Actors of Tool Time Then and Now: Side-by-Side Transformations Decades Later

Catch up with Actors of Tool Time Then and Now: Side-by-Side Transformations Decades Later. Explore the primary developments in this concise summary.

Richard Karn's arrival on Home Improvement was largely accidental. Cast as Al Borland, the flannel-draped, long-suffering straight man whose catchphrase "I don't think so, Tim" anchored the workshop, Karn originally stepped in as a temporary replacement for actor Stephen Tobolowsky. The chemistry between Allen and Karn proved instant and undeniable, securing Karn a permanent spot for all 204 episodes.

Once the series wrapped, Karn leaned into unscripted television and game show hosting. He took over hosting duties on Family Feud from 2002 to 2006, followed by a stint on GSN's Bingo America. He also made appearances in comedy films like Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch and guest-starred on shows ranging from The Bold and the Beautiful to Hulu's acclaimed comedy PEN15. In 2021, Karn reunited on screen with Allen for the History Channel competition show Assembly Required, proving that their deadpan-versus-manic rhythm still works without a studio audience prompting them.