Timothy Allen Dick was born on June 13, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, to Martha Katherine (Fox) and Gerald M. Dick, his father being a real estate salesman. Tragedy struck when Tim was just eleven years old, as his father was killed in a collision with a drunk driver while driving his family home from a University of Colorado football game. His mother, a community service worker, remarried her high school sweetheart, an Episcopalian deacon, two years after Tim's father's death. Tim was raised with his many siblings and step-siblings, and his family later moved to Birmingham, Michigan.
In high school, Tim's favorite subject was shop, and after graduating in 1975, he attended Western Michigan University, where he earned a degree in Television Production. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1978 when he was arrested on drug charges and spent two years in jail. Upon his release, he had a newfound outlook on life and, on a dare from a friend, started his comedy career at the Comedy Castle in the Northern suburbs of Detroit.
Tim's comedy career quickly took off, and he went on to do several cable specials, including Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen in 1988 and Tim Allen: Men Are Pigs in 1990. In 1991, he landed the starring role in his own hit television series on ABC, Home Improvement, which he continued to film throughout most of the 1990s. During this time, he also starred in a string of blockbuster movies, including The Santa Clause in 1994, Toy Story in 1995, Toy Story 2 in 1999, and Galaxy Quest in 1999.
In addition to his acting and comedy career, Tim has also ventured into other fields. In August 1996, he developed and unveiled his own signature line of power tools, manufactured by Ryobi. He also has his own racing team, Tim Allen/Saleen RRRRacing. In May 1999, he ended his series Home Improvement after eight seasons, and in 2001, he filmed such movies as Big Trouble and Joe Somebody.
