Brad Taylor from Home Improvement Brad Taylor, the lovable and often mischievous eldest son from the iconic 90s sitcom Home Improvement, played by actor Zachery Ty Bryan, became a household name as part of the Taylor family on the popular show. As the older brother to Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and Mark (Taran Noah Smith), Brad brought both humor and heart to the series. However, while Home Improvement was a springboard for Bryan’s career, his journey after the show took many unexpected turns.

In this article, we’ll explore the life and career of Brad Taylor, the actor who portrayed him, Zachery Ty Bryan, and take a deeper look at where he is now. From his rise to fame in the 90s to his more recent endeavors, Bryan’s story is one of growth, challenges, and reinvention.

The Rise to Fame: Home Improvement and Brad Taylor

Home Improvement first premiered on ABC in 1991, and it quickly became one of the most-watched television shows of the decade. The show starred Tim Allen as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, a bumbling yet endearing father trying to balance his work life as the host of a home improvement TV show, “Tool Time,” with the challenges of raising three boys. Brad Taylor, the eldest of the Taylor children, was portrayed by Zachery Ty Bryan, who was only 10 years old when the series first aired.

Brad was the typical high school-aged son—athletic, popular, and somewhat of a troublemaker. As the older sibling to Randy and Mark, he often found himself in comedic situations, typically involved in pranks, mischief, or navigating teenage life. Brad’s character was the perfect counterpart to his father’s goofy, well-meaning persona, and the two frequently clashed over Brad’s typical teenage behavior.

Bryan’s portrayal of Brad was instantly popular with fans, and the character became a relatable figure for many teenagers and young adults. His witty one-liners, humorous antics, and his dynamic with Tim Allen’s character provided much of the comedic relief on the show. The strong family dynamics, combined with Bryan’s performance, helped solidify Home Improvement as one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 90s.

Zachery Ty Bryan: A Star on the Rise

Before landing the role of Brad Taylor, Zachery Ty Bryan was already involved in acting, having appeared in various television commercials and guest roles in shows like The X-Files. However, it was his casting in Home Improvement that truly launched his career.

At the peak of the show’s success, Bryan became a familiar face to millions of viewers. He was part of a highly popular ensemble cast, which also included Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson (who played Jill Taylor), Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Taran Noah Smith. As the series progressed, Bryan’s role as Brad expanded, with the character going through typical teenage milestones like dating, school dances, and sports. These relatable storylines resonated with the audience, and his on-screen chemistry with his TV family made him a fan favorite.

In addition to his role on Home Improvement, Bryan appeared in a number of TV shows and movies during the 90s and early 2000s. He had guest appearances in shows such as The Pretender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Veronica Mars. While Brad Taylor was undoubtedly his breakout role, Bryan was able to diversify his acting career with a range of other projects.

Life After Home Improvement: Transitioning from Child Star to Adult Actor

As Home Improvement wrapped up in 1999 after eight successful seasons, Bryan faced the challenge that many child stars face: transitioning from a well-known television persona to life beyond the spotlight. While many child actors struggle with this shift, Bryan seemed to handle the transition better than most, but not without its hurdles.

Acting Career After Home Improvement

After the end of Home Improvement, Bryan continued acting, but not to the extent that many fans expected. He appeared in a handful of television shows and movies, including a recurring role on the TV series Early Edition and appearances in movies such as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) and The Nanny (2004). However, it was clear that his career as an actor in Hollywood was not going to reach the same heights as it had during his Home Improvement days.

Bryan began to seek out different opportunities in both the entertainment industry and in business. By the mid-2000s, it became evident that his focus was shifting away from acting, and he began to explore new avenues. Bryan made several appearances in independent films and reality television but, for the most part, he moved away from the public eye.

Personal Life and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Like many former child stars, Bryan struggled with the pressures of fame as he entered adulthood. He made headlines in the 2000s for his personal life, particularly his relationships. In 2007, Bryan married Carly Matros, a woman he had been dating for several years. They had two children together, but the couple eventually divorced in 2020.

Around this time, Bryan also began to explore entrepreneurship. He started investing in real estate, and in 2015, he launched a production company called Bryan Tyler Productions, which sought to create content in both the entertainment and media spaces. In 2019, Bryan also became involved in a startup tech company focused on innovative home improvement products. This transition into business marked a significant shift in his career, showing that Bryan was looking to forge a new path beyond his acting roots.

Despite his departure from the entertainment industry, Bryan still kept in touch with his Home Improvement co-stars. He occasionally reunited with them for special events, fan conventions, and retrospectives. However, he had largely moved away from acting and media attention, choosing instead to focus on his family and business ventures.

Brad Taylor: A Fan Favorite’s Lasting Legacy

Brad Taylor may have been the quintessential “older brother” character in Home Improvement, but it’s clear that Zachery Ty Bryan’s portrayal of the character left an indelible mark on the show’s audience. Fans remember him for his charm, his sense of humor, and his relatable struggles as a teenager growing up in a suburban household.

Even though Bryan moved on from acting, Brad Taylor’s legacy lives on through reruns of Home Improvement, which continue to be popular in syndication and streaming platforms. The show’s enduring appeal ensures that Brad Taylor will always have a place in television history as one of the most beloved characters of the 90s.

Where Is Zachery Ty Bryan Now?

As of 2024, Zachery Ty Bryan is still active, but his life has taken a significant turn from the days of Home Improvement. Here’s a look at where he is now and what he’s been up to in recent years:

Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Bryan has immersed himself in the business world and remains a successful entrepreneur. In recent years, he has focused on real estate investments, technology startups, and his own production company. His interest in home improvement products and the construction industry seems fitting, given his time on the show. However, it’s clear that Bryan is no longer focused on fame and acting but instead on building a more private and stable future.

Personal Life

Bryan has stayed relatively out of the public eye, especially after his divorce from Carly Matros in 2020. He is now remarried and has kept his personal life largely out of the spotlight, preferring to focus on his children and his business endeavors. Despite the challenges and media scrutiny that often accompany being a former child star, Bryan has largely avoided controversy in recent years, opting for a quieter life away from the cameras.

Occasional Appearances in the Public Eye

While Bryan has stepped away from acting, he does make occasional appearances at fan conventions and Home Improvement reunions. In 2021, he made headlines when he reunited with his Home Improvement co-stars Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson for a reunion special celebrating the legacy of the show. These appearances allow Bryan to reconnect with his fan base and share memories of his time on the beloved sitcom.

Zachery Ty Bryan’s Current Focus and Future

While it’s unlikely that Bryan will return to acting in a major way, it’s clear that he is content with his current pursuits. His transition from child star to entrepreneur has been marked by a desire for stability and growth outside of Hollywood’s glaring spotlight. He remains focused on his family, his business ventures, and living a life away from the constant scrutiny of the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Brad Taylor, as portrayed by Zachery Ty Bryan, will forever be remembered as a central character in the cultural phenomenon that was Home Improvement. His mischievous yet lovable persona as Tim Taylor’s oldest son resonated with audiences and made him a favorite in households around the world. However, Zachery Ty Bryan’s journey after Home Improvement was marked by a shift away from the limelight, as he focused on entrepreneurship and family life.

While Bryan has stepped away from acting, he continues to stay connected with his past and occasionally makes appearances for fans. Ultimately, his story is a reminder of how child stars often face challenges as they grow older and move on to new chapters in their lives. As for Home Improvement, Brad Taylor’s legacy will always be part of the show’s success, cherished by fans who continue to watch reruns and remember the character fondly.