Tim Allen (born June 13, 1953) is an American comedian and actor. He was born Timothy Allen Dick in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in suburban Detroit, Michigan and attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he was arrested and consequently sent to prison for drug offences. Following his release, Allen became a successful stand-up comedian. He rose to fame with the television series Home Improvement (1991-1999) on ABC in which he played Tim "the toolman" Taylor.

At one point in the 1990s, he starred in the most watched television show, Home Improvement, the highest grossing film, The Santa Clause, and had the best selling book in North America, Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man, at the same time.

For his contribution to the television industry, Tim Allen has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6834 Hollywood Blvd.

Selected filmography

Films

• Christmas with the Kranks (2004) - Luther Krank
• Santa Clause 2 (2002) - Santa Claus/Scott Calvin
• Big Trouble (2002) - Eliot Arnold
• Joe Somebody (2001) - Joe Scheffer
• Who is Cletus Tout? (2001) - Critical Jim
• Galaxy Quest (1999) - Jason Nesmith/Cmdr. Peter Quincy Taggart
• Toy Story 2 (1999) - Buzz Lightyear (voice)
• For Richer or Poorer (1997) - Brad Sexton
• Jungle 2 Jungle (1997) - Michael Cromwell
• Toy Story (1995) - Buzz Lightyear (voice)
• The Santa Clause (1994) - Scott Calvin/Santa Claus

TV series

• Home Improvement (1991-1999) - Tim Taylor

External links

• Official Tim Allen Website