‘Blue’s Clues’ Star Steve Burns Says Online Rumors That He Died ‘Depressed’ Him and Made Him Feel Like He Was ‘Supposed to Be’ Dead

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Numerous actors from popular children’s TV shows have encountered issues with internet obsession, and Steve Burns, famously known for “Blue’s Clues,” has spoken out about how unfounded online speculations have affected his psychological wellbeing throughout the years. During an interview on Rainn Wilson’s “Soul Bloom” podcast, Burns shared his adverse response to a persistent internet rumor suggesting he had passed away before completing his role in the series in 2002.

After lasting for around three to four years, such a rumor loses its humor, Burns noted. If it lingers for ten years, it seems to become a cultural tradition. When it endures for fifteen or twenty years, one might even feel obligated to believe it.

On Nick Jr.’s “Blue’s Clues,” Steve Burns initially portrayed a fictionalized version of himself, addressing the camera and viewers directly in every episode since its debut in 1996. He was the original main character, making appearances in more than 100 episodes over six years until his departure from the series in 2002 following a special multi-part episode. During this farewell, Steve introduced the new lead of the show, Donovan Patton’s character Joe.

It’s not unusual for TV celebrities to leave their shows after several years, yet Burns’ departure sparked a grim online speculation that he had passed away – a somber theory as to why “Blue’s Clues” might require a new host.

During the performance, the internet was just starting out, and many people mistakenly believed I had passed away,” Burns explained. He was going through a deep depression following his departure from the show, and such an online rumor is particularly distressing when one is severely clinically depressed.”

“The misunderstanding during the event was that the internet was still new and people thought I had died. This occurred while I was struggling with clinical depression after leaving the show, making this online speculation all the more upsetting for me.

Burns continued, ‘I was unrecognizable to myself. People believed I had passed away, and over time, I began pretending that I was.’

Over the past few years, Steve Burns has been fostering a more hands-on bond with his fans, often debunking online speculations directly on his new Instagram account titled “SteveBurnsAlive.” He’s also been actively involved in creating and directing multiple episodes for the reboot of “Blue’s Clues” and teamed up again with former co-host Patton for the Paramount+ release “Blue’s Big City Adventure,” which premiered in 2022.

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2025-05-02 08:17