Andrew Rannells Opens Up About Stepparenting Journey with Tuc Watkins’ Kids

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Broadway actor Andrew Rannells is sharing his unexpected journey into stepparenting, revealing how his relationship with partner Tuc Watkins and his two children has reshaped his perspective on family life.

Rannells, 46, who currently stars in the Broadway production All In, opened up about his experience during a recent interview. “My boyfriend has two kids. They were 6 years old when we started dating, and that was not on my radar, actually,” Rannells said. The couple, who have been together since 2019, met while co-starring in a Broadway production and later in a Netflix movie.

The actor joked about a photo featuring himself, Watkins, his children, and friend Regina Hall. “And there’s Regina Hall. She’s not one of our children,” he quipped. Rannells described the transition as unexpected, admitting, “There’s no good way to prepare for it. Which is really what this monologue that I do is about. There’s no way to really prep for parenthood.”

Rannells, who previously spoke with PEOPLE in 2023 about LGBTQ+ equality and family dynamics, reflected on how societal changes influenced his perspective. “It’s very tricky now that we have the option to have kids,” he said. “When marriage became possible, everyone was like, ‘You gonna get married?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I don’t know.'”

He recalled feeling pressured by societal expectations, particularly as his friends began having children in their 30s. “I had the luxury to think about it, to ask myself if I wanted kids,” Rannells said. “And the answer was no. And it was scary. I felt like maybe I should have done something differently.”

Seeking advice, Rannells turned to his mother, who candidly admitted she wasn’t always happy having children. “I asked her, ‘Were you always happy having children?’ And the answer was no,” he said with a laugh. Over time, Rannells concluded that he didn’t want children of his own, but his relationship with Watkins changed everything.

“I met someone with two children,” Rannells said. “And all of that clarity disappeared. Tuc is a wonderful father. I was confronted with the fact that I was in love with someone who did have two children. Could I make that work? And what is my role in that?”

Rannells’ story highlights the evolving nature of modern families and the challenges of navigating unexpected roles. His candid reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of love, family, and personal growth.