Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Why the ’90s Star Left Fame—and Where He Ended Up

For kids growing up in the ’90s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas was the teen idol. Whether as Randy on Home Improvement or the voice of Simba, he was impossible not to love. But at the height of his fame, Thomas made a surprising choice: he walked away. Decades later, fans still wonder—what happened to JTT?

                                                                                                                            Thomas never planned to stay in Hollywood forever. Even as a teen, he knew fame wasn’t his end goal. “It was fun, but it wasn’t who I was,” he once said. After leaving Home Improvement, he focused on school, studying at some of the best universities in the country. Acting wasn’t his only talent—he was just as passionate about learning.
                                                                                                                                                Though he mostly stays out of the public eye, he hasn’t completely abandoned entertainment. He’s directed TV episodes and made a few guest appearances, including a nostalgic reunion with Tim Allen. But these days, you’re more likely to spot him on a hiking trail than on a movie set.
Thomas’s story is rare in Hollywood—a child star who left on his own terms, without scandal or regret. While some former teen idols struggle with their past, Thomas seems content with his quiet, fulfilling life. For fans who adored him, that’s the best ending possible.