Home Improvement was one of the biggest sitcoms of the 1990s, and its success was largely due to the dynamic Taylor family, led by Tim “The Toolman” Taylor (played by Tim Allen) and his wife, Jill (played by Patricia Richardson). But it was the kids, especially the three sons—Brad, Randy, and Mark—that provided much of the comedic heart of the show.
While Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and Mark (Taran Noah Smith) both continued acting after the show ended, the oldest son, Brad Taylor, played by Zachery Ty Bryan, took a different path after the show wrapped in 1999. As fans of the show may know, Brad was the quintessential “older brother” — athletic, popular, and often the more rebellious one in the family. So, what happened to the actor behind Brad after Home Improvement?
Here’s a deep dive into Zachery Ty Bryan’s life and career after he left Home Improvement.
1. Zachery Ty Bryan’s Post-Home Improvement Acting Career
After Home Improvement ended, Zachery Ty Bryan found it difficult to shake off his teen star image. Like many actors who grow up in the public eye, he struggled to find roles that would let him evolve beyond the character of Brad Taylor. However, Bryan did continue to act for a few years following the end of the series.
- Guest Appearances and TV Roles: Following Home Improvement, Bryan made guest appearances on several TV shows, including Veronica Mars, Smallville, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He even took on a recurring role in the Power Rangers franchise, where he appeared in the series Power Rangers: Time Force. However, despite these opportunities, Bryan found himself typecast and wasn’t able to land the breakout role that would elevate him beyond his Home Improvement fame.
- Movie Appearances: In the early 2000s, Bryan also appeared in a few films, such as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), where he had a minor role. Despite these efforts, Bryan’s post-Home Improvement acting career never quite matched the level of fame he enjoyed during the show’s heyday.
2. Shift Toward Producing and Behind-the-Scenes Work
While Bryan didn’t find massive success in front of the camera after Home Improvement, he did start shifting his focus toward behind-the-scenes work. Over the years, he became involved in film production, and his interest in the business side of the industry grew.
- Producer and Entrepreneur: In the years after his acting career slowed down, Bryan ventured into producing and entrepreneurship. He worked on various projects in the entertainment industry, including producing several indie films. He also began investing in various business ventures, including the tech and real estate sectors.
- Film and TV Production: Bryan’s career took a new direction when he started focusing more on producing. He worked on a few independent projects and became involved with digital media, launching a production company called “The ZTY Production Group”. His work in this field marked a more mature phase in his career.
3. Personal Life and Family Focus
In addition to his career changes, Zachery Ty Bryan also spent a significant portion of his time focusing on his personal life. He got married and had children, and became more involved in his family life than in the Hollywood spotlight.
- Marriage and Children: Bryan married Carly Matros in 2007, and the couple has several children. While he largely stepped away from the Hollywood limelight, he occasionally shares glimpses of his family life on social media, showing off his children and life as a father.
- Involvement in Charity: Bryan has also focused on various charitable activities over the years. He has been involved with several organizations supporting youth and education, reflecting his desire to give back after his years in the public eye as a teen idol.
4. The Controversial Incident in 2020
In 2020, Bryan made headlines for a more controversial reason when he was arrested in October of that year. He was charged with assault in connection with an altercation involving his girlfriend. Bryan was accused of assaulting her in a domestic dispute, which led to his arrest.
This incident brought unwanted attention to his personal life and tarnished his public image. Since then, Bryan has largely remained out of the public spotlight, though he has made occasional statements about his past mistakes and efforts to move forward from the incident.
5. Zachery Ty Bryan’s Legacy
Despite his post-Home Improvement struggles and his personal controversies, Zachery Ty Bryan remains a nostalgic figure for fans of the 90s sitcom. Brad Taylor, with his easygoing charm, was a quintessential part of Home Improvement’s success. He embodied the “cool older brother” role that many fans could relate to, and his humor and antics were integral to the show’s family-oriented appeal.
While Bryan’s career never quite took off after the show, his legacy as Brad Taylor endures. Many fans still remember him fondly from his time on Home Improvement, and he continues to have a special place in the hearts of those who grew up watching the show.
6. What’s Next for Zachery Ty Bryan?
As of now, Zachery Ty Bryan remains relatively out of the public eye, focusing on his family and business ventures. He has made a few attempts at returning to the entertainment industry, but it seems unlikely that he will return to acting full-time. However, his career trajectory has been diverse, and he has demonstrated an interest in other professional areas beyond acting.
It’s unclear whether Bryan will ever return to Hollywood or continue his focus on business and family life. For now, his legacy as the “big brother” on Home Improvement remains intact, and his fans continue to remember him fondly from his days in the limelight.
The Story of Brad Taylor’s Actor
Zachery Ty Bryan’s post-Home Improvement journey has been a complex one. After the show ended, he found it difficult to escape his teen idol persona and struggled to land roles that would allow him to grow as an actor. However, he eventually shifted his focus to film production, business ventures, and his personal life, including his family. Despite a controversial incident in 2020, Bryan remains a key figure in Home Improvement history as the iconic older son, Brad Taylor.
While he may no longer be the star of a hit sitcom, Bryan’s journey offers a reminder of the challenges that many former child stars face as they transition into adulthood and attempt to navigate their careers and personal lives beyond the spotlight.
