John Pearce on being a Wiggle and a new dad: “Everyday is a blessing”
Wiggles star and proud dad, John Pearce shares his sweetest fatherhood moments.
Purple Wiggle John Pearce may have joined The Wiggles in 2021, but many Aussies will remember first spotting him back in 2010 as part of Justice Crew, the all-male dance group who went on to win Australia’s Got Talent.
Fast forward to today, and John, 33, has become a fan favourite for both kids and parents alike, thanks to his high-energy Wiggles performances, passion for fitness (earning him the nickname ‘Big Strong John’), and viral TikTok moments that have catapulted him to global heartthrob status.
But his proudest role yet is becoming a dad. John and his wife Jessie welcomed their first child, Henry Nicholas Adamo Pearce, on December 16, 2024. “HENRY NICHOLAS ADAMO PEARCE 16.12.24. Welcome to the world our beautiful angel. We have never felt a love like this,” the couple shared in their birth announcement.
Now, the new father opens up to Bounty Parents about life on tour with a baby, parenting surprises, and the sweet milestones that have already melted his heart.
Purple Wiggle John Pearce on dad life
Huge congrats on baby Henry! How has life changed since becoming a dad?
I’ve gained a new sense of time and my priorities have shifted – everything revolves around little Henry, and I treasure every moment. We still enjoy the things we love – dining at our local pub, and starting the day at our favourite cafe – but now we also plan ahead, keep nap schedules in mind, and approach things with a bit more foresight and intention.
You’re on an international tour – how are you finding life on the road with a newborn?
It was a challenge we chose to embrace, and what an experience it turned out to be. We visited more than four countries, crossed three time zones, and felt the reality of jet lag. We flew 16 times and drove more than 80 hours in two months. We stayed in a new hotel nearly every day, and Henry adapted with surprising ease.
Jessie, my beautiful wife, handled the travel with grace and resilience, and we’re grateful for how she steered us through it all. We also used Klook a lot to pre-book transfers and skip-the-line tickets which took some stress off. We can’t wait to do it again next year.
What’s been the biggest surprise (or reality check!) about travelling with a baby?
Travelling with a 4 month old baby is incredibly challenging. We found ourselves in the most demanding kind of travel always on the move and living out of a suitcase. Next time, we’ll pack lighter making it easier to check into hotels and settle in. Henry surprised us with how well he adapted especially with jet lag.
Jessie fell ill with a harsh virus during the trip, which made that week especially tough. We could not afford to get sick and balance travelling with baby Henry.
How are you and Jess navigating the juggle between performing and parenting?
We’re loving everyday. I look forward to coming home after a long day of filming and switching off from being a Wiggle to simply being a dad at home, doing ordinary things. The contrast is profound, and that time to be with my family is something I will always cherish.
Any baby gear that’s been a total lifesaver or a flop?
I really love the baby carrier. It’s so convenient, and Henry has learned to sleep in it even when we’re out and about. It’s been a real lifesaver for meals out and for walks through the streets of New York.
What’s one parenting or travel hack you swear by right now?
Being flexible with Henry’s sleep schedule has opened up so many possibilities for us, because he’s learned to sleep in most places. And when it came to booking activities for our travels, Klook was an absolute lifesaver. As a travelling parent I already have so many other things to worry about, so having a one-stop platform for family-friendly experiences really helped us relax and enjoy the trip.
Has becoming a dad changed how you approach your health and fitness routines?
My health and fitness have always been a priority for me, not just for me but for my family. I fit in a 30-minute workout every morning before Henry and Jess wake up, so I’m back in time for Jessie to go to Pilates and I can handle daddy duty before I head to work.
Do you think bringing your family on tour with The Wiggles will become the new normal for you?
I’m grateful to have my family join me on the road, at least until Henry starts school. Being present as a dad and supporting my wife as a husband and parent is incredibly important to me. The Wiggles have been kind to us, helping us make this travel possible as a family.
Has fatherhood changed the way you connect with The Wiggles’ audience?
I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what parents go through at home, and I truly feel I’m no different from any other parent who comes to our shows. Henry is always in the back of my mind when I’m up on stage, and I imagine performing for him at home as I perform for the kids.
And finally, what’s been the most heart-melting dad moment so far?
The moment he said dada and muma off the coast of Italy. Watching him explore the world, one tiny milestone at a time reminds me what it means to be a dad. Everyday is a blessing to wake up to a beautiful son who looks exactly like my wife.
John Pearce fronts the latest campaign for travel booking platform Klook.
