Sean Kanan, renowned for his roles in “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Cobra Kai,” recently shared his inspiring journey to sobriety with PEOPLE. Nearly five years sober, Kanan, 58, opened up about the pivotal moment that led him to quit drinking. It was a heartfelt plea from his wife, Michele Kanan, that resonated with him profoundly.
Michele’s words, “I have put my heart and everything into this relationship. Please tell me that I didn’t back the wrong horse,” struck Sean like a lightning bolt. He had struggled with alcohol for years, experiencing periods of sobriety followed by relapses. However, Michele’s vulnerability sparked a fundamental shift within him.
“The skies parted,” Sean describes the feeling. He realized the potential loss of Michele was the catalyst he needed for lasting change. He acknowledges that fear and love are the two most powerful forces driving personal transformation. The fear of losing Michele, coupled with the love he felt for her, finally pushed him to confront his addiction.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1584×403:1586×405)/Sean-Kanan-in-The-Bold-and-the-Beautiful-122724-a0d22eaf1749410b9c5f15b1ba8682a3.jpg)
Sean Kanan portraying Deacon Sharpe in the long-running soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Michele clarifies that her intention wasn’t to issue an ultimatum. Instead, she aimed to create a safe space for Sean to reflect and embark on the challenging path to sobriety. She emphasized their shared journey, acknowledging the pain his struggle caused her and offering unwavering support.
“To me, being a partner is you take the good and the bad,” Michele explains. She believed in Sean’s potential for recovery and patiently waited for him to embrace it. Her approach of positive reinforcement and understanding proved to be exactly what Sean needed. He credits her with “playing the long game” and providing the environment for his success.
Sean’s sobriety has significantly impacted his life. He asserts that giving up alcohol has allowed him to have everything. He no longer struggles with cravings and expresses gratitude for his newfound freedom. He attributes his success to his faith, his relationship with God, and, most importantly, his love for Michele.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(665×0:667×2)/Sean-Kanan-Michele-Kanan-122724-2-520a864ac6184d3bbb248406e9667e50.jpg)
Sean Kanan and his wife Michele at the Monte Carlo TV Festival in 2023. The couple frequently attends public events together.
The couple shares their relationship insights in their book, “Way of the Cobra Couples.” They emphasize open communication and honesty as the foundation of their strong bond. They believe that navigating life’s challenges together has strengthened their connection. Michele highlights their commitment to talking, caring for, and respecting each other as the key to their enduring relationship.
