History of Steve Burns in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 4, 2025

Steven Michael Burns, known professionally as Steve Burns, is an American actor, musician, and television host best known for hosting the children's television series *Blue's Clues* from 1996 to 2002. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2001 for his role in the show. Beyond *Blue's Clues*, Burns has also worked extensively in voice-over, including the popular 'Snickers satisfies' advertising campaign, highlighting his versatility in entertainment.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1938: Birth of his father, Joseph Burns Jr.

In 1938, Joseph Burns Jr., Steve Burns' father, was born.

1966: Paul McCartney replacement rumor

In 1966, there were rumors about Paul McCartney being replaced with a look-alike. Similar rumors would circulate about Steve Burns after his departure from Blue's Clues.

October 9, 1973: Steve Burns is born

On October 9, 1973, Steven Michael Burns was born. He is an American actor, musician and television host.

1992: Graduates from high school

In 1992, Steve Burns graduated from Boyertown Area Senior High School in Berks County.

1994: Audition for Blue's Clues

In 1994, Steve Burns auditioned for "Blue's Clues", initially believing it was a voice-over role for a game show. Despite initial reservations from Nickelodeon executives, his connection with preschool test audiences led to him being cast as the host.

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September 8, 1996: Blue's Clues Premieres

On September 8, 1996, "Blue's Clues" premiered on Nick Jr. and became an instant hit, with Steve Burns gaining popularity among both children and parents.

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1996: Starts hosting Blue's Clues

In 1996, Steve Burns started hosting the children's television series "Blue's Clues".

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1998: Rumors Surfaced

In 1998, rumors began circulating about Steve Burns, including claims of death from a heroin overdose and being replaced by a look-alike.

2000: Included in People's Most Eligible Bachelors

In 2000, Steve Burns was included in People's annual list of America's most eligible bachelors.

January 2001: Announces Departure from Blue's Clues

In January 2001, Steve Burns announced his departure from "Blue's Clues" after nearly six years as the host.

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2001: Nominated for Daytime Emmy

In 2001, Steve Burns was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for his role as the host of Blue's Clues.

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April 29, 2002: Final Blue's Clues Episode

On April 29, 2002, Steve Burns' final episodes of "Blue's Clues" aired as a three-part special, where he introduced Donovan Patton as the new host, Joe.

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2002: Leaves Blue's Clues

In 2002, Steve Burns left "Blue's Clues" after portraying the host for six years.

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2002: Starts work on first album

In late 2002, Steve Burns began working on material for his first album, "Songs for Dustmites", at a small studio in his home in Brooklyn.

2003: Releases Songs for Dustmites

In 2003, Steve Burns released his first album, "Songs for Dustmites".

2007: Acts in Netherbeast Incorporated

In 2007, Steve Burns acted in the horror-comedy film "Netherbeast Incorporated", playing the part of a vampire.

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2007: Appears in Amadeus

In 2007, Steve Burns appeared in DeSales University's production of "Amadeus" as the title character.

2008: Plays an astronaut in Christmas on Mars

In 2008, Steve Burns played an astronaut in "Christmas on Mars", a science fiction film from the Flaming Lips.

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2009: Releases Deep Sea Recovery Efforts

In 2009, Steve Burns released his second album, "Deep Sea Recovery Efforts", with his band Steve Burns and the Struggle.

March 2012: Appears in The Professionals

In March 2012, Steve Burns appeared in the YouTube comedy series "The Professionals".

2015: Death of his father, Joseph Burns Jr.

In 2015, Joseph Burns Jr., Steve Burns' father, passed away.

2016: Interview about leaving the show

In a 2016 interview, Steve Burns explained that many of the original creators of "Blue's Clues" were moving on to other careers, making it feel like the right time for him to leave as well.

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2016: Releases children's album Foreverywhere

In late 2016, Steve Burns released a children's album titled "Foreverywhere" with Steven Drozd, under the name "STEVENSTEVEN".

2018: Guest appearance on Tim Kubart's album

In 2018, Steve Burns made a guest appearance on Tim Kubart's children's album "Building Blocks".

2020: Living near the Catskill Mountains

In 2020, Steve Burns mentioned in an interview that he had been living mostly near the Catskill Mountains for the past four years.

2021: Appears in 25th Anniversary Videos

In 2021, Steve Burns appeared in videos for the twenty-fifth anniversary of "Blue's Clues", including a viral Twitter video assuring viewers he never forgot them.

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