If you were a child growing up in the 90s, then you would remember watching the popular children’s TV show, Blue’s Clues, and shouting at your television screen to help Steve (Steve Burns) find the hidden pawprint. Burns became an iconic host for the show and was closely associated with it. When he announced his departure, fans were heartbroken and wondered what happened to their beloved friend. Donovan Patton and Joshua Dela Cruz took over as hosts, but the bond with Burns was strong enough that many adults tuned in to watch Blue’s Big City Adventure last November, which brought together all three former hosts.
After Burns left the show, the burning question on everyone’s mind was, why did he leave? In an interview with Variety, Burns revealed that he left because he was pushing 30 and dealing with depression. He dispelled rumors about his death and candidly shared that despite his job to exude joy and wonder, it became impossible to maintain that facade while struggling with severe clinical depression. “I was always able to dig and find something that felt authentic to me that was good enough to be on the show, but after years and years of going to the well without replenishing it, there was a cost,” he shared.
“I didn’t know it yet, but I was the happiest depressed person in North America. I was struggling with severe clinical depression the whole time I was on that show. It was my job to be utterly and completely full of joy and wonder at all times, and that became impossible. I was always able to dig and find something that felt authentic to me that was good enough to be on the show, but after years and years of going to the well without replenishing it, there was a cost.”
Steve Burns Makes a Triumphant Return to Blue’s Clues
Since leaving the show, Burns remained an essential part of the Blue’s Clues family, lending his creative talents to the Nickelodeon revival series, Blue’s Clues and You. In May, he reprised his role for the episode “The Case of the Missing Thinking Chair” where he assisted Josh and Blue in cracking the case. Burns expressed his love for playing Steve, stating that he enjoys the role now more than ever. “I get to wear a trench coat. It’s like Grover-meets-Columbo — a clown character. That’s really freeing somehow,” he shared.
Burns is also a popular guest at conventions and most recently attended FAN EXPO Philadephia at the start of June 2023. Although he initially thought he was “pretty much done” with the show even with the reboot, the revival became a great re-entry point for him. He could enjoy playing a guest role without any major responsibilities, with Josh doing all the hard work. Burns reiterated that the positive effect he has on audiences can be overwhelming, yet he still finds immense joy in playing Steve.
And if you were wondering which household object was Burns’ favorite, it turns out that it’s Mr. Salt.