Home Improvement was a significant hit throughout the 1990s, earning a place in pop culture history with its memorable characters and hilarious moments. The show’s cast members became household names, but what happened to them after the final episode aired in 1999? Let’s catch up with the main cast members and explore their careers and lives post-Home Improvement.
1. Tim Allen (Tim Taylor)
Tim Allen’s portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor made him a star. After Home Improvement, Tim Allen became a staple in Hollywood, starring in major films like the Toy Story series as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, The Santa Clause trilogy, and the Galaxy Quest movie. He also returned to television with Last Man Standing, a sitcom that ran for nine seasons, further solidifying his place in the TV industry.
Tim Allen continues to enjoy a successful career in both television and film, with his signature humor and knack for family-friendly entertainment.
2. Patricia Richardson (Jill Taylor)
Patricia Richardson’s portrayal of Jill Taylor earned her numerous award nominations and recognition for being a strong, relatable TV mom. After Home Improvement, Richardson appeared in a variety of TV shows and movies, most notably in the medical drama Strong Medicine. She also had a guest role in The West Wing and appeared in The Christmas Chronicles alongside Kurt Russell.
Richardson continues to act but has taken on fewer roles in recent years, focusing on more personal endeavors, including activism and supporting women’s health causes.
3. Zachery Ty Bryan (Brad Taylor)
Zachery Ty Bryan played Brad Taylor, the eldest of the Taylor children. After the end of Home Improvement, Bryan had guest roles in several shows and movies but found greater success behind the scenes as a producer. He has worked on projects in both television and film, often involved in the development side of production.
In recent years, Bryan has also ventured into entrepreneurship, founding his own production company. While he occasionally appears in television shows, his main focus has been his work behind the camera.
4. Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, known for his role as the witty Randy Taylor, became a teen heartthrob during Home Improvement’s run. After leaving the show in the late 1990s, Thomas appeared in several movies and voiced Simba in The Lion King. He also made guest appearances on various TV shows like 8 Simple Rules and Veronica Mars.
In the mid-2000s, Thomas stepped away from acting to pursue an education at Harvard University, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy. While he has stayed out of the spotlight, Thomas has occasionally made appearances for special reunions or events.
5. Taran Noah Smith (Mark Taylor)
Taran Noah Smith, who played the sensitive Mark Taylor, left acting after Home Improvement ended. He later pursued entrepreneurship and co-founded a vegan food company. Smith has also spoken about his experiences growing up in the entertainment industry, including the challenges of transitioning out of acting at a young age.
While Smith’s career has taken a different path than his co-stars, he remains connected to the Home Improvement legacy and has occasionally appeared at reunion events.
Conclusion
The cast of Home Improvement will always be remembered for their roles in one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1990s. Though their careers have taken various paths, each of the cast members has found success in their own way, whether on screen, behind the scenes, or in personal ventures. Fans will forever have a soft spot for the Taylor family and their timeless humor.