He made his mark to soap opera fans as David Vickers on One Life to Live (1994-1996, 2001-2013) and as Bob on Desperate Housewives (2007-2012), since then Tuc Watkins has been featured and starred in numerous television, motion pictures and stage roles.

Most recently, Watkins starred opposite Neil Patrick Harris in the Netflix streaming series Uncoupled, the film and stage adaptation of Boys in the Band, and recently on stage in the AIDS-based drama, The Inheritance.

Tuc, who came out on The Marie Osmond Show back in 2013, is the father of twins via surrogacy, and is currently in a relationship with film, TV and stage actor, Andrew Rannells.  Earlier in his career, many warned Watkins that it could be detrimental to him, if he played gay roles.  However, in the years that have followed, Tuc has proved them wrong taking on some of the most prominent LGBTQ roles out there and earning critical praise for his performances.

A few months ago, in March, Tuc took to his Instagram account to share a before and after photo of him 4 years before he got sober, and 4 years after he got sober with a heartfelt and inspiring message.

Watkins expressed: “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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In a new article on Watkins from Queerty, EastSiders creator and star, Kit Williamson delivered a statement to the LGBTQ outlet about his experience working with Tuc and his consistent support for other gay artists.

Photo: ABC

Kit shared: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Tuc three times now. On the third season of EastSiders, my new series Unconventional, and the indie film Retake. Tuc is a star in the literal sense of the word, shining light on and lifting up the people around him, and he is as talented and funny as he is dashing and kind.  I was a fan of his before I became a friend, and I have seen firsthand how committed he is to supporting other queer artists and making art that matters.”

Photo: Jeff Lorch

As pride month approaches in just a weeks time, Watkins shared on Queerty’s coverage on his Instagram: “Thank you @Queerty for elevating the LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈 For highlighting the differences in our backgrounds, identities, and experiences, all through the lens of camaraderie.”

Share your thoughts on the talented Tuc Watkins and his efforts to lift others up, and be an inspiration through his own struggles via the comment section.

Even with its strong lead-in on Sunday night’s of American Idol, the Milo Ventimiglia starring vehicle, The Company You Keep was axed by ABC and will not move forward after its first season.

This was Ventimiglia’s first network dramatic lead role following hia successful run as Jack Pearson on This Is Us for six seasons.  Milo was also an EP of the series.

In story, The Company You Keep followed con man Charlie (Ventimiglia) and undercover CIA officer Emma (Catherine Haena Kim) and how they were romantically linked even though one was working for the law and the other against the law. Eventually, the two team-up to bring down the bad guys.  William Fichtner, Tim Chiou, Freda Foh Shen, James Saito, Sarah Wayne Callies, Felisha Terrell, and Polly Draper were also part of the cast.

Big Sky has also been sent to ABC heaven! The show from executive producer David E. Kelley, will end at three seasons.  It’s unclear if the series will be shopped to another network or streamer.  When Big Sky debuted in November of 2020, it had Ryan Phillippe (ex-Billy Douglas, OLTL) attached to its first season, and a dark mystery reminiscent of Twin Peaks that drew viewers in with strong numbers. After Phillippe’s character is shockingly killed-off at the end of season one, the show never caught the fire it had.

Photo: ABC

Season three saw private detective Cassie Dewell (Kylie Bunbury), undersheriff Jenny Hoyt (Kathyrn Winnick), join forces with a newly appointed sheriff Beau Arlen played by Supernatural and Days of our Lives favorite, Jensen Ackles. In story, they run up against the seemingly nefarious Sunny Barnes (Reba McEntire) and a mystery about campers where no one is to be trusted.

Of note: Alaska Daily starring two-time Oscar winner, Hillary Swank, was also shown the front door by ABC after one season.

So, sad to hear that ‘The Company You Keep’ and ‘Big Sky’ have been canceled? Did you watch the drama series at any points during its run? Comment below.

You know them best as Jennifer ‘Jen’ Rappaport from One Life to Live and Dr. Jake Marshak from Port Charles, and now Jessica Morris and Rib Hillis have tied the knot.  The couple were married in a quiet and intimate bohemian setting and ceremony in Topanga, California on Thursday.

As for how these two soap stars wound up in each other’s loving arms, Jessica and Rib met a decade ago when Morris was cast as his bride in a film.  They also appeared together in Lifetime’s 2017 movie, The Wrong Man.

However, the road to their union has had many twists and turns including that in 2019, Jessica was convicted of a misdemeanor charge after apparently biting Hillis’ lip.  At the time, he was married to Elena Grinenko, a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars.

Morris told PEOPLE: “Finding true love is not always easy.”  She added, “We complete each other. We have always felt that we were each other’s missing puzzle piece, and when we are together, our puzzle is complete and we are happy.”

Photo: Dexter Brown

Taking to her Instagram, Jessica expressed: “It’s official! I’m so happy to announce that I am now Mrs. Hillis! 😃❤️#newlymarried #newlyweds #wedidit #peoplemagazine #exclusive”

Hillis’ two sons, Magnus and Odin were part of the wedding ceremony as ring bearers. Rib is also dad to twins Hannah and Dane from a previous marriage.

Jessica appeared on One Life to Live from 2001-2005 and made a return in 2008,  Rib appeared on Port Charles from 1997-1998.

Share your well-wishes and congratulations to newlyweds, Jessica and Rib, in the comment section below.

 

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