Bald head? Check. Single gold hoop? Check. A smile that would put the most expensive veneers to shame? Check. A white dude? No check. Procter & Gamble has decided to give Mr. Clean a makeover, and his name is Mike Jackson. Jackson beat out thousands of would-be hopefuls who were vying to be the new face of P&G’s cartoon character that debuted almost 60 years ago.
Last September the company launched its #TheNextMrClean campaign on social media, and audition tapes rolled in. But it was Jackson’s look that caught the eyes of P&G executives.
“It’s definitely a dream come true to become the next Mr. Clean,” Jackson said in a statement issued by P&G. “While it’s impossible to replace the iconic Mr., I’m excited for this opportunity to help people tackle the most seemingly impossible messes while he’s away ... and have some fun!”
And by “fun” he means making an appearance at this weekend’s Super Bowl, for which the Mr. Clean brand has been designated as its official “cleaner.”
In addition to his Super Bowl appearance, Jackson will appear in a 2017 limited edition Mr. Clean calendar, and he also received $20,000 and a year’s supply of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser scrubbers.
“Mr. Clean has been tough on grease and grime for 60 years, and we’re confident that Mike has what it takes,” said Kevin Wenzel, P&G’s associate brand director for North America. “We had so many great entries in #TheNextMrClean contest, and we are very thankful for everyone’s enthusiasm and participation.”
Jackson can clean my walls anytime.
Also look at Mr. Clean’s new “choreplay” commercial, which will air during the Super Bowl.