Tim Allen’s role as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor on Home Improvement made him a household name and solidified his place in television history. After the show ended in 1999, many fans were eager to know what the actor would do next. Over the years, Allen’s career post-Home Improvement has been diverse, spanning film, television, and even voice acting. Here’s a look at what Tim Allen has been up to since Home Improvement wrapped:
1. The Santa Clause Film Series
After Home Improvement, Tim Allen transitioned smoothly into the world of feature films, and one of his most iconic post-Home Improvement roles was that of Scott Calvin, the ordinary man who becomes Santa Claus in The Santa Clause series.
- The Santa Clause (1994) – The film became an instant holiday classic, with Allen playing the lead role of Scott Calvin, a man who accidentally causes the death of Santa Claus and, by a strange twist of fate, takes his place as the new Santa.
- The Santa Clause 2 (2002) – In the sequel, Allen’s character is faced with a new challenge: finding a Mrs. Claus or risk losing his Santa powers.
- The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) – The third installment continued the story, with Scott facing off against Jack Frost and working to save the North Pole.
The Santa Clause films have become holiday staples, with Allen returning to the role several times. The success of these films helped establish Allen as a major film star after Home Improvement ended.
2. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Another key film role for Allen was in the sci-fi comedy Galaxy Quest (1999), where he played Jason Nesmith, the star of a 1970s sci-fi TV show (a parody of Star Trek). The film became a cult classic, with Allen showcasing his comedic chops in a satirical but heartfelt role. Galaxy Quest is beloved by fans for its humor and the performances of its cast, including Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman.
3. Toy Story Franchise
Tim Allen also became known for voicing Buzz Lightyear, the fearless and slightly pompous space ranger in Pixar’s Toy Story films.
- Toy Story (1995) – Allen voiced Buzz in the first Toy Story, which was a groundbreaking film for animation.
- Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Toy Story 4 (2019) – Allen returned to voice Buzz in the subsequent films, with the Toy Story franchise becoming one of the most successful and beloved animated series in cinematic history.
His work as Buzz Lightyear solidified his status as a voice actor and endeared him to audiences of all ages.
4. Last Man Standing (2011–2021)
After a few years of focusing on movies and voice work, Tim Allen returned to television in a starring role in the sitcom Last Man Standing, which premiered in 2011.
- The show starred Allen as Mike Baxter, a conservative father of three who works for a sporting goods store while navigating the challenges of family life.
- Last Man Standing was praised for Allen’s return to his roots as a comedic lead in a family-oriented sitcom, and it became one of the most-watched comedies on TV.
The show ran for a total of 9 seasons, with its final episode airing in 2021. Last Man Standing was a big hit with audiences, and Allen’s portrayal of Mike Baxter became a beloved character in his post-Home Improvement career.
5. Assembly Required (2021)
In 2021, Tim Allen reunited with his Home Improvement co-star Richard Karn for a new project, Assembly Required, which aired on the History Channel. The show was a competition series where contestants were challenged to build DIY projects with Allen and Karn acting as hosts. It was essentially a modern take on Tool Time but with a real-world, hands-on twist. The show offered a nostalgic callback to Home Improvement and gave fans a chance to see Allen and Karn working together again.
6. Voice Work and Other Film Roles
Aside from Toy Story, Tim Allen has lent his voice to other animated films and TV shows, further establishing himself as a go-to voice actor. He voiced the character of Buzz Lightyear in the prequel film Lightyear (2022), which tells the origin story of the fictional Buzz Lightyear character from Toy Story. However, unlike the previous films, Lightyear featured a different voice actor for the title role, with Chris Evans taking over as the voice of Buzz.
Allen also appeared in several other films in the 2000s and 2010s, including:
- Wild Hogs (2007) – A comedy about a group of middle-aged men who go on a motorcycle road trip.
- The Shaggy Dog (2006) – A family comedy where Allen plays a lawyer who is transformed into a dog after a bizarre accident.
- Christmas with the Kranks (2004) – A holiday comedy where Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as a couple who decide to skip Christmas but find themselves pulled back into holiday preparations.
7. The Santa Clauses (2022)
In 2022, Tim Allen returned to one of his most iconic roles in the Disney+ series The Santa Clauses. The show serves as a continuation of the Santa Clause film franchise, with Scott Calvin (Allen) struggling with his long tenure as Santa and looking to pass the mantle on to a new successor. The series explores Scott’s transition out of the role of Santa Claus while also introducing new characters and a fresh, holiday-themed storyline. Fans of the films were excited to see Allen reprise his role in a new format.
8. Personal Life and Other Ventures
In addition to his acting career, Tim Allen has kept busy with personal ventures. He has written books, including his memoir Don’t Stand Too Close to a Naked Man (1994) and I’m Not Really Here (1999). Allen is also known for his love of cars and motorcycles, and he has appeared on various talk shows discussing his passions.
After Home Improvement, Tim Allen successfully transitioned into a diverse career that included feature films, voice acting, TV sitcoms, and even hosting a DIY competition show. His roles in The Santa Clause, Toy Story, and Last Man Standing solidified his status as a versatile entertainer with a lasting appeal. Whether reprising beloved characters or taking on new comedic roles, Allen’s post-Home Improvement career has been a testament to his enduring talent and versatility in Hollywood.
