5 Things You Never Knew About Tim Allen, ‘Home Improvement’ & ‘Shifting Gears’ Star
Tim Allen is no stranger to family sitcoms. He dominated the small screen for years with Home Improvement, followed by his long-running hit Last Man Standing and now he’s back in action with Shifting Gears, which debuts tonight at 8pm EST. The show follows Allen as Matt, a widower and classic car enthusiast who runs a workshop. His relatively quiet life is turned upside down when his estranged daughter, played by Kat Dennings, and her teenagers move in, creating plenty of humor and heartwarming family moments. Fans can catch the show on ABC and Hulu.
If you’re an Allen fan, you might know him as the quintessential TV dad, but his journey to stardom was far from conventional. Before becoming a household name, Allen’s life included some rough patches and, ultimately, a remarkable comeback.
1 He spent time in jail
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Born and raised in Michigan, Tim Allen (born Timothy Allen Dick) faced serious legal trouble in his younger years. In 1978, he was arrested at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport for attempting to traffic cocaine. Allen cooperated with authorities, leading to a reduced sentence, but he still served over two years in federal prison. This experience marked a turning point, motivating him to rebuild his life after his release. Later, in the early ’90s, Allen had another brush with the law — this time for drunk driving in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
2 He’s a proud Michigander
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Despite these early missteps, Allen has never lost his love for Michigan, where he was born and raised. He became the voice of Pure Michigan, a tourism campaign promoting the state’s natural beauty and attractions. In 2018, Allen purchased a 26-acre campground in Michigan for $2 million, ensuring it remained undeveloped to preserve the area’s stunning natural landscapes. His love for the Great Lakes state shines through in many of his personal and professional endeavors.
3 His career started with a dare
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Allen’s career in entertainment began humbly at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, Michigan. On a dare from a friend, he stepped onto the stage, and the crowd’s response ignited a passion for comedy. This gig kickstarted a successful career in stand-up, paving the way for his eventual sitcom stardom.
4 He was inspired by his Last Man Standing character
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Allen’s personal interests often overlap with his onscreen roles. His character on Last Man Standing dabbles in amateur radio, and Allen took to that interest offscreen. In 2014, he earned his FCC Technician Class license, becoming a bona fide ham radio operator with the call sign KK6OTD, registered under his real name, Tim Dick.
5 He was a production powerhouse
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Beyond acting, Allen explored the business side of Hollywood with his production company, Boxing Cat Films. The company worked on several projects, including the beloved Santa Clause franchise. While Boxing Cat Films eventually closed in the 2000s, Allen’s influence as a producer left a lasting mark, especially on holiday classics that remain fan favorites.
Remind 