Debbe Dunning, best known for her role as Heidi Keppert on Home Improvement, recently shared a story about a moment on set that left her shaken. While speaking with Entertainment Weekly about reuniting with Tim Allen for his new show Shifting Gears, she opened up about a time when her role felt unexpectedly threatened.
The actress remembered overhearing Allen discussing the possibility of bringing Pamela Anderson, who had played Tool Time girl Lisa in the early seasons, back to the series. For Debbe Dunning, who had just become a mother and was balancing her career with raising a child, the idea of sharing her role was overwhelming.
Debbe Dunning Faced an Emotional Setback
Dunning recalled that her reaction was immediate and physical. “My entire neck got blotchy red splotches, and I was like, ‘I need to be excused for a moment,’” she said. She admitted that her voice trembled as she processed the conversation, adding, “I had just had a baby, so let’s just give me a little bit of grace. I was a little bit emotional.”
Fortunately, a stage manager and later a producer reassured her that her job was secure. They explained that Tim Allen had likely been brainstorming and that she would not have to share her role, as highlighted by People. This reassurance gave her the confidence to carry on, even as her tears forced the crew to redo her makeup.
Turning A Real Moment Into A Storyline
What could have been a career-altering experience instead became part of Home Improvement itself. Producers later used the situation as inspiration for an episode. Titled “The Kiss & the Kiss-Off,” it aired in May 1997 and featured Pamela Anderson returning in a fictionalized storyline that mirrored what happened behind the scenes.
Looking back, Debbe Dunning was able to reflect with grace. She shared that although the moment felt painful at the time, she loved her work and wanted to protect it. “I just don’t want to feel threatened with my job. I love my job so much, and I just had a kid and I’m supporting a house and a child,” she said. Despite the scare, her role remained safe, and she continued to be a beloved part of the hit series.