

Finding Danny Lightfoot
Join us on ‘Finding Danny Lightfoot,’ a thrilling podcast dedicated to uncovering the mystery of Joe Torres, the actor who played Danny Lightfoot on the ‘90s Nickelodeon show ‘Hey Dude.’ Each episode, we’ll dive into clues, theories, and listener insights as we search for answers and reconnect with fans of the iconic show.
Contributors


Guests
Joe Torres
Joe Torres, best known for his role as Danny Lightfoot on Nickelodeon's *Hey Dude* in the early '90s, made a lasting impact on fans despite his brief time in the spotlight. Playing the wise, grounded Native American character in the beloved Western-themed series, Torres brought authenticity and depth to his role, which highlighted Native American culture for a young audience. After *Hey Dude*, he largely stepped away from Hollywood, leading to decades of intrigue among fans who admired his portrayal and wondered about his life offscreen. His character’s legacy endures, embodying a unique moment in television history.

Mathew Klickstein
Mathew Klickstein is an American screenwriter, journalist, author, playwright, and arts therapist. He has worked on various projects, including writing the 2009 horror film *Against the Dark* and serving as a casting producer for *Restaurant: Impossible*. Klickstein is known for his 2013 non-fiction book *SLIMED!: An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age*, which has been widely acclaimed. He also co-authored *Springfield Confidential* with *The Simpsons* writer Mike Reiss. Klickstein's works span across multiple media forms, including theater, documentaries, podcasts, and comic books. He has also contributed to several publications and is known for his involvement in producing creative projects with disabled artists. His comic book series *You Are Obsolete* and other works, like his Comic-Con-related projects, highlight his role in pop culture commentary.

Michael Koegel
Michael Koegel is best known for his work as a casting director on *Hey Dude*, the beloved Nickelodeon series from the early 1990s. *Hey Dude* was one of the first live-action shows on Nickelodeon, and Koegel played a crucial role in finding the young talent that helped make the show a success. His ability to identify actors who brought authenticity, charm, and humor to their roles was a key factor in shaping the show’s popularity. Koegel's casting choices, including selecting memorable characters like Ted, Danny, and Melody, contributed to the series' enduring appeal to fans of all ages. While he has worked on other projects throughout his career, including reality TV, his contributions to *Hey Dude* remain a standout part of his legacy in television, helping to define a generation of Nickelodeon programming.