Jonathan Taylor Thomas is a name many people who grew up in the 1990s will recognize.
He was one of the most popular teen idols of his time, starring in hit TV shows and movies such as Home Improvement, The Lion King, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas.
But what happened to him after he left the spotlight? And what is he doing now?
In this article, we will explore his life and career, from his early beginnings to his recent sightings.
Early Life and Career
Jonathan Taylor Thomas was born Jonathan Taylor Weiss on September 8, 1981, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
He has an older brother, Joel, and has Pennsylvania Dutch (German) and Portuguese ancestry.
His uncle was a playwright and actor Jeff Weiss.
Thomas began his acting career at the age of seven, appearing in commercials and print ads.
In 1989, he landed his first TV role as Kevin Brady, the son of Greg Brady, on The Bradys, a spin-off of The Brady Bunch.
In 1990, he joined the cast of Home Improvement, playing Randy Taylor, the middle son of Tim Allen’s character.
The show was a huge success, running for eight seasons and earning Thomas several awards and nominations.
Thomas also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to:
- young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King (1994)
- Pinocchio in The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996)
- Spot in Disney’s Teacher’s Pet (2004)
He also starred in several live-action movies, such as:
- Man of the House (1995)
- Tom and Huck (1995)
- Wild America (1997)
- I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Leaving Hollywood and Pursuing Education
In 1998, Thomas left Home Improvement to focus on his education.
He graduated with honours from Chaminade College Preparatory School in West Hills, California, in 2000.
Jonathan then enrolled at Harvard University, where he studied philosophy and history.
He also spent a year abroad at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
In 2010, he graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in general studies.
Thomas explained his decision to leave show business in an interview with People magazine in 2013.
He said that he wanted to have a normal life and experience different things outside of Hollywood.
He also said that he was not interested in fame or money, but rather in finding happiness and fulfillment.
Recent Projects and Appearances
After graduating from college, Thomas did not completely abandon his acting career.
He made a few guest appearances on TV shows such as:
- 8 Simple Rules (2004)
- Smallville (2002 and 2004)
- Veronica Mars (2005)
- Last Man Standing (2013-2015)
On Last Man Standing, he reunited with his former TV father Tim Allen, playing a different character named John Baker.
He also directed three episodes of the show.
Thomas has also been involved in behind-the-scenes work, such as writing scripts and producing projects.
In 2006, he co-wrote and co-produced a short film called The Extra, starring Jodie Sweetin.
In 2016, he was credited as a creative consultant for a TV movie called BoJack Horseman Christmas Special: Sabrina’s Christmas Wish.
Thomas has been very private about his personal life, rarely giving interviews or attending public events.
He has not been active on social media either, having no official accounts on Instagram or Twitter.
However, he has been spotted by fans and paparazzi on several occasions over the years.
In 2017, he attended the Home Improvement reunion at Entertainment Weekly’s PopFest in Los Angeles, along with:
- Tim Allen
- Patricia Richardson
- Zachery Ty Bryan
- Taran Noah Smith
- Richard Karn
- Debbe Dunning
In 2021, he was photographed for the first time in nearly eight years while walking his dogs in Hollywood.
He looked healthy and happy, sporting a casual outfit and a beard.
Conclusion
Jonathan Taylor Thomas is a former child star who achieved fame and success at a young age.
He decided to leave Hollywood to pursue his education and other interests.
Jonathan has since appeared in some TV shows and movies but mostly stayed away from the limelight.
He is now living a low-key life in Los Angeles with his dogs.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas is an example of someone who followed his path and did not let fame define him.
He is still remembered and admired by many fans who grew up watching him on screen.
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