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“Home Improvement” Cast: Where Are They Now? The Legacy of a 90s Classic
Mar
“Home Improvement“ was one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1990s, bringing laughter to millions of households. Running from 1991 to 1999, the show followed Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, a television personality with a love for power tools and a knack for accidents, as he balanced work, family life, and the antics of his three sons. Over two decades after the show ended, fans still hold a deep appreciation for its humor, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable cast. But where are the stars of Home Improvement today? Let’s take a look at what they’ve been up to since the series concluded.
Tim Allen: From “The Tool Man” to Hollywood Star
Tim Allen became a household name thanks to his role as Tim Taylor, the lovable, accident-prone handyman. His comedic timing and chemistry with his co-stars made him the heart of Home Improvement. Even before the show ended, Allen had already established himself in Hollywood with roles like Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story (1995) and Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause (1994).
Following the end of Home Improvement, Allen’s career continued to thrive. He reprised his role as Buzz Lightyear in multiple Toy Story sequels, starred in Galaxy Quest (1999), and continued his Christmas-themed legacy with The Santa Clause film series. From 2011 to 2021, Allen starred in the sitcom Last Man Standing, a show with a similar comedic tone to Home Improvement, which lasted nine seasons.
More recently, Allen reunited with his Home Improvement co-star Richard Karn for Assembly Required, a reality competition series about home repair and building projects. In 2025, Allen is set to star in Shifting Gears, a new ABC sitcom about an estranged father-daughter duo. Throughout his career, Allen has remained a strong presence in Hollywood, continuing to entertain audiences with his signature humor and wit.
Patricia Richardson: Jill Taylor’s Life Beyond Sitcoms
Patricia Richardson played Jill Taylor, Tim’s loving yet no-nonsense wife. As the matriarch of the Taylor household, Jill was often the voice of reason, balancing Tim’s over-the-top antics with warmth and wisdom.
After Home Improvement, Richardson continued her television career with roles in Strong Medicine, where she played Dr. Andy Campbell, and The West Wing, where she had a recurring role. Unlike some of her co-stars, Richardson chose to step back from Hollywood in recent years, focusing more on family and personal endeavors.
Despite speculation about a Home Improvement revival, Richardson has publicly stated that she isn’t interested in returning to the show, especially after the passing of Earl Hindman, who played the Taylors’ wise neighbor Wilson. She has, however, participated in cast reunions over the years, reflecting fondly on her time on the show. While she may have stepped away from the limelight, her portrayal of Jill Taylor remains one of the most iconic TV mom roles of all time.
The Taylor Sons: From Teen Heartthrobs to Private Lives
Zachery Ty Bryan (Brad Taylor)
Zachery Ty Bryan, who played the eldest Taylor son, Brad, was known for his love of sports and his signature blonde locks. After Home Improvement, he appeared in various TV shows and films, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
In recent years, however, Bryan has faced personal and legal issues, including arrests related to domestic violence. Despite these setbacks, he has continued working behind the scenes in Hollywood as a producer.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas (JTT) was arguably the biggest breakout star from Home Improvement. As Randy, the witty and intelligent middle child, Thomas quickly became a teen heartthrob in the ‘90s. Beyond Home Improvement, he voiced young Simba in The Lion King (1994) and starred in films like Tom and Huck and I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
At the height of his fame, JTT stepped away from Hollywood to focus on his education. He attended Harvard University and later Columbia University. While he has made occasional guest appearances—such as reuniting with Tim Allen on Last Man Standing—he has largely kept a private life away from the spotlight.
Taran Noah Smith (Mark Taylor)
The youngest of the Taylor brothers, Mark, was played by Taran Noah Smith. As the show progressed, Mark went through a dramatic goth phase, a shift that stood out in the later seasons.
Unlike his on-screen brothers, Smith left acting altogether after Home Improvement. He made headlines for his short-lived marriage at a young age and later started a vegan cheese business. More recently, he has been involved in volunteer work and even teaching submarine operations. Smith has spoken about his decision to leave Hollywood behind, stating that the industry wasn’t the right fit for him.
Richard Karn and Pamela Anderson: From “Tool Time” to New Ventures
Richard Karn (Al Borland)
Richard Karn played Al Borland, Tim’s trusty sidekick on Tool Time, known for his signature plaid shirts and patient demeanor. Following Home Improvement, Karn went on to host Family Feud and appeared in various game shows and commercials.
He has also continued to work alongside Tim Allen, co-hosting Assembly Required and appearing on Last Man Standing. In 2024, Karn made headlines for revealing a 30-pound weight loss, discussing how he revamped his diet and focused on his health in recent years.
Pamela Anderson (Lisa, the Original “Tool Time” Girl)
Before achieving worldwide fame on Baywatch, Pamela Anderson played Lisa, the original Tool Time assistant. Though she only appeared in the first two seasons, her role left a lasting impression.
Since Home Improvement, Anderson has had a successful career in acting and modeling. In her recent memoir, she revealed details about her experiences in Hollywood, including claims about inappropriate behavior she encountered on set. While Anderson has largely moved on from acting, she remains a pop culture icon and a vocal advocate for animal rights.
The Legacy of “Home Improvement” and the Possibility of a Revival
Home Improvement continues to be a nostalgic favorite for fans who grew up in the ‘90s. The show’s blend of family-friendly humor, relatable storylines, and memorable characters has allowed it to remain relevant even decades after it ended.
There have been occasional rumors about a revival or reboot, but nothing has materialized. Tim Allen and Richard Karn have expressed interest in revisiting the Home Improvement universe in some form, but Patricia Richardson and other cast members have been more hesitant.
In 2025, Home Improvement made its way to streaming platforms like Netflix, introducing the show to a new generation of viewers. The accessibility of the series has sparked renewed interest, proving that the Taylor family’s comedic and heartfelt moments continue to resonate.
Though a reboot remains unlikely, the legacy of Home Improvement endures. Whether through reruns, cast reunions, or fan nostalgia, the show remains a cherished part of television history. Its stars have taken diverse paths in life, but their contributions to the series will always be remembered by those who laughed, learned, and grew up watching The Tool Man and his family.
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