Peterborough actor Linda Kash’s reign as the iconic Philly Cream Cheese Angel is now officially over — kind of.
Kash has passed her wings to Humberly Gonzalez, the newest Philly Cream Cheese Angel.
Gonzalez is a Venezuelan-born Toronto-based actor whose credits include Orphan Black, Saving Hope, Workin’ Moms, and Utopia Falls.
“Canadians have a strong emotional connection to Linda Kash as the iconic ’90s Philly Angel, but a new decade calls for a new angel and the chance for Philly to modernize and be reflective of Canada today,” said Nina Patel, head of marketing and innovation at Kraft Heinz Canada, in a September 28th announcement.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese began the hunt for a new Philly Angel in February, encouraging Canadians — with Kash’s help — to submit their audition videos on social media. There were more than 300 auditions, and the company has since decided to have more than one Philly Angel in the future.
“Throughout the search, it was humbling to see so many talented Canadians audition, each bringing their own unique perspective to the role,” Patel said. “We were inspired by what we saw and we look forward to welcoming many Philly Angels in the years to come.”
According to a media release, “Before hanging up her halo for good, Linda will train Humberly on what it takes to be a Philly Angel, sharing inside tips on wing maintenance, the perfect Philly-to-bagel ratio and, of course, a little heavenly gossip as well.”
VIDEO: Linda Kash welcomes Humberly Gonzalez as a new Philly Angel
Canada, get ready to meet your next Philly Angel.
Linda, our original Philly Angel, has officially passed on her wings. Canada, get ready to meet your next Philly Angel.
Posted by Philadelphia Cream Cheese Canada on Monday, September 28, 2020
Kash hasn’t hung up her wings quite yet, though. She has been continuing to appear alongside Gonzalez — who was born in 1995, when the original Philly Angel ads starring Kash were running — in television and social media spots.
“I grew up eating Philly Cream Cheese and am now honoured to be teaming up with this iconic brand to help spread joy and positivity throughout Canada, as one of many new Philly Angels,” Gonzalez said. “Linda has had such an amazing career and her work as the Philly Angel was so inspiring. I can’t wait to meet other future Philly Angels and hope to do Linda’s wings the justice they deserve.”
