Taran Noah Smith had his life mapped out for him after being cast in Home Improvement at the age of just six and, when the show ended, he walked away from fame and acting
Home Improvement, a gem from the ’90s sitcom golden age, catapulted Tim Allen to stardom and delivered some unforgettable TV moments.
For those needing a trip down memory lane, the comedy centered around Tim ‘The Toolman’ Taylor, who hosted a show-within-a-show called Tool Time alongside his buddy Al Borland. Off-camera, Tim navigated family life with his wife Jill and their three sons, Brad, Randy, and Mark.
Despite an enticing $50 million offer for a ninth season, both Allen and Patricia Richardson, who portrayed Jill, decided to wrap up the series after eight successful seasons.
The sitcom launched the careers of its cast members, including the young actors playing the Taylor boys, who were as young as six when they started on Home Improvement.
However, Taran Noah Smith, who played the youngest son Mark, chose to step away from Hollywood after eight years in the spotlight. Having spent his formative years on the show, he sought a more “normal” life once the series concluded in 1999, reports the Irish Star.
In a 2001 interview, Smith reflected on his post-show plans: “I started Home Improvement when I was seven, and the show ended when I was 16. I never had the chance to decide what I wanted to do with my life. When I was 16, I knew that I didn’t want to act anymore.”
At just 17 years old, Taran tied the knot with 33 year old Heidi van Pelt, a vegan chef and entrepreneur, causing quite the stir due to their 16-year age difference.
Their union not only made waves in the press but also led to the creation of Playfood, a California-based venture promoting vegan eats and dairy-free cheeses. However, after six years and a mix of personal and professional clashes, the couple called it quits in 2007.
In a 2001 interview, Smith reflected on his post-show plans: “I started Home Improvement when I was seven, and the show ended when I was 16. I never had the chance to decide what I wanted to do with my life. When I was 16, I knew that I didn’t want to act anymore.”
At just 17 years old, Taran tied the knot with 33 year old Heidi van Pelt, a vegan chef and entrepreneur, causing quite the stir due to their 16-year age difference.
Their union not only made waves in the press but also led to the creation of Playfood, a California-based venture promoting vegan eats and dairy-free cheeses. However, after six years and a mix of personal and professional clashes, the couple called it quits in 2007.
His humanitarian side shone through in 2014 when he volunteered in the Philippines with Communitere, dedicating half a year to aid efforts following a catastrophic monsoon.
Taran’s youth wasn’t without its drama; he famously sued his parents in 2001, accusing them of mismanaging his trust fund.
