Steve Burns discusses depression amid death rumors

Steve Burns, the actor known for his role in the children’s show ‘Blue’s Clues’, openly addressed his struggles with depression that arose after persistent rumors about his death. Burns, who gained fame in the late 1990s as the show’s host, has shared that these rumors had a profound impact on his mental health.

In a recent podcast appearance on Rainn Wilson’s ‘Soul Bloom’, Burns reflected on the emotional toll of the death rumors, which began circulating shortly after he left the show in 2002. He noted that for years, many people believed he had died, which contributed to his feelings of isolation and depression.

Burns explained, ‘When a rumor like that persists for three or four years, it stops being funny. When it persists for 10 years, it feels like a cultural preference. After 15 or 20 years, you start to feel like you’re supposed to be dead.’

This ongoing speculation about his life took a significant toll on his mental state. He described being engulfed in depression during this period, exacerbated by the disconnection from the public narrative that painted him as deceased. ‘What a lot of people don’t understand is that during the show, the internet was just beginning to take off, and a large portion of the world decided that I had died,’ he said.

Burns also discussed the difficulty of dealing with such rumors while experiencing severe clinical depression. He admitted that at times, he began to play along with the narrative, which further complicated his relationship with his identity and mental health. ‘I didn’t recognize me. Everyone thought I was dead, and eventually I started playing along,’ he shared.

The conversation highlights the often-overlooked effects of false narratives and the importance of addressing mental health openly. By sharing his story, Burns aims to raise awareness about the struggles individuals face when dealing with rumors and public perception, particularly how it can exacerbate mental health issues.

Burns’ experience serves as a critical reminder of the need for compassion and understanding regarding mental health, especially in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly. His candidness may encourage others facing similar challenges to seek help and share their experiences.