Blue’s Clues’ Steve Burns Reveals How Death Rumors Left Him Battling Depression for Years

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Steve Burns, who most people recognize as ‘Steve from Blue’s Clues’, is speaking out about the distress caused by false internet speculations regarding his death. Blue’s Clues made its debut on Nickelodeon on September 8, 1996, and rapidly gained global popularity among children, turning Steve, the host sporting a green-striped outfit and caring for the lovable dog Blue, into a familiar figure in many households. A significant part of this generation may recall the emotional episode where Steve went off to college, leaving his brother Joe (portrayed by Donovan Patton) as the new main character. Steve’s last episode on Blue’s Clues aired on April 29, 2002, following which misinformation about actor Burns’ demise began circulating online.

In an interview with Rainn Wilson on the Soul Bloom podcast, as reported by Variety, Burns shared his feelings about departing from Blues Clues, admitting he was deeply depressed following his departure. He also addressed a rumor that he had passed away, stating it was particularly distressing to someone battling severe clinical depression. Burns elaborated on how what others perceived as a joke became unfunny and negatively affected him. In simpler terms, Burns discussed the emotional toll his exit from Blues Clues took on him and the impact of a false rumor about his death while he was dealing with depression.

After being spread for three to four years, such a rumor loses its humor. When it lasts for a decade, it seems like a deeply ingrained cultural belief. If it continues for 15 or 20 years, one begins to feel as though it’s expected. Many people fail to grasp that during the time of the show, the internet was still in its infancy, and a significant part of the world decided I had passed away…I barely recognized myself. People believed I was deceased, and eventually, I started going along with it.

Steve Burns’ History With ‘Blue’s Clues’

Steve Burns explained his departure from Blue’s Clues, as he sought new professional opportunities while managing depression. This career move is common among actors leaving well-known shows. However, for their young audience who were growing up as the internet emerged, understanding this change was challenging. Instead, they preferred to believe something untoward had happened to Steve, rather than accept that an actor might simply want a change. False rumors circulated suggesting he was a drug addict, which seemed exciting and mysterious, rather than acknowledging him as a multitalented artist who didn’t wish to be confined to children’s entertainment. Even in the early days of the internet, misinformation could travel rapidly and be widely accepted.

Since then, Burns has reappeared on “Blue’s Clues,” embodying his timeless Steve character. He served as a casting advisor for the latest series, “Blue’s Clues and You!,” and made a guest appearance in the debut episode alongside Donovan Patton (as Joe) and newcomer Josh Dela (as Josh), Steve and Joe’s cousin. Burns has penned and directed several episodes of “Blue’s Clues and You!” and featured in “Blue’s Big City Adventure,” a Paramount+ Original Film, alongside Josh Dela and Donovan Patton.

2021 marked a heartfelt reunion for me and the audience I cherish, as Steve – the character I once brought to life in Blue’s Clues – returned to our screens. To honor the 25th anniversary of this beloved show, I stepped back into Steve’s shoes for a special video message, reassuring everyone that they remained close to my heart even during my college years. The emotional outpouring was immense as this video resonated across social media platforms and caught the attention of major outlets such as The Tonight Show, where host Stephen Colbert was visibly touched by the clip, ultimately inviting me on stage for a warm embrace.

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2025-05-02 20:32