Get to know Big Strong John | The Filipino Purple Wiggle
Written by Jennifer Redondo
“Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car”, “Yummy Yummy Fruit Salad”, “Hot Potato, Hot Potato” – If you’re a parent, auntie or uncle, you’ve definitely heard of The Wiggles! Chances are, you may have grown up watching The Wiggles. If you don’t know who they are, the Wiggles are an Australian children’s music group that educates and entertains pre-K, preschool, kindergarten and nursery school age groups. They make videos and music that over three million subscribers watch on YouTube.
But what you probably didn’t know is that the Purple Wiggle is Filipino. His name is John Pearce and his character, “Big Strong John,” is focused on health, fitness, and being strong and resilient. We had an opportunity to sit down with him and learn more about his journey.
1. Tell us about yourself and your background, John.
My name is John Len Ruela Adamo Pearce. I am 32 years old, born and raised in Sydney, Australia. My mother is from Cebu, Philippines and my father, who is 92 years old, is Australian. I have an identical twin brother, Len John Ruela Pearce.
After graduating high school in 2008, I went on to study Fitness to become a Personal Trainer. I was part of a breakdancing crew which competed at the international Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas in 2009. We called ourselves “Justice Crew”. After placing 13th out of 52 crews and missing out on the finals, we came back to Australia to audition for the fourth season of Australia’s Got Talent (AGT). During the competition we taught free dance lessons to youth off the streets and would busk in Sydney city to make a few dollars. We were fortunate enough to be voted by Australia to win AGT in 2010. Shortly after, we were signed to Sony Music Australia to begin our recording music career as Justice Crew.
We received multiple Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) award nominations, achieved two number one singles, five top 10 singles, and toured with artists such as One Direction, Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Pitbull and Kesha. I was able to meet and work with many great producers and music artists including The Wiggles during my time with Justice Crew.
After a few years and once COVID-19 struck, I was forced to continue my career in fitness as a Personal Trainer. During this time, I was also interested in becoming a firefighter as I took an interest in the emergency services and naturally loved helping people. In 2019, I married my beautiful wife, Jessie Adamo Pearce. We met in high school, and we moved into Gladesville together, which is coincidentally the same neighborhood as Anthony Field (the Blue Wiggle). Already briefly knowing him, we became great friends as he just lived down the road. In 2021, I was asked by Anthony to take part in Fruit Salad TV, a project and expansion of The Wiggles, where it would become a more diverse, gender balanced band with eight members.
It’s so cool to be part of the journey and see the evolution of The Wiggles. They’re now representing diverse ages, different races, and different backgrounds. I had a little kid come up to me at one of our shows saying, “You know you have the same skin tone as me!” It’s fulfilling to know that I have inspired others to pursue music, dance, or athleticism.
2. How/why did you get into the entertainment industry?
I got into the music industry by accident and as a result of winning Australia’s Got Talent. The opportunity to record and write our own music and dance to our own videos with Sony Music became reality. We were teamed up with the best producers and songwriters in Australia.
3. What are some of the obstacles that you experienced in your career? How did you overcome it?
Some obstacles and challenges that I constantly faced during my time in the music industry was how to remain relevant. I had to be open to change. Opportunities aren’t always clear and straightforward. Being open to new challenges and ideas is the difference in what can make or break you as an artist or performer.
4. What advice would you give to someone interested in breaking into the entertainment industry?
Don’t limit yourself. Sky's the limit! Be open to an idea. Trust the process and keep chasing the dream, whatever that may be.
5. Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? If anything? (Either or both professionally or personally)
I would take more risks as my younger self and be more confident, as I was a very shy kid. If I had to change something, I would have learned how to play an instrument as a child – but I wouldn’t change anything.
6. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned, would be to follow your instincts. Don't be afraid to speak up for what you want and truly believe.
7. What does it mean to be Filipino?
I love my Filipino culture! I love the food and the sense of community and family amongst other Filipino people. In 2015, my wife and I were fortunate enough to visit the Philippines and the town where my mother was from in Cebu. I got to visit my family including my cousins, and my lola and lolo before they sadly passed away.
8. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on the next series for The Wiggles. We are always working on new music and content. We just recorded the Filipino nursery rhyme, “Bahay Kubo”, which my mum used to sing for me as a child. This may be the beginning of more Filipino content which is super exciting!
9. How can people reach you?
You can find me on Instagram @johnpearce or @john_wiggle or on TikTok @johnadamopearce. You can check out the latest videos and music on YouTube “The Wiggles”.
No matter what age you are, if you aren’t already following John on social media, do so now! He’s recently posted new content featuring his Filipino mum. His followers are loving it, and they’re asking for even more reels and videos featuring them both. He also has a lot of content with him singing and dancing. We know Filipinos love all of that! He’s got content for the entire family to enjoy!
Filipino names are truly some of the most diverse names you’ll ever come across. Our last names alone can have Spanish influence, Chinese influence, and in some cases American influences due to the involvement of the U.S. during World War II.
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