Steve Burns is best known as the original host of the long-running children's television show "Blue's Clues."

Burns was born on October 9, 1973, in Boyertown, Pa. He studied theater on a scholarship at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa., but he dropped out his sophomore year and moved to New York City to become a professional actor. He quickly found voice-over work in commercials and television shows, including "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order."

Burns auditioned for "Blue's Clues" in 1995 thinking it was another voice-over job. Nickelodeon had other plans in mind for Burns. Each episode of "Blue's Clues" featured a mystery that Burns and his animated dog Blue had to solve. The detective team would receive three clues over during the episode. While solving the riddle, Burns and Blue stopped to address the home audience, encouraging preschoolers and other young children to solve each puzzle with them.

In addition to hosting "Blue's Clues," Burns was very involved in the series' production. He remained on "Blue's Clues" for more than 100 episodes until 2002, when he left to pursue a music career. Donovan Patton began hosting the show when Burns left.

Despite persistent rumors that started popping up as early as 1998, Burns did not die of a heroin overdose. Instead, he is still focusing on his music.

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