me, making sure I actually talked to the person on the other side of the camera.
“It was one of the most mind-blowing things when he said, ‘When you’re asking a question you’re not asking the kid because they’re there. You’re asking the kid because if you’re talking about skateboarding, they’re the Tony Hawk.’ I remember my mind just exploded. Oh, my gosh, that makes so much sense. That’s the importance. We’re usually talked down to as kids or told to be quiet, but to really be asked by an adult, “Well, what do you think?” That’s so, so powerful, and Steve being my Yoda throughout this entire thing has been such a gift, so we’ll see what the season has in store.”
Nickelodeon has reportedly picked up 20 episodes for the new series which apparently will be retaining most of the familiar elements of the old show, including the “magical, felt-created, puzzle-solving puppy” named Blue.
The official press release for the new show stated: “In ‘Blue’s Clues & You,’ 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.”
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