Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tim Allen
How Tim Allen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Tim Allen, born Timothy Alan Dick, is a prominent American actor and comedian. He gained fame for his role as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor in the sitcom Home Improvement, earning a Golden Globe. Allen also starred as Mike Baxter in Last Man Standing. His voice work as Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise earned him an Annie Award. He is also recognized for playing Scott Calvin/Santa Claus in The Santa Clause film series.
1975: Comedy Career Start
In 1975, Tim Allen started his career as a comedian at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle.
1988: Film Debut
In 1988, Tim Allen made his film debut as a baggage handler in Tropical Snow.
1991: Home Improvement Premiere
In 1991, Tim Allen began starring as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement.
November 1994: Simultaneous Success
In November 1994, Tim Allen simultaneously starred in the highest-grossing film, topped The New York Times bestseller list with his book, and appeared in the top-rated television series.
1994: The Santa Clause Release
In 1994, Tim Allen starred as Scott Calvin and Santa Claus in The Santa Clause.
1995: Voice of Buzz Lightyear
In 1995, Tim Allen provided the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Disney/Pixar film Toy Story.
1997: Jungle 2 Jungle Release
In 1997, Tim Allen starred in the family comedy Jungle 2 Jungle from Disney.
1999: Home Improvement Series Finale
In 1999, Home Improvement ended after eight seasons.
1999: Galaxy Quest Film Release
In 1999, Tim Allen starred in the film Galaxy Quest.
1999: Toy Story 2 and Galaxy Quest
In 1999, Tim Allen voiced Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 2 and starred in Galaxy Quest.
2001: Joe Somebody Film Release
In 2001, Tim Allen starred in the film Joe Somebody.
2002: The Santa Clause 2 Release
In 2002, Tim Allen reprised his role as Scott Calvin in The Santa Clause 2.
2002: Big Trouble Film Release
In 2002, Tim Allen starred in the film Big Trouble.
2004: Christmas with the Kranks Film Release
In 2004, Tim Allen starred in the film Christmas with the Kranks.
2006: The Shaggy Dog Film Release
In 2006, Tim Allen starred in the film The Shaggy Dog.
2006: Releases of Zoom, The Shaggy Dog, and The Santa Clause 3
In 2006, Tim Allen starred in the films Zoom, The Shaggy Dog, and The Santa Clause 3.
2007: Wild Hogs Film Release
In 2007, Tim Allen starred in the film Wild Hogs.
2008: Dramatic Turn in Redbelt
In 2008, Tim Allen took on a supporting role in David Mamet's Redbelt, marking his first dramatic turn.
December 2009: Crazy on the Outside Preview Tour
In December 2009, Tim Allen began a preview tour of his film Crazy on the Outside, incorporating stand-up acts to promote it.
2009: The Six Wives of Henry Lefay Film Release
In 2009, Tim Allen starred in the film The Six Wives of Henry Lefay.
January 2010: Crazy on the Outside Debut
In January 2010, Tim Allen's film Crazy on the Outside debuted, which he also directed.
April 25, 2010: TV Land Awards Host
On April 25, 2010, Tim Allen hosted the 8th Annual TV Land Awards.
2010: Crazy on the Outside Film Release
In 2010, Tim Allen starred in the film Crazy on the Outside.
2011: Last Man Standing Premiere
In 2011, Tim Allen began starring as Mike Baxter on the ABC sitcom Last Man Standing.
May 2017: Last Man Standing Cancellation
In May 2017, the sitcom Last Man Standing, starring Tim Allen, was canceled after six seasons.
2017: Cast in El Camino Christmas
In 2017, Tim Allen was cast in the Netflix original comedy film El Camino Christmas shortly before the cancellation of Last Man Standing.
May 11, 2018: Last Man Standing Picked Up by Fox
On May 11, 2018, Fox picked up Last Man Standing for a seventh season after its cancellation by ABC in 2017.
2018: Ralph Breaks the Internet Cameo
In 2018, Tim Allen had a cameo voice role as Buzz Lightyear in Ralph Breaks the Internet.
2019: Toy Story 4 and No Safe Spaces
In 2019, Tim Allen voiced Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 4 and appeared as himself in the documentary film No Safe Spaces.
May 2021: Last Man Standing Series Finale
In May 2021, the show Last Man Standing ended after nine seasons.
2021: Last Man Standing Series Finale
In 2021, the final episode of Last Man Standing aired, marking the end of Tim Allen's role as Mike Baxter.
June 30, 2022: More Power Premiere
On June 30, 2022, the History Channel series More Power premiered, featuring Tim Allen reunited with Richard Karn.
2022: The Santa Clauses Announcement
In 2022, it was announced that Tim Allen would reprise his role as Scott Calvin in a Disney+ mini-series, The Santa Clauses.
February 2023: Return as Buzz Lightyear
In February 2023, Tim Allen announced that he would return as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5.
March 6, 2024: Shifting Gears Sitcom Announcement
On March 6, 2024, Tim Allen announced on his Facebook page that he will be starring in a third sitcom called Shifting Gears.
January 8, 2025: Shifting Gears Series Premiere
On January 8, 2025, Tim Allen's new sitcom, Shifting Gears, premiered on ABC.
