Zachery Ty Bryan, 44, is a former child star. He became famous as Brad Taylor on ABC’s 1990s sitcom Home Improvement (1991–1999), acting alongside Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson. He was born on October 9, 1981, in Aurora, Colorado, to Dwight, a dentist, and Jenny, a homemaker.
Bryan started with local commercials in Denver. His role on Home Improvement earned him $30,000 per episode. Smart early Bitcoin investments, advised by friend Brock Pierce, helped him grow his net worth to around $5 million by 2025. He also founded a production company called Lost Lane Entertainment.
Zachery Ty Bryan Arrest and Some Facts
Despite early success, Bryan faced serious troubles. Since 2020, he has been arrested six times for DUIs, domestic violence, and battery. His latest arrest was on November 29, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon, for probation violation and domestic violence. He was held in Lane County Jail until December 3. His fiancée, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested.
Bryan has been married twice. First to high school sweetheart Carly Matros (2007–2020), with whom he has four daughters. Then to Cartwright in 2021, and they have three children, including twins. Family and legal issues, including restraining orders and court payments exceeding $100,000, have created ongoing turmoil.
He also acted in films like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) and guest-starred on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Veronica Mars.
Now, as he awaits release, Bryan’s story reflects both the highs of early fame and the lows of legal and personal struggles. Fans wonder if the “good kid” from Home Improvement can reclaim his life or if the show’s glow will remain in the past.
Quick Personal Facts About Zachery Ty Bryan
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zachery Tyler Bryan |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1981 |
| Age (2025) | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Aurora, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | ~5 ft 11 in (1.80–1.81 m) |
| Weight | ~78–82 kg |
| Parents | Father: Dwight Bryan • Mother: Jenny Bryan |
| Education | Basic schooling in Colorado |
| High School | La Salle High School, Colorado |
| Career Start | Late 1980s–early 1990s |
| Known For (Career) | Playing Brad Taylor on Home Improvement; roles in Tokyo Drift, Smallville, Buffy the Vampire Slayer |
| Movies & TV Shows | Home Improvement, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Veronica Mars, Smallville, Buffy, Shark, Kicking & Screaming, more |
| Current Status (2025) | Mostly inactive in major Hollywood productions |
| Marital Status | Previously married to Carly Matros (2007–2020); now engaged to Johnnie Faye Cartwright |
| Children | 7 children total (4 with ex-wife, 3 with fiancée) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5–8 million |
| Hobbies | Family time, small film production projects |
| Famous For | Child-star fame from Home Improvement; later known for legal problems |
Home Improvement – From Audition to Eight-Season Stardom (1991-1999)
Zachery Ty Bryan got his big break at age 9. He auditioned for ABC’s Home Improvement, starring Tim Allen as Tim Taylor. He beat 2,000 kids for the role of eldest son Brad Taylor after a chemistry read with Allen and Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
The show premiered on September 17, 1991, and became a cultural phenomenon. It peaked at 30 million viewers and earned 21 Emmy nominations. Bryan became a household name as the mischievous teen dealing with school crushes, cars, and family antics. He acted alongside brothers Randy (Thomas) and Mark (Taran Smith).
Filming 22 episodes per season in Burbank, Bryan earned $30,000 per episode by Season 8, totaling $240,000 per year. He also had a trust fund that grew to $2 million by 1999. Residuals still bring him over $100K per year as of 2025.
Off-set, he attended Chaminade College Prep in West Hills, graduating in 1999 with a 3.5 GPA. He faced challenges like typecasting and peer pressure, but co-star Richard Karn said Bryan’s “old soul” helped mentor younger castmates.
The show’s wholesome episodes, like Brad’s first kiss in “The Great Race” (1992), shielded him from typical child-star pitfalls. Still, his post-series life revealed deeper struggles ahead.
Zachery Ty Bryan Filmography and Career (1990–2025)
Television Series (Main and Recurring Roles)
| Years | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–1999 | Home Improvement (ABC) | Brad Taylor | 203 episodes, $30K/episode by final season |
| 1996–1997 | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | Steve | 1 episode |
| 1997 | Soul Man (ABC) | Brad Taylor (crossover) | 1 episode |
| 1998 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Teenage Boy (vampire) | 1 episode |
| 2000 | Chicken Soup for the Soul | Daniel | 1 episode |
| 2001 | Touched by an Angel | Jeff McHenry | 1 episode |
| 2002 | Family Law | Jamie Wilkins | 1 episode |
| 2002–2004 | The Outer Limits | Various | 2 episodes |
| 2004 | Center of the Universe | Kevin Barnett | 3 episodes, recurring |
| 2005 | Cold Case | Teenage Brian (1985) | 1 episode |
| 2005 | Smallville | Eric Marsh | 1 episode |
| 2006 | E.R. | U.S. Marine | 1 episode |
| 2006 | Veronica Mars | Caz Truman | 3 episodes, recurring |
| 2007 | Shark | Scott Natterson | 1 episode |
| 2008 | Burn Notice | Drew | 1 episode |
| 2009 | Knight Rider | Mike | 1 episode |
| 2010 | K-Ville | Ricky | 1 episode |
Movies and TV Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Notes / Co-Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Bigfoot: The Unforgettable Encounter | Cody | First acting role, age 9 |
| 1994 | Principal Takes a Holiday (TV) | John Scaduto | Disney Channel Original |
| 1995 | Magic Island (TV) | Jack Carlisle | Disney Channel |
| 1996 | First Kid | Rob McArthur | Sinbad, Brock Pierce |
| 1997 | True Heart | Sam Waters | Kirsten Dunst lead |
| 1999 | The Rage: Carrie 2 | Eric Stark | Sequel |
| 1999 | Held for Ransom | Glenn Kirkland | Dennis Hopper |
| 2000 | Rustin | Keith Gatlin | Independent drama |
| 2000 | Longshot | Cameo | NSYNC, Britney Spears |
| 2001 | Slammed | Derek | Direct-to-video |
| 2004 | A Killing Spring (TV) | Val Massey | Canadian thriller |
| 2005 | The Game of Their Lives | Harry Keough | Gerard Butler, Wes Bentley; also producer |
| 2006 | The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift | Clay | Lucas Black, Bow Wow |
| 2009 | Trunk (short) | Jake | Producer credit |
| 2010 | Meteor Apocalypse | Deputy | Direct-to-video |
| 2018 | The Kindergarten Teacher | Producer only | Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sundance hit |
| 2021 | The Tomorrow War | Soldier (cameo) | Chris Pratt, Amazon film |
Producing Credits (Selected)
| Year | Project | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Game of Their Lives | Executive Producer |
| 2009 | Trunk | Producer |
| 2018 | The Kindergarten Teacher | Executive Producer |
| 2019 | Prowler | Producer |
| 2023 | Heavyweight (post-production) | Producer |
Voice Work & Commercials
- 1990s: National commercials for McDonald’s, KFC, Nintendo, Gap Kids
- 2001: Voice in Recess: School’s Out (additional voices)
- 2004: Crash Tag Team Racing video game (minor voice)
Final Acting Stats (as of 2025)
- Total TV episodes: ≈220
- Theatrical films: 7
- TV movies / direct-to-video: 12
- Last on-screen role: 2021 cameo in The Tomorrow War
- Current focus: Producing via Lost Lane Entertainment (despite 2023 fraud lawsuit)
Zachery Ty Bryan Legal Troubles: Jail and Arrest
Zachery Ty Bryan’s life after fame has been troubled by addiction and violence. His first arrest was on October 16, 2020, in Eugene, Oregon, for misdemeanor domestic assault after strangling fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright. She filed a restraining order, claiming he punched and kicked her. He was released on $5,000 bail, and charges were later dropped after counseling.
In February 2021, he was arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles (blood alcohol 0.15%) and went to rehab.
In June 2023, his production company Lost Lane faced fraud charges for embezzling over $100K; he pleaded guilty and paid restitution.
On January 2, 2025, he was arrested in Myrtle Beach for second-degree domestic violence (strangulation of Cartwright) and was given a 5-year restraining order.
The latest arrest was November 29, 2025, in Eugene for probation violation and new domestic violence charges. Cartwright was also arrested separately. Bryan was denied bail and is set for release on December 3. His lawyer says he is working on personal growth through therapy.
Since 2020, Bryan has had six arrests. His divorce from first wife Carly Matros (2007–2020, four daughters) and repeated legal issues have overshadowed his career. Tim Allen said in 2023: “Zach was a good kid… It’s heartbreaking.”
Zachery Ty Bryan Wife and Children
He married his high school sweetheart, Carly Matros, in 2007. They divorced in 2020 amid abuse allegations and have four daughters: McKenna (2009), Aaden (2011), Jaden (2013), and Caden (2015). Bryan fought for joint custody and often shared family moments on Instagram.
He got engaged to model Johnnie Faye Cartwright in November 2021, whom he met in 2018. They have four children together: daughter Jordan (April 2022), twins (May 2023), and a third born before January 2025—bringing his total to seven kids. Cartwright filed a restraining order in 2025 citing “ongoing abuse,” but Bryan says they are addressing issues through counseling.
Zachery Ty Bryan Net Worth
Zachery Ty Bryan’s net worth is about $5 million. Most of it comes from Home Improvement earnings ($2M trust fund + $100K yearly residuals), film roles ($500K+), producing (Lost Lane’s Game of Their Lives $7.6M), and early Bitcoin investments (advised by Brock Pierce).
Legal fees since 2020 ($500K+) and court-ordered payments ($100K+) have reduced his wealth. Endorsements (like Nike) and real estate—his La Quinta, CA home ($1.2M) and former Oregon properties—help sustain it. He hasn’t filed for bankruptcy and prioritizes supporting his family.
Zachery Ty Bryan Now
On November 29, 2025, he and his fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright were arrested in Eugene, Oregon, for probation violation, DUI, reckless endangering, and attempted assault. Bryan remains in Lane County Jail without bail until December 3, under a 5-year restraining order from Cartwright.
Since 2010, Bryan has struggled with addiction, domestic violence, and fraud allegations involving his production company, Lost Lane Entertainment. His arrests include a 2020 Oregon menacing conviction, multiple DUIs, and a 2025 Myrtle Beach domestic violence charge. Despite rehab and admitting “poor decision-making” in 2023, legal troubles continue.
Zachery Ty Bryan’s Girlfriends
Zachery Ty Bryan, 44, is best known as Brad Taylor on Home Improvement (1991–1999). His love life has been as turbulent as his career.
Marriage to Carly Matros (2007–2020)
- Met in high school; married in 2007.
- Four children: twins Taylor and Gemma (2014), Jordana (2016), Pierce (2019).
- Divorced in 2020 after legal troubles and addiction issues.
- They share joint custody and co-parent civilly.
Fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright (2020–present)
- Began dating after divorce; engaged November 17, 2021.
- Three children: Kennedy (2022), twins Parker and Sequoia (2023).
- Their relationship involved legal incidents:
- 2020: Eugene argument, Bryan pleaded to menacing.
- 2025: Myrtle Beach second-degree domestic violence, 5-year restraining order.
- November 29, 2025: Both arrested in Eugene; Bryan for probation violation and DUI.
- They live in La Quinta, California, blending families with seven kids total.
Rumored Relationships
- Few rumors between marriages; none confirmed.
- Brief anecdote: blind date with Mariah Carey years ago—no romance.
Summary
- Stable with Matros for 13 years, chaotic with Cartwright.
- Seven children total, $5 million net worth, $500K+ legal fees.
- Bryan aims for redemption through therapy, sobriety, and family focus.
Legacy
Bryan’s journey—from Home Improvement’s wholesome Brad Taylor to recent legal troubles—shows common child star challenges like addiction and fame’s pressure. His 2023 rehab and 2025 therapy hint at a possible turnaround. Tim Allen told THR: “Zach was family—we’re rooting for him.”
With seven children and experience in producing, fans hope Bryan finds redemption. A comeback might happen, possibly in behind-the-camera roles rather than acting.
FAQs
Who is Zachery Ty Bryan?
Zachery Ty Bryan is an American actor and producer, best known for playing Brad Taylor on ABC’s sitcom Home Improvement (1991–1999). He also appeared in films like First Kid and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
What are Zachery Ty Bryan’s most famous movies and TV shows?
His main TV show is Home Improvement. He also appeared on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica Mars, and movies like First Kid, Magic Island, The Rage: Carrie 2, and Tokyo Drift.
What is Zachery Ty Bryan doing now?
As of 2025, he focuses on producing through his company Lost Lane Entertainment, though he faces ongoing legal challenges and probation issues.
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