Zaddy Tuc Watkins shares before and after photos from his four year sobriety journey
By David Hudson · 11 comments· Updated on January 26, 2024
Tuc Watkins (Photo: Shutterstock)
Actor Tuc Watkins has a message for anyone struggling to control their alcohol intake. The actor, 56, quit drinking four and a half years ago.
In an Instagram posting, he shared a photo of himself four years before quitting, and four years after. Despite the eight-year age difference, most would agree he looks better in the more recent shot.
In the accompanying caption, he shared a message of hope for anyone worried about their alcohol use.
“If your drinking is making you uncomfortable, tell a sober person. Any sober person. That’s what I did. I don’t remember what I said to him that day. And I don’t remember what he said to me. But I remember the way he made me feel. He made me feel like I was going to be okay. It was the last day I drank. October 28, 2018. I got sober because alcohol was ruining my life. I stay sober because my life got better. #sobriety #recovery”
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Career and partner
Watkins was born in Kansas City and attended the University of Indiana before pursuing his career as an actor. He has appeared in Uncoupled, Desperate Housewives, Beggars & Choosers,The Other Two and One Life to Live, among many others roles.
Watkins came out as gay in an interview in 2013 with Marie Osmond. He has been a father since welcoming twins via a surrogate in 2012. Since 2018, he has been in a relationship with fellow actor Andrew Rannells. They played opposite each other in the Broadway revival of The Boys In The Band and reprised their roles in the Netflix movie version.
Rannels was among those to comment on Watkin’s photos, posting a simple loveheart as a response.
Others thanked Watkins for offering them some hope.
“Thank you for this! I struggle with alcoholism as well and I’m only 26,” said one commentator. “I don’t remember much of the past five years because of the blackouts. Sometimes I feel so hopeless, but I keep trying everyday. This motivates me to keep fighting. ❤️”
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If you are thinking about stopping drinking because it keeps messing up your life and your relationships just try to do your best. Take that first step and stop for a day.
Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years.
If you have tried to quit drinking and failed, don’t give up! Keep trying!!!!
The 12-step programs are awesome for anyone struggling with addiction. Super helpful and understanding. Keep trying until you find the group that’s right for you.
I applaud his sobriety but that before and after pics are a little bit exaggerated. If he couldn’t control his drinking then it was awesome that he got sober. But why choose one of his worst pics with a runny nose (looked like he did coke) for the before and a current edited headshot for the after. I think he’s trying to stay relevant. Sad. Just enjoy life
As I recall, when he was on Beggars and Choosers (1999-2001), his character was gay, and they did a story about his character being raped. He came out as a part of the publicity for that story line. At that time, no big deal was made out of it, and the story quietly died.
I first found Tuc as David Vickers on One Life To Live. I followed his career ever since. I was fortunate to have seen him in The Boys in the Band on Broadway along with the stellar gay cast. I only wanted his signature at the stage door. He was gracious, and signed my Playbill. I wish him the best on his journey, and continued love with Andrew and his kids.
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Major
If you are thinking about stopping drinking because it keeps messing up your life and your relationships just try to do your best. Take that first step and stop for a day.
Days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, and months turn into years.
If you have tried to quit drinking and failed, don’t give up! Keep trying!!!!
Peter
Congrats to Tuc on his sobriety. It’s a lifelong struggle; I wish him the best.
BStewart27
Life without booze is just simpler and easier all the way around.
Jazz
Maybe if you have a problem with it. Most of us can enjoy a drink or two and not have it affect our lives negatively. But good on him though.
bachy
The 12-step programs are awesome for anyone struggling with addiction. Super helpful and understanding. Keep trying until you find the group that’s right for you.
cuteguy
I applaud his sobriety but that before and after pics are a little bit exaggerated. If he couldn’t control his drinking then it was awesome that he got sober. But why choose one of his worst pics with a runny nose (looked like he did coke) for the before and a current edited headshot for the after. I think he’s trying to stay relevant. Sad. Just enjoy life
Jazz
Sorry but what is a ‘Zaddy’?
Kangol2
A sexy daddy or sexy guy. Almost old-fashion lingo (about 7 years & counting) these days.
KellyRobinsonJr
Congratulations Zaddy!
Kit McCollum
As I recall, when he was on Beggars and Choosers (1999-2001), his character was gay, and they did a story about his character being raped. He came out as a part of the publicity for that story line. At that time, no big deal was made out of it, and the story quietly died.
Wheelerman
I first found Tuc as David Vickers on One Life To Live. I followed his career ever since. I was fortunate to have seen him in The Boys in the Band on Broadway along with the stellar gay cast. I only wanted his signature at the stage door. He was gracious, and signed my Playbill. I wish him the best on his journey, and continued love with Andrew and his kids.