In the 1990s, very few TV comedies
won the affections of audiences much like
Home Improvement
With Tim Allen’s iconic grunts, the frenzied vibe of the Tool Time set, and the side-splitting hijinks of the Taylor clan,
The series successfully completed eight seasons on ABC between 1991 and 1999.
Nominated for three Emmys
and cherished for its mix of humor and heartfelt emotion,
Home Improvement
It was a beloved staple in homes.
Tim Allen (playing as Tim ‘The Tool Man’ Taylor) and Patricia Richardson (portraying Jill)
seized numerous moments, with the standout performances coming from the three young actors portraying their sons —
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Zachary Tyson Bryon, and Taran Noah Smith
—he won over the hearts of an entire era.
However, when the last episode broadcasted and the Taylor brothers matured,
They chose entirely distinct routes.
Zachery Ty Bryan: From TV’s big brother to legal troubles
Zachery Ty Bryan played Brad,
the oldest Taylor son
, known for his sporty charm and occasional troublemaking. He had already dipped his toes into acting when he joined
Home Improvement
, and during its run, he swiftly became a recognizable figure.
Thinking back about his experience with the cast, he mentioned
Access Hollywood
in 2018:
We had a bond as strong as brotherhood. Our relationship was defined by extreme love or intense hatred for one another.
After the series ended,
Bryan continued his career by appearing in various television series such as
Smallville
and
Veronica Mars
and even made an appearance in
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
.
He also took a turn behind the camera, producing films such as
Skin
and
The Kindergarten Teacher
.
However,
His career after acting has been overshadowed by legal troubles.
. As per
People
, his trouble with the law began in 2020 when he was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend.
In July 2023, Bryan got arrested and subsequently admitted guilt to committing a fourth-degree felony assault.
Just a few months later, in February 2024, he was arrested once more in California for a felony DUI charge along with allegations of contempt of court.
In January 2025, he was arrested again—this time in South Carolina, charged with second-degree domestic violence.
People
It was confirmed that the woman implicated in the recent event alleged that Bryan strangled and hit her. The document further mentioned evident bruises and puffiness on her facial area.
Tim Allen, who played his previous TV dad, mentioned
The Hollywood Reporter
in 2023:
Zach is an excellent child who has developed into a sophisticated adult. The best thing you can do is stand back and allow someone to navigate their journey.
Bryan continues to be the father of seven kids, which includes three with his fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright.
His voyage is intricate, vastly different from his carefree times as Brad Taylor.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Evolving from teen heartthrob to quiet scholar
As Randy Taylor,
the central figure among the Taylor siblings
, Jonathan Taylor Thomas quickly turned into a teenage heartthrob. Recognized for his keen sense of humor and sardonic appeal, his character ultimately relocated to Costa Rica—a storyline that echoed Thomas’s genuine wish to step back from everything.
He told
People
in 2013:
I had been constantly busy since I turned 8. My desire was to attend school, explore new places, and get some time off.
Adding:
I didn’t get caught up in the fame; it was an incredible chapter in my life, yet it doesn’t sum me up. Reflecting on those days brings a smile to my face. Instead of dwelling on being featured on numerous magazine covers, I cherish the positive experiences I enjoyed during that time.
That’s precisely what he did. Thomas moved away from the limelight.
continue education by enrolling at Harvard University
, followed by a year at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews, and completing his education at Columbia University. Despite this, he momentarily went back to acting —
even coming back together with Tim Allen for this
Last Man Standing
— His attention turned to writing and directing.
Style Magazine
reports that
Thomas, now 43, has kept a remarkably low profile
. His last public sighting was in 2023 at a convenience store — a rare appearance that sent nostalgic fans into a spin.
He also visited the set of
Shifting Gears
, where his former TV dad Tim Allen now works.
One of the lead actors in the series is Kat Dennings.
, supposedly mentioned that he had been to the set — fueling speculations about a potential comeback.
Although he no longer graces the Hollywood spotlight, Thomas is still notable.
Still linked to the industry, supposedly acting as a board member for SAG-AFTRA—
The group that campaigns for actors and media experts in movies, TV, and radio.
Taran Noah Smith: From Hollywood Dropout to SpaceX Technician
Taran Noah Smith,
the youngest son among the TV Taylor brothers
In the series, he depicted Mark Taylor — the gentle and introverted younger sibling who experienced significant changes in the subsequent seasons.
Unlike his co-stars,
Smith did not remain in the entertainment sector.
. After the show ended,
He took legal action against his parents due to their poor handling of his income.
.
Even though they refuted the allegations, Smith ultimately took charge of his trust fund when he turned 18. He and his mother subsequently wrote a book together about growing up famous called
Success in Showbiz: Guiding Your Child Through the Entertainment Industry
.
Smith has pursued various professions throughout his lifetime.
He
experimented with the culinary business through a vegan eatery and event provisioning service known as PlayFood
and engaged in volunteer work in the Philippines for a non-profit called Communitere. Now, as per
People
, A LinkedIn profile for Taran Smith indicates his occupation as
a maritime recovery specialist at SpaceX.
He has maintained a low profile, much like Thomas, and largely stays out of the public eye. However he did recently open up about a unique phase his character went through on the show. He addressed the storyline of Mark Taylor’s goth era while on
The Top Program Featuring Tom Scharpling
podcast. He said:
Later, I discovered that the head writer of the show had a son roughly my age. Around the midpoint of the season, when I was dressed up in costume—black nails, dog collar, everything—I went backstage and unexpectedly encountered his son. He didn’t have similar attire, yet he resembled me closely, leading to an uncomfortable exchange where it felt as though ‘he’s how your father deals with you,’ which wasn’t ideal for either of us.
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Director confirms Robin Thicke groped Emily Ratajkowski on sets of Blurred Lines
Sources used:
People
Cast of Home Improvement: What Have They Been Up To Lately?
Style Magazine
What became of Jonathan Taylor Thomas from “Home Improvement”?
People
: Home Improvement Star Zachery Ty Bryan Arrested for Alleged Domestic Violence, 3 Months After His Last Arrest
Entertainment Weekly
: Youngest Home Improvement actor explains why his character went goth: Very awkward moment
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