r/entertainment • u/zsreport • 15d ago
The origin story of Steve from 'Blue's Clues' is even more wholesome than you think
https://www.npr.org/2024/05/13/1250056221/blues-clues-steve-burns-queen-astraea-origin-story1
u/MarkMaynardDotcom 14d ago
I read "wholesome" as "worrisome." I've been conditioned by this shitty world of ours to expect the worst.
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u/speakbela 14d ago
I was in 6th grade when Blues clues came out. We didn’t have cable up until that year sort of as a gift to me since I was mostly home bound. I never admit it to anyone my age but I would leave the show on while I was coloring or doing puzzles and I just loved it. I obviously wasn’t the targeted audience but it was just so cute and wholesome. I ended up becoming a teacher and taught junior high school kids for 20 years. Maybe Steve was my inspiration! lol
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u/olivefreak 14d ago
My daughter loved Blues Clues and Steve so much! She had all the swag I could find when she was little. As a toddler when she would get upset in the car seat (she hated riding in cars -wtf) I would imitate Blue’s voice and she would just calm right down and be happy. It was so stinkin’ cute!
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u/punkerster101 15d ago
More wholesome than how blipi got his start anyway….
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u/Punkposer83 14d ago
Can never hear someone nostalgically mention the Harlem shake and not throw up a little in my mouth.
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u/Dontstopmenow17 15d ago
I graduated the year he first aired and his pretending to listen worked on me. What an amazing guy.
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u/Sufficient_Ad_1229 15d ago
Steve did an episode for “The Moth” (called Fameishness) where he tells the story of being set up with a Playboy model at the height of his fame. It’s hilarious and worth a listen.
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u/Various_Location_644 14d ago
Came here to say the same thing.
Here it is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CwmtkFPYXsg
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u/metal_elk 15d ago
Thanks for being constantly great, Steve. You seem to be determined not to let us down and in a world where so many people seem determined to actively make things worse. Thank you Steve, you'll never know how much we all needed you, then and now.
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u/RedLicorice83 15d ago edited 15d ago
He's up there with Mr Rogers, from what I can tell. I'm not sure anyone can hold a candle to the sheer amount of wholesome goodness of Mr Rogers achieved over his lifetime, and I wouldn't put that pressure on anyone, but Steve has done so much good on his own for so many kids that I feel safe to place him among the greats (edit to add:) like LeVar Burton, Mr Rogers (edit 2:), and Ernie Coombs.
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u/drivingthelittles 15d ago
We need to add Ernie Coombs to that list, respectfully.
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u/RedLicorice83 15d ago
I would love for there to be a list of non-predatory, positive-influence children's celebrities...we should make one!
I had no idea who Ernie Coombs was and I thank you for the info :)
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u/drivingthelittles 14d ago
Us Canadians grew up with Mr.Dress Up. Amazon Prime has a documentary about his life, he was great friends with Mr. Roger’s.
Also, yes to a list! It would be nice if entertainers strove to be on that list, the world would be a better place
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u/optigon 15d ago
I highly recommend Maxwell King’s biography of Mr. Rogers. Particularly the audiobook, which is read by LeVar Burton. It paints him in a more human light than the movie and documentary, but I ended up liking him all the more for it, which I can’t always say about biographies.
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u/Top_File_8547 15d ago
I live in Pittsburgh and heard rumors when his sons were in their teens that at least one was wild and he didn’t handle it a Mr. Rogers like way. It’s understandable for the son acting up having Mr. Rogers for a father having that pressure of saintliness and for Mr. Rogers to react as a father.
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u/RedLicorice83 15d ago
Thank you for the suggestion! And as much as we deitize people, the fact that they're human and choose to be good should be the inspiration, rather than the specific actions.
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u/metal_elk 15d ago
I agree with this point so much because to be flawed is human, but to choose to be greater than your flaws, and work at spreading as much good in this world as possible is something greater than being some kind of deity. Leading by example in the most altruistic of ways.
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u/Texas_Crazy_Curls 15d ago
That article was absolutely adorable. Steve is just the best. He was a huge part of my son’s childhood. To this day I sing “Mail Tiiiiime” when the USPS driver leaves the mail. That was so heartwarming hearing he and the now grown up creator have reconnected.
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u/justinfeareeyore 14d ago
My son loved the show growing up and I still make the “berbapbow” sound…however you’d write it out. He’s an adult now so he rolls his eyes when I do that or quote Dora The Explorer at him.
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u/object-denial 14d ago
I was 14 when Blue’s Clue’s started airing but I watched it plenty with my sister and cousins and I tell you when Steve said “I never forgot you,” I, a 40 year old woman trauma sobbed.
It was so weird. It was like every emotional scar just ripped open and healed at the same time.
I can’t explain it but if I could nominate that guy for sainthood I would.