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Tuc Watkins Reflects on Queer Storytelling, Fatherhood, and Love with Andrew Rannells Ahead of ‘Exit Interviews’ Premiere
READ TIME: 23 MIN.
Tuc Watkins, known for his memorable roles on television and stage, returns to the spotlight with his new indie film Exit Interviews, set to screen as the Centerpiece at Atlanta’s Out On Film festival on September 26, 2025. In a recent interview, Watkins shared rare insights into his personal journey as a gay father, his relationship with acclaimed actor Andrew Rannells, and his thoughts on the shifting landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. Watkins’s career, spanning three decades, not only mirrors but has actively contributed to the growing visibility and complexity of queer storytelling in the entertainment industry .
In Exit Interviews, Watkins takes on a role that explores the often fraught landscape of modern gay dating—an experience he admits resonates with his own life. The film, described as a bleak yet honest look at contemporary dating, highlights the emotional toll of fleeting connections and the search for authenticity. Watkins recounts his own experiences with dating apps, humorously recalling a time when he unknowingly went on nearly identical dates with eight different men, none of whom matched his expectations—a sentiment he suspects was mutual .
The film’s depiction of “soulless hook-ups and numbing disappearing acts” is, according to Watkins, balanced by the broader message that meaningful relationships require vulnerability and openness—values he strives to model for his children and in his relationship with Rannells.
Watkins’s career is a testament to the remarkable progress in LGBTQ+ representation over the past two decades. Early roles in shows like Baywatch and Growing Pains gave him his start, but it was his portrayal of David Vickers on One Life to Live that earned him widespread recognition, even as queer roles were rare and often stereotyped .
The 2010s marked a turning point. Watkins notes a significant shift in the depth and nuance of gay characters, leading to acclaimed performances in The Inheritance (as a gay billionaire), Black Monday (as a closeted gay congressman opposite Andrew Rannells), and in the Netflix/Showtime series Uncoupled, where he played the estranged husband of Neil Patrick Harris’s character .
Uncoupled in particular drew praise for its honest depiction of heartbreak and resilience in the wake of a long-term relationship’s end—an experience that resonated with many viewers and, according to Watkins, with some of his collaborators on Exit Interviews as well .
Watkins’s stage work also broke barriers, especially with the all-gay cast of The Boys in the Band, which won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play before being adapted into a film by Netflix. The ensemble, which included Rannells, Jim Parsons, Matt Bomer, Zachary Quinto, and Charlie Carver, exemplified the strides made in casting openly LGBTQ+ actors in major queer roles .
Off screen, Watkins is equally candid about his journey as a gay father. He is raising twins, now approaching their teens, whom he welcomed via surrogacy. Watkins emphasizes the importance of open conversations about family, identity, and social issues, ensuring that his children grow up understanding and embracing their own story: “I always talk to them about things like that before they can even sort of comprehend them so that as they get older they don’t remember not knowing it,” he explained .
Watkins’s partnership with Andrew Rannells is another cornerstone of his life—a relationship he describes with warmth and gratitude. “I still love all of . I’m still with one, which is great,” he shares, underscoring his belief in the enduring nature of love even as relationships change .
Balancing parenthood and a demanding acting career is, according to Watkins, made possible by a strong support network and the understanding that both he and Rannells have unpredictable work schedules: “When work does come that requires him to be out of town, loved ones step in, plus a lot of times, Andrew’s here, and if Andrew’s away…it works out” .
Despite the progress in representation, Watkins remains vigilant about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ rights today. He describes himself as a “left-leaning progressive” and is committed to discussing current events and “hot topics” with his children, ensuring they are informed and empowered. Watkins’s approach reflects a broader trend among queer parents and public figures who use their platforms to advocate for visibility, acceptance, and equality .
Exit Interviews, with its unflinching look at modern queer experiences, is emblematic of the new wave of LGBTQ+ storytelling—one that acknowledges the complexities, challenges, and joys of queer life. Watkins’s willingness to share his own vulnerabilities, both onscreen and off, offers audiences a powerful example of authenticity and resilience.
As Out On Film prepares to showcase Exit Interviews, Watkins’s career and life story serve as a reminder of how far queer representation has come—and how vital it remains to keep telling these stories, both in the media and at home.
