Overview

• Steve Burns revealed on Rainn Wilson’s Soul Boom podcast how false death rumors during his Blue's Clues tenure worsened his clinical depression.
• The baseless claims, including overdoses and suicide, persisted for over a decade, despite attempts by Burns and Nickelodeon to debunk them through media appearances.
• Burns described a prolonged period of isolation and alcohol addiction after leaving the show in 2001, which he called 'the gray' of his life.
• Even his own mother believed the rumors at one point, calling him in tears to confirm he was alive.
• Burns credits therapy and embracing the lessons of his Blue's Clues character for helping him rebuild his life and overcome his struggles.