Steve Burns of “Blue’s Clues ”Says the ‘Urban Legend’ He’d Died Made Him Feel Like He Was ‘Supposed to’ amid Depression Battle

Steve Burns, the former host of Blue’s Clues, has recently opened up about the persistent “urban legend” that circulated for years claiming he had passed away. In a candid conversation on Rainn Wilson’s Soul Boom podcast, the 51-year-old actor shared his struggles with depression during and after his time on the beloved children’s show.

During the podcast episode released on May 1, 2025, Burns revealed how Internet rumours of his death started spreading while Blue’s Clues was still on the air. The false reports continued to haunt him even after he left the show, causing significant distress amid his battle with depression. Burns expressed the impact of these rumours, noting that hearing people speculate about his death was particularly troubling given his mental health struggles.

The actor recounted the various false narratives that emerged, including claims of overdose or suicide, which only exacerbated his fragile state of mind. Burns highlighted the challenges of combating misinformation, sharing how Nickelodeon attempted to address the rumours by arranging talk show appearances for him. However, even public declarations of his wellbeing did little to dispel the persistent myth that he had died.

Following the end of Blue’s Clues, Burns admitted to facing personal struggles, including battling alcohol addiction and seclusion. He described a period of his life dominated by isolation and unhealthy habits, reflecting on how the weight of the false death rumours affected his self-perception. Burns candidly shared his experience of feeling unrecognisable both physically and emotionally, a consequence of the prolonged mental and emotional strain he endured.

Despite the toll taken by the ongoing rumours, Burns eventually sought help and embarked on a journey of recovery. He credited therapy and introspection for guiding him towards a path of healing. Drawing parallels between his fictional character on Blue’s Clues and his real-life journey, Burns reflected on the profound impact of seeking assistance and opening up about his struggles.

The actor highlighted the surreal nature of having to refute claims of his own demise to acquaintances and family members, underscoring the surreal and distressing nature of the situation. Burns emphasised the emotional toll of being confronted with a widespread falsehood about his death, acknowledging the long-lasting effects it had on his mental health and personal life.

As Burns shared his story on the Soul Boom podcast, listeners gained insight into the complexities of navigating fame, mental health challenges, and the enduring impact of misinformation. His willingness to address these difficult experiences serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking support and dismantling harmful stigmas surrounding mental health issues in the public eye.