Why did Tim Allen spend 28 months in jail? A look at the actor's life before 'Last Man Standing' Season 9 drops
Tim Allen struck gold with 'Home Improvement' and 'Last Man Standing'. And now, the latter, which aired on October 11, 2011, is returning for its ninth season on ABC. It chronicles the adventures of Mike Baxter (Allen), a senior executive at a sporting goods store chain who has three daughters. The show focuses on his familial travails, which also includes his grandson and other men who are either married to his daughters or are dating them.
Created by Jack Burditt, the show was canceled on ABC after six seasons, after which Fox picked it up. Initially, the series received negative reviews from the critics for its predictability and slapstick humor though viewers felt differently. The show managed to garner a strong fan base, who even petitioned to bring the show back when it was canceled by ABC.
As the show is returning on January 3, 2021, let's look at the life of the lead actor, Tim Allen, which has been rather tumultuous, to say the least. Had it not been for 'Home Improvement', things might have gone a bit differently for him.
Humble beginnings
Allen grew up in Colorado and experienced tragedy early in his life after his father was killed by a drunk driver when he was 11 years. Allen’s mother moved the family to Detroit soon after. He studied at Michigan State University, when he got a degree in television and radio. However, things didn't look pleasant as Allen was dealing drugs.
Why he went to jail for 28 months?
In his early twenties, Allan worked hard to make ends meet in a retail and advertising agency. What got him on the wrong side of the law, was when he made extra money by selling cocaine on the side. In 1978, the police arrested Allen for cocaine possession. It was while he waiting for his arrest that he became interested in comedy.
Allen utilized his 28 months in prison well. He perfected his craft and would often boast about his ability to make prisoners and guards laugh with his wit and sense of humor. He was finally released after he struck a plea deal and testified against his partner.
After 28 months in prison, Allen began to pursue comedy in Detroit, where he grunted and poked fun at masculine pastimes. Disney CEO Michael Eisner was awed by Allen’s skills and even offered him the roles that eventually went to Tom Hanks and Robin Williams in 'Turner & Hooch' and 'The Dead Poets Society' respectively. Allen wished to show his skills to the world in his own manner and on his terms.
He spoke about his decision to refuse the two film roles with the LA Times in a piece about 'Home Improvement' during the early days of its success. “They offered me two sitcoms: ‘Turner & Hooch’ or ‘Dead Poets Society’ in the Tom Hanks role or the Robin Williams role,” Allen said to the paper. “And I thought they got the wrong guy. I told them, ‘I’m the one you saw on stage doing the men thing, grunting like a pig. Without being disrespectful, wouldn’t that seem like an odd idea?'”
He eventually signed on 'Home Improvement', which became a thunderous hit. 30 years later, Allen is still a comic favorite.
