Kevin Kennedy Marks 28 Years of Sobriety, Reflects on Battle with Alcoholism

Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, known for his role as Curly Watts, marked 28 years of sobriety on Instagram on Friday. Kennedy, 65, who played the character for two decades from 1983 to 2003, shared a selfie celebrating the milestone.

He has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction, previously revealing that he would consume a bottle of vodka on his way to set daily during the height of his battle. Kennedy described his addiction as "extreme," detailing a period where he would follow morning vodka with three bottles of wine, speed, and cocaine at night.

In May 1998, Kennedy collapsed after two days without alcohol, an experience he called a "moment of clarity." He subsequently informed Coronation Street bosses about his decade-long alcohol problem. He credited the show's producers for saving his life by sending him to The Priory for treatment.

Speaking to The Mirror in 2023, Kennedy reflected, "The last time I had a drink will be 25 years ago in October. I haven't thought much about it as it's never the last drink I worry about, it's the next one. That's what I'm always concentrating on."

Kennedy stated that he does not view his acting career as the cause of his alcoholism, suggesting that playing Curly Watts was even a "reprieve." He explained that the role allowed him to be someone else, a beloved character, which offered a temporary escape from his personal struggles. "It wasn't the pressure of the job that made me do what I did, I did it because I liked it and liked I so much I got addicted and couldn't stop it," he said.

He has also spoken about his charity, Kennedy Street, which assists individuals battling alcohol addiction. In an interview with ITV's Lorraine, Kennedy noted a significant increase in calls to the charity during the pandemic, as people resorted to self-medicating at home. He emphasized the charity's non-judgmental approach, offering help and privacy to those seeking sobriety.

Former Coronation Street co-star Denise Welch praised Kennedy's milestone, sharing her gratitude for his role in her own sobriety journey. "I'm 14 yrs sober. I was with Kevin 28 yrs ago on the day he asked for help. He played a big part also in my sobriety. I'm forever grateful," Welch wrote on Instagram.

Kennedy told The Sun in 2022 that he was aware his drinking habits were abnormal, citing morning drinking, canceled plans for alcohol, and prioritizing vacation destinations based on alcohol availability. He acknowledged the detrimental impact alcohol had on his concentration and decision-making, noting that quitting gave him "turbo energy."