Steven Ray Tickle, known simply as “Tickle” to millions of fans, first gained national attention in 2013 through his appearances on the Discovery Channel’s docudrama Moonshiners. The show chronicles the lives of individuals engaged in the production of illegal alcohol in Appalachia. Tickle served as a sidekick to Tim Smith, a prominent moonshiner and the central figure of the series.
Born on November 30, 1976, in Virginia, Tickle is now 49 years old. Before his television fame, he worked as a carpenter and is credited with helping construct the popular Clyde’s restaurant in the Washington metropolitan area—an achievement often overshadowed by his later media persona.
Tickle’s popularity on Moonshiners led to his own spin-off series, Tickle, also aired on Discovery. However, life in the limelight hasn’t always been smooth. In 2013, he was arrested for public drunkenness, allegedly caught drinking from an open container in a parking lot. In 2015, Tickle faced further legal troubles when he was charged with illegal possession of a firearm. Though initially given a suspended three-year sentence, he was later incarcerated for five months after violating his probation.
In the same year, Tickle made headlines for an unexpected reason—his brief flirtation with politics. He considered running for U.S. Congress in southern Virginia, intending to challenge Representative Robert Hurt. The campaign never materialized, possibly hindered by his legal issues.
Rumors have swirled around Tickle over the years, including false reports of his death following an alleged accident. Despite the controversy, he remains a fan favorite. Since joining Moonshiners in its third season, Tickle is believed to have earned more than $1 million, with an estimated annual salary of $175,000. As of mid-2020, authoritative sources estimate his net worth at over $500,000—bolstered by both his television earnings and his respected carpentry work.
Tickle currently resides in rural Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and works in Gretna. He was born to Louise Eileen Tickle, but little is known about his father, except for claims that the elder Tickle’s illness may have contributed to Steven’s struggles with substance abuse in his youth. Tickle reportedly overcame those challenges to pursue a career doing what he enjoys most.
Despite his public persona, Tickle keeps his personal life closely guarded. While there is no confirmed information regarding a spouse or current relationship, he is the proud father of a 17-year-old daughter, Daisy Tickle. Daisy has publicly stated that her father is a devoted and loving parent. The identity of her mother remains undisclosed.
As Tickle continues to balance fame, work, and fatherhood, fans remain intrigued by the man behind the moonshine—and hopeful that one day, he’ll share more of his story.
