Steve Burns Reflects on Low Pay During ‘Blue’s Clues’ Years

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Steve Burns, the former host of Nickelodeon‘s ‘Blue’s Clues,’ recently opened up about his financial struggles during the show’s early years. In a candid interview on the ‘Soul Boom’ podcast with Rainn Wilson, Burns recounted how he earned very little while hosting the popular kids’ show from 1996 to 2002.

“Every waiter I ever knew made more money than I did for the first many seasons of that show,” Burns said, revealing that he considered ‘Blue’s Clues’ a side gig while working primarily as a voice-over artist. “Blue’s Clues was my side hustle forever. My real gig was I was a voice-over guy,” he explained.

Burns recalled the circumstances surrounding his audition for the show, expressing that he initially believed it was for a voice role only. “If I had known that it was to be the guy on the show, I wouldn’t have gone,” he said. He described his reluctance due to being a young, ambitious actor who didn’t see children’s television as a viable path.

Despite his hesitations, Burns went ahead with the audition. “When I got there, there was a camera in the room, and I thought, ‘Oh s***, I better do something.’ So I looked at the script and figured I should really give it my all,” he said. His efforts paid off as he secured the role of Steve, a character who connects with young viewers while solving clues left by the animated dog, Blue.

Reflecting on his departure from the show, Burns mentioned it felt “abrupt,” but he recognized that it allowed both him and his audience to grow. In a message as part of the show’s 25th anniversary in 2021, he expressed appreciation for the lasting friendship with fans: “I guess I just wanted to say that, after all these years, I never forgot you… and I’m super glad we’re still friends.”

Burns also addressed troubling rumors surrounding his absence from the public eye, notably death hoaxes that contributed to feelings of isolation. These speculations weighed heavily on him, especially since some family members believed the rumors. “It was a rough patch, but reaching out for help and starting therapy changed my life around,” he said.

Today, Burns is involved with ‘Blue’s Clues & You!,’ the show’s revival, where he makes special appearances alongside new host Josh Dela Cruz, emphasizing that his journey has come full circle.