It’s been nearly two decades since Steve Burns exitedBlue’s Clues, but he’s never forgotten the friends he made along the way.
Ina video messageTuesday to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary, Burns returned — clad in his iconic green-striped shirt — to share a heartfelt explanation about his “abrupt” departure back in 2002 and reflect on the impact the show has had on his life.
“You remember how, when we were younger, we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues and talk to Mr. Salt and freak out about the mail and do all the fun stuff? And then one day, I was like, ‘Oh hey, guess what? Big news. I’m leaving!’ " he began the video message, adding: “Can we just talk about that?”
For more on Steve fromBlue’s Cluesvideo message and other top stories, listen below toour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.
He added, “I mean, we started out with clues and now, it’s what? Student loans, and jobs, and families. And some of it has been kind of hard, you know? I know you know. I wanted to tell you that I really couldn’t have done all of that without your help. In fact, all the help that you helped me with when we were younger is still helping me today. Right now. And that’s super cool.”
In conclusion, Burns said he “just wanted to say that, after all these years, I never forgot you…ever. And I’m super glad we’re still friends.”
Steve Burns inBlues Clues.nickelodeon
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
When news of Dela Cruz' casting was announced, Burns shared that he was elated for the actor, and even had a hand in casting him.
source: people.com
