10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jonathan Taylor Thomas (2024)

Jonathan Taylor Thomas has been a household name since his breakthrough role as the middle child on ABC’s hit show Home Improvement. His charming smile and endearing personality won over millions of fans. As such, he later went on to land roles in films like Man of the House, I’ll Be Home For Christmasand Wild America.

Years after he stepped out of the limelight, JTT is still remembered fondly. However, some lesser-known facts about Thomas will surprise his longtime fans. So, let’s dive into the ten things you didn’t know about him.

10. Jonathan Taylor Thomas Was A Child Star

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Most of Thomas’ major roles came when he was a child or an adolescent. His first role came when he waseight years old in a commercial for Mattel’s Hot Wheels. He then landed a small role in the television show The Bradys. Soon after, he went on to appear in shows like The Wonder Years before getting the lead role on Home Improvement. Altogether, his career picked up early and ended relatively early.

9. He Voiced Young Simba In The Original “The Lion King” Film

Before the 2019 remake of the Disney animation, The Lion King, the 1994 version swept audiences off their feet. The voice behind young Simba in the original version was Jonathan Taylor Thomas. His voice was replaced with Donald Glover’s in the 2019 version.

While at it, Jonathan Taylor Thomas also sang the hit song I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, giving it a remarkable musical touch. In fact, JTT was 14 when he voiced the character and recorded all his lines in 4 days. His performance was praised by critics and fans alike, and it’s clear that even at such a young age, he had a knack for voicing characters.

8. Jonathan Taylor Thomas Was A Good Student

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Academic prowess isn’t something most child stars possess, seeing as balancing academics and fame is often not easy. But Jonathan was an exception. Despite being the lead in a hit film, he was a smart student and graduated top of his class. While there, he was on the honor roll and performed well in his classes.

While attending philosophy classes at Columbia University, he dreamed of attending Harvard. In 2000, he fulfilled that dream when he enrolled in a prestigious Ivy League school and went on to graduate. He majored in philosophy and history but also studied Eastern religion and culture during his time there.

7. He Took a Break from Acting

After graduating from Harvard in 2002, Jonathan Taylor Thomas decided to walk away from the limelight. Nobody understood why, but Jonathan seemed to want to focus on his studies and personal pursuits. It was, however, rumored that he was struggling with the expectations of Hollywood.

Either way, he had made a name for himself as a successful child star in the ‘90s and was well known for his roles in Home Improvement, The Lion King, and other popular films. Much later, he made a few guest appearances in shows like 8 Simple Rules and Smallville but his major comeback on a regular TV series didn’t happen until 2013 when he appeared in Last Man Standing.

6. Jonathan Taylor Thomas Was a Teen Heartthrob

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The star was a popular teen heartthrob in the 90s, and he appeared in teen magazines and ad campaigns for major brands. His stardom began when he starred as the middle child of the Taylor family in Home Improvement. He captivated audiences with his unyielding charm and wit, becoming an icon of the 90s generation. His popularity was further cemented when he voiced the character of young Simba in The Lion King and was in many other TV shows, including Veronica Mars.

5. He Has a Passion for Environmental Conservation

Over the years, the star has spoken out on numerous environmental issues while supporting organizations like Friends of the Earth. In fact, he once traveled to Costa Rica with a group of environmentalists to study primates in their natural habitat. The star has also used his popularity to raise awareness for environmental issues.

To that effect, he’s worked with organizations like the Environmental Media Association (EMA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). He also serves as an ambassador for NRDC, promoting the importance of environmental protection.

4. He Has Directed TV Shows

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Jonathan Taylor Thomas hasn’t only appeared in front of the camera as an actor, but he has also directed television shows. He directed a few episodes of Home Improvement and an episode of Last Man Standing. Altogether, it’s clear that he’s a multifaceted star.

3. Jonathan Taylor Thomas Is an Only Child

Being an only child can be both a blessing and a curse, but to Jonathan Taylor Thomas, it was a major blessing. He is an only child and the son of Claudine Gonsalves and Stephen Weiss. Growing up as an only child allowed him to build strong relationships with his parents and carve a path independent of familial pressures or expectations. Since he was the sole focus of attention in the household, he got his parents’ full support to pursue his passions while developing a strong sense of self.

2. Jonathan Taylor Thomas is an Avid Guitar Player

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Music has been a passion of Jonathan Taylor Thomas’ since childhood, and he often turns to the guitar as a form of expression. He started playing when he was 12 and quickly mastered it in little time. In addition to strumming classic rock songs, the star also enjoys writing his own music. He went on to collaborate with other musicians, including the likes of Ben Folds and John Mayer.

1. He Is Unmarried

A lot of people assumed that he has already tied the knot, however, this is not the case. He is still single and has never been married. However, in 2007 when he dated Natalie Wright, he proposed, and she accepted. But eventually, they broke up. With very little going on on his social media profiles, we can only speculate that he is enjoying his single life.

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10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jonathan Taylor Thomas (2024)

FAQs

What are some fun facts about Jonathan Taylor? ›

Taylor was born in Salem, New Jersey, to Elizabeth Taylor and Jonathan James. His father played basketball for San Francisco State from 1982 to 1986. Taylor attended Salem High School. During his high school football career, he amassed 4,642 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns.

Why did Jonathan Taylor Thomas stop Home Improvement? ›

Thomas remained with Home Improvement well into his teenage years but left the show in 1998 to focus on academics. In early 2004, Thomas had a small guest role on 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, another ABC sitcom, and appeared in the WB's Smallville in 2002 and 2004.

Why did Jonathan Taylor Thomas change his name? ›

His stage name is derived from his real first name (Jonathan), his real middle name (Taylor), and his brother's middle name (Thomas). Attended Harvard University for two years (2000-2002), then studied abroad for his third year at St.

What is Jonathan Taylor Thomas doing nowadays? ›

He's still in showbiz as an adult, starring in the 2023 Lifetime movie Secrets at the Museum. The L.A. native is also a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and in May 2021 he volunteered to provide additional security outside a mid-city synagogue amid a rise in anti-Semitic vandalism and harassment.

What are some fun facts about John Taylor? ›

A woodturner by trade, with limited formal education, he became noted for his culture and refinement. In 1832 Taylor followed his family to Toronto, Canada, where he joined the Mormon Church in 1836. Ordained an apostle in 1838, he proselyted in the British Isles, France, and Germany.

How many times did Jonathan Taylor fumble? ›

Jonathan Taylor has 9 fumbles in his career.

Who was the youngest brother on Home Improvement? ›

Taran Noah Smith played youngest son Mark Taylor on “Home Improvement” from 1991-1999 -- and today, he turns 28!

Did Jonathan Taylor Thomas sing in Lion King? ›

While Weaver would do Simba's singing parts, Jonathan Taylor Thomas would do the speaking voice for the character.

Does Jonathan Taylor Thomas have a twin brother? ›

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was born Jonathan Taylor Weiss on September 8, 1981 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Claudine (Gonsalves) and Stephen Weiss. He has an older brother, Joel, and has Pennsylvania Dutch (German) and Portuguese ancestry.

Why didn t Tim Allen like Jonathan Taylor Thomas? ›

This one is between Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Tim Allen. Things soured between the 2 once the actor decided to leave the display for different pursuits. Although Allen understood the decision, he wasn't pleased with the outcome and the direction Thomas took as a substitute.

Did Jonathan Taylor Thomas go to Harvard? ›

Jonathan studied at Harvard and Columbia, and, as he put it, had "no regrets" about living a private life. "I never took the fame too seriously," he added. "It was a great period in my life, but it doesn't define me.

What did Jonathan change his name to? ›

After years of being friends with the Kardashian family, Jonathan now goes by a new name- he legally changed his name to the Foodgod, eating out 365 days a year and sharing his lavish food adventures with over 12 million followers.

What happened with Jonathan Taylor? ›

Jonathan Taylor has been sidelined since Week 12 due to a torn UCL in his thumb, but he could be on the verge of returning to the lineup.

Why did Home Improvement end? ›

Patricia Richardson says 'Home Improvement' was put to end after she demanded same pay as Tim Allen. 'I told everybody, there's not enough money in the world to get me to do a ninth year. This show is over.

How long was Jonathan Taylor out? ›

Taylor missed the first four games of the season rehabbing a high-ankle sprain. He also missed three weeks (Week 13-15) due to a torn ligament in his thumb. Taylor's 741 rushing yards ranked 29th among RBs. His 19 catches ranked 50th among RBs.

How many 100 yard games does Jonathan Taylor have? ›

Jonathan Taylor has played in 16 games with 100+ rushing yards.

How long could Jonathan Taylor be out? ›

Taylor is now two weeks removed from thumb surgery, and he was given a timeline for return of 3-5 weeks. Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Tuesday that the plan is still for Taylor to return. “That's the plan, yeah,” Steichen said.

What NFL team did Jonathan Taylor go to? ›

Jonathan Taylor (born January 19, 1999) is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL).

How much money is Jonathan Taylor making? ›

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor agrees to terms on three-year, $42 million contract extension.

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