What happened to the cast of 'Home Improvement'?

More than two decades since 'Home Improvement' aired its final episode in 1999, fans continue to hold a special place for the show and its characters. Indeed, it was one of the highest-rated sitcoms for almost an entire decade! Let's revisit the main cast members and see where they are today. Buckle up, 'cause it isn’t all pretty….

Known for his role as the handyman host of "Tool Time," Allen has thrived in Hollywood. He starred in major franchises like 'The Santa Clause' and voiced Buzz Lightyear in 'Toy Story.' In 2018, Allen expressed interest in rebooting 'Home Improvement’ to ET. Besides that, he starred in another sitcom from 2011-2017 and 2018-2021 called ‘Last Man Standing.’

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Beyond acting, Allen has overcome personal challenges, including a battle with addiction. Celebrating over 20 years of sobriety, he's also a devoted father of two daughters from different marriages. In 2021, he told US Magazine that he was an “eff up” when he was younger, spending two years in jail for possession when he was 23 and having his first shot at age 10.

Photo: With wife Jane Allen in 2024

Richardson joined the cast as Tim's resilient wife Jill, stepping in to replace another actress. She later earned four Emmy nominations and continued her acting career on shows like 'The West Wing.' She also got back together with Allen for the series ‘Last Man Standing’ in 2015-2016.

Now in her 70s, Richardson mostly enjoys life away from the limelight. She has three grown children with her ex-husband Ray Baker, though she continues to make appearances on hit shows like the newest season of ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ (2022-2023), ‘The Blacklist’ and ‘NCIS.’

As the oldest Taylor sibling, Bryan experienced a vibrant early career. He later appeared in films like 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift' and moved into producing.

In recent years, Bryan has faced legal issues, including arrests related to DUI and domestic disputes, and Hollywood Reporter also detailed accusations of cryptocurrency-related fraud. His latest run-in with the law was being charged with a felony for driving under the influence in 2024 — his fourth DUI charge.

Zachery Ty Bryan from 'Home Improvement,' arrested for DUI

Thomas, who played the middle Taylor child, left the show and massive amounts of fame to pursue an education, attending prestigious institutions like Harvard. He briefly returned to acting, also guest-starring on 'Last Man Standing.'

Preferring to keep a low profile, Thomas has lived quietly, focusing on personal interests rather than public life. A long way from his heart-throb teen status back in the day, he was seen in public in 2021 and 2023, but he has guarded his privacy with an intensity rare among former child stars. Nothing is really known about what he’s up to these days.

Photo: 2013

The youngest Taylor, Smith retired from acting after 'Home Improvement' ended. His post-show life included legal battles with his parents over his earnings and a brief stint in trouble with the law, according to TMZ. However, he and his mom later wrote a book about navigating childhood fame called ‘Stardom Happens: Nurturing Your Child in the Entertainment Business.’

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Now working away from the entertainment industry, Smith has taken a job as a sea recovery technician at SpaceX, according to People. He's also experienced personal changes, including a divorce derived from getting married when he was a teen.

Photo: 2009

Karn's character was the reliable sidekick on ‘Tool Time.’ Post-show, he hosted game shows like 'Family Feud' and acted in a variety of TV roles.

Karn has stayed connected to his 'Home Improvement' roots, collaborating with Tim Allen on the reality series 'Assembly Required’ and ‘Tool Time’ spinoff ‘More Power.’  He is now approaching his 70s but still keeps close with Tim Allen, hanging out with him at a Golf Tournament in 2024.

The wise neighbor whose face was always partially hidden, Hindman was a beloved part of the cast. He continued acting until he died in 2003 at the age of 61.

Remembered fondly by fans and co-stars alike, Hindman's legacy as Wilson lives on. He passed away from lung cancer, survived by his wife and siblings, leaving a lasting impact on the 'Home Improvement' community.

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Anderson brought charm to the role of Lisa, the original "Tool Time girl," before leaving to star in 'Baywatch.' Her career soared with roles in film and television, becoming even more of a pop culture icon.

Pamela Anderson vs. the media: Not a bimbo with a fluffy hat

Recently, Anderson published a memoir, 'Love, Pamela,' where she shares her experiences and challenges in Hollywood. She also released a parallel documentary on Netflix. Both give great insight into her new makeup-free and lowkey life in BC, Canada, near where she grew up.

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