For kids across America, April 29, 2002, marked a tearful day, as it was the final airing of Steve Burns’ “Blue’s Clues” episode. After six years of engaging young audiences to help him track down paw prints and document everything in his handy dandy notebook, Burns decided it was time to retire his green striped shirt and hand over the role to Donovan Patton, introduced as Steve’s younger brother Joe. The emotional farewell in the Season 4 finale shows Steve heading off to college, though Burns didn’t actually leave to pursue education further.

Burns was nearing 30 and growing out of the role, but he was also grappling with depression and needed support. “I didn’t realize it, but I was the happiest depressed person in North America,” Burns admitted to Variety. “I struggled with severe clinical depression during my time on the show. It was my job to be completely joyful and curious, which became impossible. I could always find something authentic enough for the show, but years of this without replenishment took a toll.”

After departing “Blue’s Clues,” Steve Burns did what his character would do — he sought help. He shared with Today, “The great lesson Steve taught me is that asking for help is not shameful. It’s an act of strength. This simple yet powerful action was the most transformative of my life, a lesson learned from Steve, a full circle moment.”

On his journey to wellness, Burns left the hustle of New York City for the peace of the Catskills. He also explored other passions post-“Blue’s Clues,” like music. In 2003, he released “Songs for Dust Mites,” featuring “Mighty Little Man,” the theme song for “Young Sheldon.” In “Young Sheldon,” Burns appeared in a few episodes as Nathan, a “Star Trek” fan who bonds with Sheldon (Iain Armitage). He released “Foreverywhere” in 2017, a collaboration with Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips under the duo name StevenSteven.

Burns needed to step back from the spotlight for his mental health. Now, in middle age, he’s eagerly re-engaging with “Blue’s Clues.” As a consulting producer on “Blue’s Clues & You” from 2019-2022, he joined successors Donovan Patton and Josh Dela Cruz in the 2022 film “Blue’s Big City Adventure,” which was well-received by critics and fans alike.

Although he once aspired to serious roles, even debuting professionally on “Law & Order,” Burns has embraced his status as a childhood icon. Returning to Steve for “Blue’s Big City Adventure” brought him joy, particularly with a new wardrobe twist. “I’ve never enjoyed being Steve more than now,” he told Variety. “I get to wear a trench coat. It’s like Grover-meets-Columbo — a clown character. That’s really freeing somehow.”

Burns was never the same after “Blue’s Clues,” but he understands how much of a positive impact he had on so many childhoods and often utilizes TikTok to speak directly to his audiences, just as he did so many years ago. But now, he’s not asking them to help find clues. Those audience members are all grown up with adult struggles and responsibilities. After asking, “What’s new?,” Burns pauses for nearly a minute, allowing his followers to vent about their hardships or gush about their wins in an exchange that feels comfortable and familiar.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.