Home Improvement Star Richard Karn Opens Up About Co-Star Zachery Ty Bryan’s Troubled Past
Former Home Improvement star Richard Karn has spoken out about the rise to fame of his co-star Zachery Ty Bryan, who played his on-screen son in the popular 90s sitcom. Karn believes that Bryan’s early success may have contributed to his troubled adulthood, including multiple DUI arrests.
“When you got 12-year-olds in a position where they can buy their parents a house, that’s a very weird thing for that growing id and ego of a 12-year-old and what the world is,” Karn told Fox News Digital. “I’m sure that has something to do with it.”
Bryan has been arrested twice this year for driving under the influence, with his most recent arrest occurring in October. In a statement to police, Bryan apologized for “liking to drink” and claimed he was a “good dude.”
Karn also shared his thoughts on the other Home Improvement child stars, including Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Taran Noah Smith. Thomas, who played Bryan’s on-screen brother, has been trying to pursue a career in directing, while Smith has been working on philanthropic efforts, including providing potable water to Third World countries.
As for his own experiences on the show, Karn revealed that he is still friends with some of his former castmates, including Tim Allen and Debbe Dunning. He also admitted that he didn’t realize Pamela Anderson was a Playboy model when they first met on the set of Home Improvement, and that his father was a huge fan of the show.
When asked about the possibility of a Home Improvement reboot, Karn expressed interest in the idea, but noted that he’s not sure what the reality would look like or where it could go. He believes that the show’s wholesome and fun atmosphere is what has allowed it to resonate with fans for decades.
“I think [Home Improvement] resonates with people because it taught family values,” Karn said. “It was wholesome and fun, and people loved it.”
