The Wit and Wisdom: PRESS ARCHIVES

Gold Star (SID 2/14/06)
Tuc Watkins is this issue's outstanding performer

Charlie Chaplin once remarked, "Anyone can make them cry, but it takes a genius to make them laugh." By that definition, One Life to Live's Tuc Watkins is a genius many times over. and we're thrilled that lately Llanview's favorite funnyman has gotten to work with an even bigger pool of sparring partners.

Not Holly, Not Jolly
As the holidays descended on Llanview, David found himself in quite a rut: He had no girlfriend, no job and was constantly being manipulated by Spencer. After the tree lighting, Adriana cornered him at Carlotta's. "Fine, be pathetic -- it's up to you," said the young spitfire. "If you want to sit alone in an empty diner eating Christmas cookies, be my guest!" Not one to let an opportunity to crack wise slip by, Dorian's ex replied, "There's Christmas cookies?"

A few days later, David ran into Paige, his sister in arms (and ex-sister-in-law) against Spencer. With some prodding, the hospital chief of staff admitted that she had given up Spencer's son for adoption many years earlier. As she agonized over her stunning revelation, David, of course, responded with some much-needed levity. "I'm an uncle?" he blurted out.

Old Acquaintances Not Forgotten
Speaking of the unknowing father, Spencer still wasn't done with his younger brother. Finding yet another thing to blackmail him with ("Cairo, 1990"), the bad doctor forced his sibling to call Kelly and city loneliness as an excuse to share a New Year's Eve drink. When she arrived, David hilariously grinned from ear to ear, happy as ever to see Dorian's niece. "You don't look suicidal," remarked the skeptical Kelly. Immediately putting on the nessecary sad face, David relented, "I called you in a moment of weakness. I guess I'm going to have to get used to being alone: New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, Tuesdays."

After Kevin's fiance left, he was then approached by Dorian's latest crush, Clint, who added insult to injry by threatening him. The evening got even stranger as Viki's alter arrived and insisted on dancing with the depressed David. As he watched Niki basically jump up and down in front of him, Watkins got to play the rare role of straight man here. Later relaying to Dorian what had happedn, David deadpanned, "I was having a drink by myself. She saddled up next to me. I have animal magnetism, you know."

Regardless of whether David continues to be a hit with the ladies, we're sure to get many more laughs from the actor this year. After all, the more Watkins performs, the more we're convinced that "The Little Tramp" knew exactly what he was talking about!