Kevin Kennedy, best known for his two-decade run as Norman “Curly” Watts in Coronation Street,
has opened up about his battle with alcohol addiction and how he turned his life around.
The actor, who was a beloved presence on the soap from 1983 to 2003, has since embraced a fulfilling career in music and theatre.
However, his journey has not been without its challenges.
A Life-Changing Wake-Up Call
Kennedy vividly recalls the moment that forced him to confront his addiction.
After going two days without alcohol, he collapsed—a terrifying incident that made him realize he was at a crossroads. He understood that if he didn’t make a drastic change, he was heading toward a tragic fate. The years that followed were filled with transformation, self-discovery, and a newfound sense of purpose.
By 2002, he had been sober for four years. While stepping away from alcohol was a monumental achievement, adjusting to life without it came with its own set of challenges. He described feeling as though he had stage fright in the real world, experiencing emotions—both good and bad—without the numbing effect of alcohol.
From Soap Stardom to the Music Scene
During his years on Coronation Street, Kennedy also pursued his passion for music. His journey took an unexpected turn when he caught the attention of Simon Cowell, long before The X Factor made him a household name. At the time, Cowell was heading BMG and unknowingly signed Kennedy under a pseudonym, unaware of his soap star identity.
Balancing his acting career with music, Kennedy found himself living a double life—filming episodes of Coronation Street during the day and then flying out to perform in the U.S. by night. He played on Beale Street in Memphis and even shared festival lineups with country legends Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. His name may have been a small one on the bill, but the experience was surreal and deeply rewarding.
Leaving Coronation Street and Embracing the Future
By the early 2000s, Kennedy knew his time on the soap was coming to a natural end. While some actors struggle with leaving a long-running role, he took the transition in stride. Around the same time, he and his wife learned they were expecting their first child, making it an even more significant period of change.
Rather than dwelling on the loss of his role, Kennedy embraced the possibilities ahead. He had learned from the punk movement of his youth that anything was possible if you had the drive. That mindset had propelled him into music, acting, and even working alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The Early Years: From Punk to Corrie
Growing up in Manchester, Kennedy was deeply influenced by the punk rock era. While he never fully embraced the punk aesthetic, he admired its “do-it-yourself” attitude. It was during this time that he found himself in a teenage band with future The Smiths members Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke. Even back then, he recognized Marr’s extraordinary talent, sensing that something special was unfolding before his eyes.
By the time he was 22, Kennedy had already performed in London’s West End when he was approached for the role of Curly Watts. After a successful audition, he quickly settled into his new life as a soap star. The role provided stability and recognition, but it also masked the personal struggles he was battling behind the scenes.
The Hidden Struggle with Addiction
Despite his success, Kennedy’s personal life was unraveling due to alcohol dependency. To the outside world, he seemed to have it all—fame, financial security, and a steady job. However, beneath the surface, he was in turmoil. Drinking initially felt like an escape, a way to enhance his confidence and social interactions, but it soon spiraled into dependency.
His addiction wasn’t triggered by childhood trauma or external pressures; he simply enjoyed drinking until it became a necessity. With financial resources at his disposal, he was able to sustain his habit at an alarming pace. Fortunately, that same financial stability also allowed him to seek help when he needed it most.
A New Chapter
Today, Kennedy is thriving in the world of theatre and music. Currently touring with Punk Off – The Sounds of Punk and New Wave, he remains deeply connected to his musical roots. Even at 63, he still brings energy and enthusiasm to the stage, though his body occasionally reminds him he’s no longer 19.
Life on a tour bus might not sound glamorous to some, but for Kennedy, it embodies the spirit of adventure he has always chased. His days of self-destruction are behind him, replaced by a deep appreciation for the opportunities he has been given.
Looking back at his journey, Kennedy sees that pivotal moment of collapse as both terrifying and life-saving. It was the wake-up call he needed to reclaim his life, and he has never looked back. Now, he embraces each new challenge with the same excitement and curiosity that fueled his early career—only this time, with clarity and purpose.
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