Zachery Ty Bryan Says Life Became Difficult After The Conclusion Of ‘Home Improvement’

Zachery Ty Bryan began his time on the popular TV sitcom Home Improvement at the young age of nine when the show first premiered in 1991. He portrayed Brad Taylor, the eldest son of Tim Taylor, a typical teenage boy who was often getting into mischief and dealing with the ups and downs of adolescence. Bryan remained a regular cast member of the show until its conclusion in 1999 after eight seasons.

Interestingly, his role in Home Improvement made him a recognizable face in the entertainment industry and also earned him a considerable fan base, thus contributing to his popularity as an actor.

Zachery Ty Bryan says life became difficult after ‘Home Improvement’ concluded

Bryan struggled to secure an acting gig after eight seasons playing the role of Brad Taylor in Home Improvement. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor shared the challenges he faced and the difficult transition following his teenage fame.

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“If you star in a TV show today, you can be in any film that you want, but back then, it was the polar opposite,” Bryan admitted to the news outlet. “You were stigmatized as a TV star, and no matter how good your audition, you were never going to be taken seriously. But I kept at it. On the same token, you might get turned down on a bunch of projects, but you could go out at night and hang out with your buddies at Mel’s Diner and everybody knows you.”

Zachery Ty Bryan says he transitioned from acting to producing to take charge of his career

Amidst his struggles to land acting jobs, the 41-year-old transitioned into film production in the 2010s with credits for films such as The Kindergarten Teacher and Skin. However, Bryan revealed that the career shift proved positive as it allowed him to take charge of his life.

“What moved me into producing is that it got to the point as an actor where I felt like I didn’t have control over my career anymore,” he explained. “As an actor, you’re like a cow going to the slaughterhouse, and you have to rely on so many people, from an agent to manager to lawyer. I figured I didn’t necessarily have to act anymore, there are other directions to go.”

Zachary Ty Bryan also had a brush with the law

The 41-year-old disclosed that he has faced personal and legal challenges that have drawn attention away from his acting career. In 2020, he was arrested on charges of allegedly strangling a woman, to which he later admitted guilt. Bryan also found himself immersed in Bitcoin investments and significant debt as he faced accusations of running a fraudulent scheme involving an agriculture-technology startup.

Recalling his legal struggles, the actor said, “I do know when things get in the way of who you’re meant to be, where you’re supposed to go, and what God has planned for you. He sometimes challenges you to do some reflecting by looking in the mirror and taking responsibility.”