Steve Burns hosted the kids’ show Blue’s Clues from 1996 to 2002, when he abruptly decided to leave.
Blues’ Clues aired on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. from 1996 to 2006, earning Burns a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2001.
Steve and Blue’s Clues
The show Blue’s Clues premiered on Nick Jr. on September 8th, 1996, and Steve became a beloved icon to the children watching.
He also gained quite an audience among women. In 2002, People magazine included him as one of the most eligible bachelors.
Despite his success on the show, Steve announced his departure and left after introducing Donovan Patton as his replacement.
Stories began circulating after his departure, with some claiming he had died of a drug overdose.
Rumours and Speculations
Since Steve had not given a reason for his sudden departure, fans began spreading rumours about his whereabouts.
Some believed he had died in a car accident, while others speculated he had succumbed to drug addiction.
These stories were entirely false, but they persisted for years, fueling speculation about his abrupt exit.
Reason for his exit from Blue’s Clues
Steve decided to leave the show after six years to pursue other interests. At the time, he had started losing his hair and felt this would change his on-screen presence, which he didn’t want to happen, especially in a children’s show.
He also acknowledged that he needed to grow from being a children’s host, start acting in more mature roles, and focus on his music career. He also admitted that he was suffering from clinical depression during and after the show.
Life After Blue’s Clues
After leaving the show, Steve pursued his passion for music, releasing albums and collaborating with other artists.
He also ventured into voice acting and other creative projects, staying out of the spotlight for many years.
In 2021, Steve made a surprise appearance during the 25th anniversary of Blue’s Clues, sharing a heartfelt message with fans.
He explained his reasons for leaving and reassured his audience that his departure was not due to anything tragic.
His return was met with excitement and gratitude, as fans appreciated the closure and nostalgic memories he revived.
In an interview with the New York Times, he mentions how the death rumours affected him.
Steve Burns continues to live a creative life, pursuing music and other projects while being fondly remembered as the original face of Blue’s Clues.