Troubled Marriage, Family Litigation and a New Purpose

American actor Taran Noah Smith was a famous child star in the ’90s whose life spiraled down after he left “Home Improvement.” After experiencing difficulties in a marriage to a woman 16 years his senior, Smith turned his life around and launched a new career in the manufacturing business.

Born on April 8, 1985, Taran Noah Smith built his name and reputation in the entertainment industry as a young actor throughout the ’90s.

Many know Smith as the adorable child on “Home Improvement,” where he played the youngest son of Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson’s on-screen characters.

Taran Noah Smith on “Home Improvement,” circa 1992. | Source: Getty Images

However, Smith’s career was short-lived, and the sitcom became the last show he appeared on. Still, he continued to partake in interviews after his acting career ended.

Taran Noah Smith Quit Acting after the End of ‘Home Improvement’

Although he starred in several shows, including “Little Bigfoot 2: The Journey Home” and “Ebbie,” Smith was most recognized for his role in “Home Improvement.”

Smith was only seven years old when he was cast as Mark Taylor on “Home Improvement.” By the time the show ended, he was 16 and knew that acting would no longer be a part of his future career.

Smith had yet to carve a new path in his career, but the following year, he shocked the world with a big decision in his personal life. He tied the knot at only 17 years old.

Taran Noah Smith and Heidi Van Pelt during the wrap party of “Home Improvement” on April 9, 1999 at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

Taran Noah Smith’s Marriage to a Woman 16 Years His Senior Ended in a Disastrous Divorce

Smith reportedly met Heidi Van Pelt when he was 14 and she was around 30. Their relationship caused controversy given the 16-year age gap, but Smith and Van Pelt’s romance continued until it eventually ended in marriage.

When Smith’s parents learned of their relationship, they immediately disapproved and refused to have their minor son take control of his money to start a life with his lover.

The disagreement between Smith and his parents led to a legal dispute, where the child actor accused them of misappropriating his hard-earned money. Eventually, without his parents’ approval, Smith tied the knot with Van Pelt and welcomed a son, Nolan Eric Smith.

His feud with his parents was also resolved as time passed. Unlike some parents who take advantage of their children’s fortune, Smith’s mom and dad were only keeping his money as concerns over his relationship with Van Pelt grew.

Smith later addressed the dispute with his parents and said, “I’d gotten out of the teenage phase and realized my parents weren’t doing anything wrong but were trying to protect me.”

Unfortunately, after six years of marriage, Smith and Van Pelt’s union ended with a divorce. Both parties cited different reasons for their separation. On one end, Van Pelt accused her spouse of doing her wrong amidst his excessive partying.

Taran Noah Smith and Heidi Van Pelt attend PETA’s 25th Anniversary Gala and Humanitarian Awards Show at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Her accusation’s credibility was further amplified by Smith’s DUI and drug possession conviction in 2012 after he was apprehended by the Los Angeles police.

Meanwhile, Smith blamed Van Pelt for their failed relationship and claimed they agreed to have an open marriage. According to The Things, Smith said, “Heidi told me she preferred girls to guys. She began to bring girls home, but if they paid more attention to me than to her, she’d get jealous.”

The former child star also claimed that Van Pelt stole money from him through their joint business venture. Taran Noah Smith’s lawyer said:

Taran Noah Smith Has a Surprising New Career

Fortunately, some good came out of Smith’s marriage to Van Pelt, such as creating their non-dairy cheese manufacturing business and restaurant in California.

Smith has also done several volunteer work inside and outside the country. In 2014, Smith visited the Philippines to help Communitere, a disaster relief organization. He also helped build and fix houses destroyed by hurricane Harvey in Texas.

For over two months, Smith packed his bags and lived in a small orange truck by the construction area. Speaking on “Inside Edition,” he gave a glimpse into his role in the volunteer program and the materials he used to rebuild homes.

Besides his philanthropic efforts, Smith has been passionate about water-related activities. He built a floating art gallery and taught people how to operate a submarine in Monterey Bay. Smith is out on a new adventure these days after announcing his job in Space X in 2022.

Surprisingly, Smith is not the only “Home Improvement” cast member who went through a divorce. His on-screen father, Tim Allen, also had a broken marriage with his college sweetheart and wife of over a decade.

Admittedly, Allen experienced alcohol dependency issues that led to a rehab stint and DUI arrest in the late ’90s. The actor, still pursuing success at the time, had drinks while waiting for his wife and drank more with her.

However, it was during his Hollywood fame that his family fell apart. Allen admitted to leaving his family on the sidelines while his career was on the rise. Although his then-wife, Laura Deibel, supported him, their marriage ended in divorce.

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