Jonathan Taylor Thomas, a.k.a. Randy Taylor from “Home Improvement,” transformed into a bona fide heartthrob in front of his fans’ eyes.
The child star starred in the series when he was ten and was so popular that he graced the cover of almost every teen magazine.
After stepping away from the spotlight at 17, the former teen sensation was spotted for the first time in years during a rare outing, astonishing netizens with his different look.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 1981. His parents, Claudine Gonsalves and Stephen Weiss, were the proud ones who brought him into this world.
Alongside his older brother Joel, Thomas hails from a diverse ancestral background, including Pennsylvania Dutch (German) and Portuguese heritage.
Thomas is an American actor and director, known for starring as Randy Taylor in the 90s sitcom, “Home Improvement” since he was 10. He also lent his voice to the young Simba in Disney’s 1994 classic film, “The Lion King.”
Not many people are aware that Thomas’ uncle, Jeff Weiss, was also an incredible actor.
It’s a little-known fact that Simba from the kids’ favorite Disney flick had Thomas’ expressions, and the camera even captured his face during the voice-over sessions. In an old interview, Thomas reminisced about a conversation he had with his mother.
He recalled examining Simba’s expressions and realizing the familiarity they shared, with his mom explaining that those were the expressions he made when feeling sad or happy.
Thomas recognized numerous similarities between himself and the character, leading him to fully immerse himself in the role by infusing it with his emotions.
During his time on “Home Improvement,” which ran from 1991 to 1999, Thomas grew into a teen heartthrob, portraying Taylor’s character for seven seasons. As Tim and Jill Taylor’s middle son, Randy inherited his dad’s knack for jokes.
Brad Taylor (Zachery Ty Bryan) and Mark Taylor (Taran Noah Smith) starred as the other two Taylor boys. The situation comedy series gave the audience multiple laugh-worthy moments, including when Tim was busy helping Randy with his math homework involving fractions.
When Randy insisted the denominator be called a “bottom number” instead, Tim agreed, remarking that the term “denominator” sounded like it belonged in an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. He then humorously imitated Schwarzenegger, saying, “I am the Denominator. I’ll give your leg a compound fraction.”
In 2021, 39-year-old Thomas was pictured for the first time in almost eight years, going out and about in Los Angeles. The former teen star wasn’t alone and was accompanied by his two dogs as he sported a dark hoodie, blue jeans, grey New Balance sneakers, a New York Mets baseball cap, and sunglasses.
During his rare outing in years, Thomas appeared at ease as he casually removed his protective face mask and indulged in a vape while taking a leisurely walk with his beloved pooches. Fans were astonished to see their beloved star looking different years after he stepped away from the spotlight.
“Not [Jonathan]. Looks nothing like him,” said one user. “[That’s] what I said. Did whomever said that this was him, just say oh I think that maybe him without confirming it [sic],” wrote a second netizen.
“I’m not convinced that it is him either. Who said it was? How did they know it was?” questioned a third user. “[It’s] him he just put few pounds on [sic],” replied a fourth netizen. “I don’t think that’s him. Just the outer edge of his nostrils is totally different. Not him,” wondered a fifth user.
“Didn’t even look like him. Loved him in all those movies and shows,” added a sixth user. “I don’t think this is him. Doesn’t look like him,” chimed a seventh netizen. “Yeah that doesn’t look like him at all,” commented another user.
Thomas was already 17 when “Home Improvement”—the series that established his career as a bona fide child star—came to an end. He dedicated a lot of his time doing modeling, promotions, co-hosting on television, and a variety of other gigs.
In 1993, a young Thomas starred in an advertisement for Disney’s lineup for the summer, with his unique and light-hearted take on things. A year later, in 1994, he appeared in ABC TV’s promo for “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”
That same year, Thomas also appeared in an opening clip for the Indiana Jones ride, introducing children to a fun-filled adventure. At 15, he channeled his stardom and success to land a spot in his very own calendar pinup in 1998.
In 1995, Thomas starred in the movie “Tom and Huck” as Tom Sawyer alongside Brad Renfro, who portrayed Huckleberry Finn. In one of his exclusive interviews, Thomas shared interesting details about modeling, signing autographs, odd situations with fans, and being friends with his movie co-star.
The “Man of the House” alum said he found the concept of writing autographs for people quite unusual, being baffled by the notion of his name holding too much meaning for others.
He narrated an incident when he was in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and his mother was showing him how to light a candle when someone approached him, asking for an autograph. Thomas recounted:
“I was like, ‘Okay, let’s go out of here because I don’t want a big old lightning bolt to come down, so let’s go out, and I’ll sign it. And so we did, and we went back in, and it was nice.”
Moreover, Thomas expressed that he and Renfro found common ground and forged a friendship while working on “Tom and Huck.” He believed that their companionship greatly aided their close collaboration during the three-month filming period.
Thomas considered their association essential, as the movie focused on friendship and loyalty. He also praised Renfro’s performance in the film.
Not many people are aware that Thomas’ uncle, Jeff Weiss, was also an incredible actor. Born on April 30, 1940, in Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S., he was known for starring in “Great Performances” (1971), “Mr. Destiny” (1990), and “Vanilla Sky” (2001).
Weiss—a celebrated playwright and actor known for his avant-garde productions in offbeat New York theaters as well as his performances in mainstream productions, including numerous Broadway shows—died at 82 on September 18, 2022, in Macungie, Pennsylvania, near Allentown.
Throughout his acting career, Thomas’ mother acted as his manager and biggest supporter. The pair were often spotted on numerous occasions, including the 1994 Blockbuster World Video Game Championship in Florida, the 21st People’s Choice Awards in 1995 in California, and the wrap-up party for the 100th episode of “Home Improvement.”
Thomas also maintained a loving relationship with his television mother, Jill, played by Patricia Richardson. In an August 2011 tweet, the actress shared updates about her on-screen boys, adding how her middle son wished to direct movies in real life.
In a January 1996 interview, Thomas described how he dealt with fame as a young actress. “You can’t be trapped in this bubble called the acting industry.” He divulged:
“The industry is neurotic and weird, and so when I go home, and I play basketball with my friends, I’m not Jonathan Taylor Thomas. I’m just Jonathan. I don’t like hanging out with other actors and actresses.”
In 1996, Thomas lent his voice to Pinocchio in the fantasy movie, “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” and described his experience in an interview with Bobbie Wygant. The then-teenager painted a vivid picture of his time visiting exquisite places like the Czech Republic and Croatia.
Thomas explained that the 1996 movie showed a true Eastern European village with narrow streets, clay rooftops, ancient castles, magnificent architecture, and great museums, depicting rich culture and traditions.
During the interview, Thomas shared how he loved fly fishing, which he learned when he was eight or nine years old. He added how he didn’t get a chance to do it while shooting “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” saying he managed to make some time for it during his time off in the summers.
While expressing his fondness for fly fishing, he described the exhilarating experience of catching a big fish, with his hands becoming sweaty and his heart racing.
Although it could be nerve-wracking, Thomas said the satisfaction of releasing the fish after removing the hook and capturing a photo brought him unmatched joy. He emphasized his preference for catch-and-release, allowing the fish to grow and be caught again in the future.
Lastly, the “Wild America” star said he wasn’t a huge fan of eating fish but found fulfillment in witnessing their growth and knowing they would be there to catch again.
Thomas also expressed his interest in mastering the art of casting and acting, saying how the latter enabled him to travel to beautiful places and was both relaxing and adventurous—something that proved to be a great plus point for his career.
Besides garnering praise and appreciation during his teen years, gay rumors about Thomas reportedly began circulating during his prime time in the entertainment industry.
Although the then-youngster was largely unbothered by the speculations and rumor mill, he only became concerned when the shocking news upset his 95-year-old grandmother, who heard it over a radio station in Pennsylvania. Thomas said he was baffled by how readily people bought the whole story.
Even with all the gossip and conjecture, Thomas’ popularity didn’t fizzle out, and he graced the cover of almost every teen magazine. Even Emma Roberts admitted to having a celebrity crush on him in a 2015 interview, saying she used to collage her entire room for hours with JTT’s pictures.
The teen sensation was once asked if he had any infatuations in the movie industry, and he took Cameron Diaz’s name. Thomas recalled meeting the “Knight and Day” actress briefly, where she pinched his cheeks and told him he reminded her of her brother. The “Walking Across Egypt” alum said her compliment melted him.
At 17, Thomas decided to step away from acting after enjoying a fulfilling career as a teen heartthrob. His decision was largely based on his desire to resume what he had left unfinished because of acting—education.
In one of his interviews, the “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” actor expressed a strong interest in Politics, Political Science, and History. He revealed how being himself always worked for him and that he had hard luck pretending to be someone else.
Calling J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” one of his favorite books, Thomas said he didn’t believe in teasing the press. He also talked about a memorable episode from “Home Improvement” where he fell unwell, and the audience got to see something other than comedy.
In a 1997 interview with Conan O’Brien, Thomas shared how he looked up to big names like Jodie Foster and Ron Howard. He also called Foster his role model, saying her intelligence and passion for acting, coupled with her desire to resume her studies, inspired him.
After “Home Improvement,” Thomas’ life was filled with a few acting gigs and following his heart’s true calling. He reunited with his television parents, Allen and Richardson when he made a special guest appearance in season two of “Last Man Standing.”
In 2011, Thomas reunited with his “Home Improvement” cast members just in time for his milestone 30th birthday celebration at a photo shoot. He beamed joyfully while posing next to his former co-stars, giving fans a major throwback and a good reason to rewatch the classic sitcom.
After stepping away from the spotlight, Thomas’ love for education made him turn to Columbia University and Harvard University. He studied History and Philosophy at Harvard, spending a semester abroad in Scotland at St. Andrew’s University.
In 2010, he graduated from Columbia University’s School of General Studies and returned to acting briefly, but eventually, he changed his mind. One of Thomas’ class fellows recalled how he loved to talk and share smart information.
In one of his interviews, the “8 Simple Rules” alum revealed that he always wanted to attend school, travel, and take a break. He said he enjoyed his student life, sitting in a library and interacting with other students.
Thomas, who did a bit of directing and scriptwriting, expressed how he enjoyed watching films, hiking, and following theater. Despite his guest appearance on “Last Man Standing,” he admitted to having no regrets about taking time off.
At the same time, he acknowledged that he didn’t take his fame too seriously, viewing it as a great period in his life without letting it define him. Reflecting on that time, Thomas said he chose to focus on the enjoyable moments rather than the multitude of magazine covers he graced.
In one of his interviews from 2000, the then-19-year-old Thomas replied in the negative when asked if he had a girlfriend. At only 17, he had his own car and loved driving around, spending weekends with his relatives in North Carolina.
The former teen star’s net worth was estimated at $15 million in 2021. As of now, there isn’t much information about the former actor’s estate or property.
In a 2013 interview, Thomas was asked if he would allow his children to watch his shows and films, to which he said he wouldn’t. “Maybe when they’re old. I wouldn’t want to confuse them. I’ll just be Dad,” he added.
During one of his interviews for the movie “Wild America,” Thomas openly declared his love and fondness for animals. He’s reportedly been a vegetarian for most of his life.
In a brief run-in with reporters in 2013, Thomas was asked about his famous childhood role in “The Lion King,” to which he responded, “Man, that’s a lot of years ago,” before walking away.
Despite being popularly known as Jonathan Taylor Thomas in the showbiz industry, he goes by “Jonathan Weiss” in real life and in his educational records.
Today, JTT is 41, and we wish him nothing but the best of luck with his future prospects! But for his fans, Thomas will always be the confident, cute, and bright youngster who made their childhood memorable and fun!
