Bold and the Beautiful’s Sean Kanan Reveals ‘Lightning Bolt Moment’ That Ignited His Sobriety

Sean Kanan is celebrating five years of sobriety. He shares something in common with his alter ego, Deacon Sharpe. The Bold and the Beautiful star revealed the inspiration for his sobriety.

Sober Lifestyle

Sean participated in a joint interview with his wife, Michele Kanan. He recalled the moment he wanted to become sober, which he described as a “lightning bolt” that struck him. His wife, Michele, was the “catalyst” for his sobriety.

“She said to me at one point, ‘I have to put my heart and everything into this relationship. Please tell me I didn’t back the wrong horse,'” Sean candidly told People. The actor explained his sobriety journey. He attempted sobriety in the past, but there were moments when he was hit by “catastrophic setbacks.” Then, Sean imagined his life without his wife by his side. The idea scared him.

“I believe there’s two forces in the universe that create profound and lasting change in human beings, and that’s fear and love,” Sean continued. “I was motivated by both.” He called Michele the “ultimate catalyst” behind his sobriety.

Sharing Her Side of the Story

Michele revealed the very words she told Sean. She wasn’t going to give him an “ultimatum.” Rather, Michele wanted to give Sean a “safe space” where he could focus on his sobriety.

“I told him, ‘Look, this is our life together, and it’s either going to be painful, and you’re going to watch me slowly die because I love you, and I see that you’re hurting yourself for some reason that I can’t fix, and that’s going to slowly kill me as well. So we’re in it together. Whatever you want to do, the ball is in your court,'” Michele explained.

She knew how to speak to Sean in a way that nobody else could. He appreciated that she gave him “positive reinforcement” and “critical thinking.” The Cobra Kai star credits his wife for his sobriety. Sean revealed that it’s had “a profound effect” on his life.

The couple got married in 2012. They shared their relationship advice in their book, Way of the Cobra Couples, which was released on October 8. (Learn more about their new book.) What’s the secret behind their successful marriage? Michele says it’s their open communication and transparency.