Exclusive: Housewives Casts First Gay Neighbors

Tuc Watkins courtesy ABC; Kevin Rahm courtesy CBS Well, it's not David Beckham and Robbie Williams, but this'll do. Desperate Housewives has tapped One Life to Live's Tuc Watkins and ex-Judging Amy actor Kevin Rahm to play Wisteria Lane's first gay couple. Watkins will play Bob, described as a country mouse who leaves the big city for greener (and quieter) pastures. Rahm is his bitchy partner, Lee. Both roles are of the recurring variety. Interestingly, the characters' names are a tribute to ABC News' Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee, whom series creator Marc Cherry befriended last spring. I'm not all that familiar with Rahm, but I'm a big fan of Watkins' work in both daytime (OLTL, GH) and prime time (Beggars and Choosers, where he also played gay). Your thoughts? — Additional reporting by Jonathan Small Leave a Comment
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Posted by Michael Ausiello Aug 14, 2007 11:11 AM Report Abuse

That's great news! I've loved Tuc Watkins on OLTL for years. Whenever he's on he just lights up the screen. He always makes me think of a goofier Cary Grant. I kinda gave up on Desperate Housewives; this will bring me back.
Posted by honbun26 Aug 14, 2007 11:18 AM Report Abuse

Rahn was on "Judging Amy" for a couple of years... good actor. Sounds like fun!
Posted by vickiro51 Aug 14, 2007 11:44 AM Report Abuse

That's fantastic news! I'm a big fan of Tuc Watkins. Tuc's a great comedic actor and so is Kevin Rahm, as he proved in his short-lived series with Jill Clayburgh. This should be great. Now the big question - which one is Bree's son going to seduce first?
Posted by JonnyM Aug 14, 2007 11:49 AM Report Abuse

Is this a full season thing, or just a short story arc? I am glad Tuc is on a primetime show, but I still love him on OLTL.
Posted by bantling14 Aug 14, 2007 11:51 AM Report Abuse

I agree that this is good casting!

Of course, Watkins already has a huge following. I've been a fan of Rahm's for years, but unfortunately he kept ending up on mediocre shows (Jesse, Judging Amy).

I suspect Rahm's character is the one who'll have a contentious relationship with Susan, and I think Rahm will do a good job with that storyline.

Now the big question - which one is Bree's son going to seduce first? - JonnyM

Good question! I predict Watkins' character.

Posted by Chappy Quiddick

Aug 14, 2007 12:09 PM

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Tuc and Nathan Fillion are going to have a lot of fun at Wisteria Lane! And kudos to Desperate Housewives. It's not every day that you get to watch a gay couple as series regulars on primetime network television. I still remember the brouhaha over whether Ellen Degeneres' character should come out on her show. However, if Teri Hatcher burns down their house too, I'm outta there.
Posted by Famin Aug 14, 2007 12:10 PM Report Abuse

Nathan Fillion and Tuc Watkins-I may actually have to start watching this show!
Posted by FlickChick317 Aug 14, 2007 12:14 PM Report Abuse

This is great news. I'm a fan of Tuc Watkins. I can't wait to see him in the role. Any idea if it's guest starring stint or will they be recurring?
Posted by Stingluver Aug 14, 2007 12:17 PM Report Abuse

Rahm actually played half of a gay couple in the CSI two-part premiere last year. He was also Fred Savage's boyfriend in the Crumbs pilot. Typecasting, maybe?
Posted by somethingreal81 Aug 14, 2007 12:17 PM Report Abuse

This is great news. ABC does it again with featuring gay characters in primetime. Lets hope they are not stereotypes though. Not all gay couples weare designer clothes and talk with a lisp. Cherry should know how to handle this.
Posted by cooper2000 Aug 14, 2007 12:18 PM Report Abuse

I also think this is great news. I am a big fan of Tuc Watkins from OLTL. He will be great on Desperate Housewives.
Posted by kathy3390 Aug 14, 2007 12:23 PM Report Abuse

Ditto, Flickchick317! I haven't watched this show, but I may have to start!
Posted by tazzy Aug 14, 2007 12:36 PM Report Abuse

Tuc Watkins will be a great addition to Housewives. He steals every scene he's in on OLTL, where he will be missed. Gay or not, he's hot!
Posted by knittinmom Aug 14, 2007 1:14 PM Report Abuse

Um, I don't know what show you were watching before, KLBayless, but Desperate Housewives has also been pretty gay. Either way, maybe you should step into the 21st century.
Posted by somethingreal81 Aug 14, 2007 1:23 PM Report Abuse

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