AWARD-WINNING BUCKS MASCOT BANGO FEATURED IN HULU SERIES

“It’s not a costume. It’s a calling.” That’s the tag-line for a new original series by Hulu that dives into the secretive world of mascots like no show has done before. “Behind the Mask” gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the rarely-seen and heavily-guarded world of sports mascots. Three episodes of “Behind the Mask” will launch on Hulu and Hulu Plus today, Oct. 29, with future episodes added weekly through Dec. 17.

The show follows four mascots – one each from high school (Lebanon [Pa.] High School’s Rooty the Cedar Tree), college (UNLV’s Hey Reb!), minor league (hockey mascot Tux of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) and the Bucks’ own Bango for professional sports – through their daily lives, not only in costume as their alter-ego, but also out of costume, interacting with family and friends. Just like the mascots themselves, the show is funny, entertaining and at times emotional as it captures the successes and struggles that these real-life “Clark Kents” endure.

Kevin Vanderkolk is Bango. For the past 12 years, he has used his athleticism and background in gymnastics to entertain and amaze Bucks crowds at the BMO Harris Bradley Center and also fans at various Bucks community events in and around Milwaukee. His “no fear” mantra and penchant for pushing limits has raised the character of Bango to new heights – sometimes literally – and has earned Vanderkolk the respect of the public and his peers. He has twice been honored with an annual leadership award, an NBA mascot of the year award and NBA mascot stunt of the year. In 2010, Bango was named “Most Awesome Mascot” by the Cartoon Network.

“Behind the Mask” was created by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Josh Greenbaum and produced by Occupant Entertainment. For more details, please visit http://www.hulu.com/behind-the-mask.