Tim Allen Shares Insights On His Career, Family, And Life

When Tim Allen created the character of Matt Parker for Shifting Gears, he wanted to share more than just a storyline with the character. He decided to channel his own passion for classic cars into the show. "I've always been into cars," says Tim, 71, in an exclusive interview with Closer. "I even have a shop in North Hollywood where I restore and build hot rods. The shop you see on the show is pretty much inspired by mine," he adds, giving viewers a glimpse into his personal life.

Since its debut in January, Shifting Gears, a comedy centered around a widowed father's relationship with his estranged adult daughter, played by Kat Dennings, has become a ratings sensation. This follows Tim's previous successes with the long-running series Home Improvement and Last Man Standing. Tim believes he understands why audiences enjoy his shows. "In a half-hour, you get a resolution to a problem," he explains. "It's simple on TV, but real life is far more complicated."

How Comedy Found Tim Allen

Tim Allen's journey into comedy began early. "My dad, my uncle, and even my grandpa—they were all funny," he recalls. "I've always been drawn to funny people, whether men or women. If someone's funny, I just adore them," he adds with a chuckle. Comedy wasn't just a hobby for Tim; it was a way of life, one that eventually led him to the stage.

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The Moment That Changed Everything

Tim credits Richard Pryor for inspiring him to pursue comedy professionally. "I saw Richard Pryor perform live, and it was a life-changing experience," he says. "He made me laugh so hard, it opened something deep inside me. It cleared everything out. At the time, I was going through a tough patch, but after seeing him, I thought, 'What can I do? I can try to do what he does.' I'll never think I'm as funny as Richard, but he gave me the courage to give it a shot," Tim explains.

Why Tim's Shows Resonate with Audiences

Tim believes the success of his shows stems from their authenticity. "They’re grounded in real-life situations," he says. "The ideas were strong, and I like to think I contributed to that." Tim's ability to create relatable characters and situations has been a hallmark of his career.

The Legacy of 'Home Improvement'

Tim's first major hit, Home Improvement, aired for eight seasons. "The foundation of the show was solid," he reflects. "I wanted the marriage to feel affectionate, not full of bickering. And I insisted on having three boys, not two boys and a girl. It was all about creating a realistic, loving family dynamic," he explains.

Life with Three Daughters on 'Last Man Standing'

On Last Man Standing, Tim played the father of three girls. "It was a fun challenge," he says. "The relationship with Nancy Travis was always affectionate, but having three daughters instead of three sons meant dealing with a whole different set of issues. It was a wonderful experience," Tim adds.