The beloved sitcom Home Improvement left an indelible mark on television history with its humor and heartwarming family dynamics. Premiering in 1991, the show became a staple of '90s television, following the life of Tim "The Toolman" Taylor, his family, and his quirky co-host Al Borland. As the years have passed, the cast members have embarked on diverse journeys, carving out new paths in their careers and personal lives. This article delves into where the stars of Home Improvement are today.
Pamela Anderson, known for her role as Lisa, the Tool Time girl, found further success in television with leading roles in the action-comedy series V.I.P. from 1998 to 2002 and the animated series Striperella from 2003 to 2004. Her career has not been without controversy; Anderson made headlines in 2023 when she alleged that Tim Allen flashed her on the set of Home Improvement in 1991. Despite this, Anderson remains a prominent figure in entertainment and recently received acclaim for her performance as an aging Vegas showgirl in Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in 2024.
Tim Allen, who portrayed Tim Taylor, has enjoyed a prolific career post-Home Improvement. He starred in the ABC sitcom Last Man Standing as Mike Baxter from 2011 to 2021 and has led numerous films, including Christmas With the Kranks, The Shaggy Dog, Wild Hogs, and the cult classic Galaxy Quest. Allen also voiced Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's iconic Toy Story franchise and played reluctant Santa Claus Scott Calvin in three Santa Clause movies and a TV series from 2022 to 2023. Allen's diverse roles have showcased his versatility as an actor and entertainer.
"I don't know what's going on with him." – Tim Allen
Patricia Richardson, who played Jill Taylor, received critical acclaim for her performance on Home Improvement, garnering four Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. Despite her success, Richardson chose to step away from the spotlight after the show concluded. She expressed dissatisfaction with her compensation compared to her co-star Tim Allen, stating, "I'd been there all this time, and they never even paid me a third of what Tim was making, and I was working my ass off. I was a big reason why women were watching." Richardson remains proud of her work on the show but has no interest in a reunion.
"I told everybody, 'There's not enough money in the world to get me to do a ninth year.' This show is over. It needs to end." – Patricia Richardson
Richard Karn, who played Al Borland, has continued to make appearances on television. He hosted game shows such as Family Feud from 2002 to 2006 and Bingo America from 2008 to 2009. Karn also appeared on Hulu's acclaimed series PEN15 as Maya's kindhearted dad, Fred, from 2019 to 2021. His contributions to entertainment extend beyond acting, as he continues to engage audiences with his charm and wit.
Zachery Ty Bryan, who portrayed Brad Taylor, has faced challenges since his time on Home Improvement. Bryan's legal troubles have included allegations of domestic violence, driving under the influence, and financial fraud. Despite these setbacks, Tim Allen expressed his support for Bryan, stating, "Zach is a great kid who has grown into a complex man."
"All you can do is step aside and let somebody go through their process." – Tim Allen
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who played middle child Randy Taylor, took a different path after leaving the show. According to PEOPLE, he pursued higher education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and St. Andrew's University in Scotland. Thomas has largely stayed out of the spotlight but remains a respected figure for his early contributions to television.
Taran Noah Smith, who played youngest son Mark Taylor, transitioned away from acting after Home Improvement. According to SFGate, he now teaches people to operate submersibles with the Berkeley-based Community Submersibles Project. Smith's journey reflects his desire to explore new passions beyond Hollywood.
