The New, Black Mr. Clean: Georgia Native Mike Jackson Slated For Brand Ambassador Debut In 2017 Super Bowl

After several decades, a new "Mr. Clean" has emerged. Georgia native Mike Jackson will represent the Proctor & Gamble all-purpose cleaner, replacing the original Mr. Clean who debuted as the brand ambassador nearly 60 years ago.

They have all the same characteristics of a bald head, muscular physique and gold earring. There's just one difference: Jackson is African-American.

“It’s definitely a dream come true to become the next Mr. Clean. 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!” Jackson said in a news release.

The new face was chosen after P&G reviewed hundreds of audition tapes after announcing casting calls in Los Angeles and New York for #TheNextMrClean, a contest that started in September 2016. Jackson saw an ad for the competition on Instagram and quickly applied, he told Yahoo! Beauty.

“I googled it to make sure my eyes weren’t deceiving me, and then I just sent in a video,” Jackson said, adding that he has always used the product. “I just felt I embodied who Mr. Clean is.”

Aside from winning a $20,000 prize and starring in a limited edition 2017 Mr. Clean calendar, Jackson will make his debut alongside Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware as the new Mr. Clean during the Super Bowl in Houston Feb. 5. While P&G is expected to feature a new ad during the bowl that includes a tagline “This Super Bowl Mr. Clean gets dirty,” Jackson will not be in the commercial.

“Mr. Clean has been tough on grease and grime for 60 years and we’re confident that Mike has what it takes. We had so many great entries in #TheNextMrClean contest and we are very thankful for everyone’s enthusiasm and participation,” P&G’s Associate Brand Director Kevin Wenzel said.