Steven Ray Tickle, better known simply as Tickle, was born on November 30, 1976, in Virginia, USA. Now 43, he rose to national prominence in 2013 when he joined Discovery Channel’s hit docudrama Moonshiners. The series, centered around the clandestine world of illicit distilling, quickly turned him into a fan favorite as he partnered with master moonshiner Tim Smith.
Following the success of Moonshiners, Discovery launched a spin-off series titled Tickle, cementing his place as one of reality television’s most recognizable personalities.
But before television fame, Tickle pursued a very different career path. A skilled carpenter by trade, he contributed to building Clyde’s Restaurant, a popular establishment in Washington, D.C. “Carpentry was something I loved long before TV,” Tickle once said, highlighting a side of his life less known to the public.
Political Aspirations and Legal Troubles
At the height of his fame, Tickle briefly considered a political career. In 2015, he weighed the possibility of running for U.S. Congress against Representative Robert Hurt in Southern Virginia. The idea, however, never materialized—largely overshadowed by his legal battles.
Tickle’s record includes a 2013 arrest for public drunkenness, and in 2015, he faced charges for illegal firearm possession. Though a three-year jail sentence was initially suspended, probation violations eventually landed him behind bars for five months. His brushes with the law also fueled false rumors of his death, which were later debunked.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Despite setbacks, Tickle has built a respectable fortune. Since debuting on Moonshiners in its third season, he is believed to have earned more than $1 million from the series, with an annual salary estimated around $175,000. Alongside television, his carpentry work—including projects like Clyde’s—has contributed to his net worth, which authoritative sources place at over $500,000 as of mid-2020.
Personal Life
Tickle’s private life remains largely under wraps. He was born to Louise Eileen Tickle and resides in rural Pittsylvania County, Virginia, where he works in Gretna. Details about his father remain scarce, though it is reported that his struggles with illness influenced Tickle’s own early battles with substance use.
While not publicly married, Tickle is the proud father of a daughter, Daisy Tickle, now 17, who describes him as a devoted parent. The identity of Daisy’s mother has not been disclosed, and Tickle himself remains guarded about any romantic relationships.
Looking Ahead
From carpenter to television star, from aspiring politician to controversial figure, Steven Ray Tickle’s life has been anything but ordinary. Whether he chooses to open up more about his private affairs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tickle has carved a unique path in the spotlight—and his story continues to intrigue fans across America.
