The beloved children's entertainer known as Blippi underwent a significant transformation in 2021 that left many young fans and their parents wondering about the familiar face behind the orange suspenders and blue bow tie. Stevin John, the original creator and performer of the educational character, made a conscious decision to step back from full-time on-screen appearances, marking a new chapter for the global phenomenon.
The Rise of Stevin John as Blippi
Stevin John, born Stephen John Grossman in 1988, first introduced the world to Blippi in 2014 after noticing his two-year-old nephew watching low-quality children's content online. Before creating the iconic character, John had served in the US Air Force and worked as a marketing consultant. His vision was to produce educational content that would engage preschoolers while teaching them about everyday topics like vehicles, animals, and science experiments.
The American entertainer's cheerful personality and signature outfit quickly captured the hearts of young audiences worldwide. John single-handedly produced, filmed, and edited the early episodes, building Blippi into a household name that combined entertainment with learning through playful explorations and musical formats.
Why the Original Blippi Stepped Away
In October 2021, John announced on Instagram that he was expecting his first child, writing: "I am going to be a dad. Alyssa and I are so excited. Parenthood coming 2022!" This personal milestone prompted his decision to reduce on-screen commitments and focus more on family life while continuing to guide the creative direction of the expanding Blippi brand.
Contrary to popular belief, Stevin John was never fired from the role but made a strategic choice to transition behind the scenes. In an interview with Billboard, he explained: "I won't be on the road, but I am obviously extremely involved with the whole process... I can't go on the road for many weeks or months at a time."
Mike Katzman, Blippi's general manager, supported this decision, telling Parents Magazine that growing demand for content made it impossible for one person to handle all responsibilities: "We decided to introduce a new Blippi actor because the demand for Blippi content has grown so much that it's simply too much for one person to cover."
Clayton Grimm Takes the Mantle
The new performer stepping into the iconic orange suspenders was Clayton Grimm, an actor and performer from Colorado who had already been playing Blippi in live stage tours since 2019. His official on-screen debut occurred in May 2021 through the Blippi YouTube channel, where he began handling most new episodes and live performances.
Grimm brought substantial experience to the role, having studied theater at NYU and previously worked with children through after-school chess and music programs. In a 2025 television interview, he expressed his enthusiasm: "I taught after-school chess and music... and loved working with kids, loved doing theatre. And then they had an audition for the national tour of 'Blippi: The Musical.' I got cast and toured, and it was amazing."
Despite initial fan reactions that included social media comments like "That's not the real Blippi" and the hashtag #NotMyBlippi, Moonbug Entertainment reassured audiences that both performers would continue portraying the character across different formats.
Stevin John's Continued Influence and New Ventures
Although reducing his on-screen presence, Stevin John remains deeply involved in shaping Blippi's creative direction and continues to appear in select content. His commitment to the brand's educational mission persists, with Moonbug Entertainment's head of brand marketing Katelynn Heil emphasizing that Blippi was created to ensure more educational content became accessible to children worldwide.
In 2025, John expanded his entrepreneurial efforts by co-founding Born To Play, a children's toy company that connects digital content with physical products. This venture represents his ongoing dedication to creating meaningful educational experiences while balancing fatherhood and creative pursuits.
The Blippi franchise continues to thrive under Moonbug Entertainment, which acquired the brand in 2020 and was subsequently purchased by Blackstone-backed Candle Media in November 2021. Both Stevin John and Clayton Grimm remain integral to the character's future, with the original creator overseeing creative development while the new performer brings Blippi to life for a new generation of young learners.
