Steve from Blue’s Clues finally reveals why he left the show and moved to the 'middle of nowhere'

Steve Burns from Blue’s Clues has finally revealed why he left the show and disappeared from the public eye.

Steve carved out quite the name for himself in the '90s and early '00s after becoming one of the most prolific children’s TV entertainers on a wildly successful show.

However, in the middle of Blue’s Clues, Burns abruptly exited the show and fellow actor Donovan Patton stepped in by playing Steve’s little brother Joe.

Erik Pendzich / Alamy Stock Photo

For years, fans wondered where Steve went after he stepped out of the spotlight.

After living in Brooklyn for a quarter of a century, Steve packed his bags and moved to the 'middle of nowhere' in the Catskill Mountains.

The actor recently sat down with Variety to discuss his decision to leave the show as he admits he didn’t exactly have aspirations to be a child’s entertainer in his early 20s.

Before he left the series, Burns began losing his hair and revealed he didn’t want to wear a wig on camera.

It was at this time he realised his hosting duties must come to an end.

He told the outlet: “I wasn’t going to be boyish anymore.”

The actor also opened up about his declining mental health on the show and how it contrasted with his bubbly, energetic on-screen persona.

Nickelodeon

He said: “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.”

Burns has recovered after a ‘long period of healing’, however, he wished he had sought help sooner as he would’ve enjoyed his Blue's Clues stint a little more.

He said: “I would have been able to throw my arms around the role, and relax into it a little more. Because now, when I look back, all I see is what an impossible gift that was.”

But alas, Burns hasn't completely closed this chapter in his life, as he’ll be reprising his role in Blue's Big City Adventure, which is set to be released tomorrow (Friday, November 18) on Paramount+.

Upon returning to the Blue’s Clues world a little later in his career, the actor shared: “I’ve never enjoyed being Steve more than I do now.”

Topics: News, TV and Film, Mental Health

Charisa Bossinakis

Charisa Bossinakis is an Associative Journalist at LADbible. Charisa has worked across various media platforms including, print, digital, radio and podcasting while maintaining the highest regard for quality work and integrity. She also covered everything from breaking news, to pop culture, entertainment and politics and is part of the editorial team for LADbible.

@CBossinakis