Former "Home Improvement" Star Zachery Ty Bryan Arrested in South Carolina

Zachery Ty Bryan, best known for his role as Brad Taylor on the beloved 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, has found himself in legal trouble once again. This time, the former child star was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on charges of second-degree domestic violence.

According to WBTV.com and their sister station WMBF, Bryan’s arrest took place on Thursday, January 2, and he was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center. By early Friday afternoon, he remained in custody with a bond set at $10,000.

Let’s take a closer look at this ongoing story and the actor’s troubled history.

Who Is Zachery Ty Bryan?

For fans of 90s TV, Zachery Ty Bryan was a familiar face. As the eldest son of Tim Taylor (played by Tim Allen) in Home Improvement, Bryan became a household name. The show ran for eight seasons from 1991 to 1999, entertaining millions with its comedic take on family life and DIY disasters.

Bryan appeared in 203 of the show’s 204 episodes, according to IMDb, cementing his place as one of the show’s central characters. However, after Home Improvement ended, Bryan’s career took a quieter turn. He appeared in a few guest roles on TV shows and acted in a handful of movies, but he never quite reached the same level of fame he enjoyed during the sitcom's heyday.

A History of Legal Troubles

The January 2025 arrest is not an isolated incident for the 43-year-old actor. Over the years, Bryan has had multiple run-ins with the law, and this recent arrest adds to a growing list of legal issues.

In 2024 alone, Bryan faced two DUI charges in different states. The first arrest occurred in California in February, followed by another DUI arrest in Oklahoma in October. Additionally, he has faced domestic violence charges in the past.

While the exact details of his most recent arrest in Myrtle Beach remain unclear, the charge of second-degree domestic violence is a serious one. This type of charge typically involves physical harm or threats of harm to a household member.

From Stardom to Struggles

Bryan’s legal issues are a stark contrast to the clean-cut image he portrayed as Brad Taylor on Home Improvement. The show depicted Brad as the fun-loving, slightly rebellious, but ultimately kind-hearted eldest son of the Taylor family.

In real life, Bryan’s journey has been far more tumultuous. After stepping away from the limelight, he struggled to maintain a steady career in Hollywood. The pressures of early fame, combined with personal challenges, may have contributed to his repeated brushes with the law.

The Cost of Fame

Bryan’s story isn’t unique among former child stars. Growing up in the spotlight often comes with a unique set of challenges, including the struggle to transition into adulthood and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Many child actors have spoken openly about the difficulties they face, from the pressures of constant public attention to the challenge of finding meaningful work after their breakout roles. Bryan’s legal troubles highlight just how difficult that journey can be.

A Look Back at Home Improvement

It’s impossible to talk about Zachery Ty Bryan without revisiting the legacy of Home Improvement. The sitcom was a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, capturing the humor and chaos of family life with a dose of DIY hilarity.

Starring Tim Allen as Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, the show followed Tim’s antics as the host of a local home improvement TV show and his efforts to balance work with raising three sons alongside his wife, Jill (played by Patricia Richardson).

Bryan’s character, Brad Taylor, was the quintessential teenager, often clashing with his younger brothers Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) and Mark (Taran Noah Smith) while navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.

Even decades after its final episode aired, Home Improvement remains a nostalgic favorite for fans who grew up watching the Taylor family’s hilarious and heartfelt adventures.

What’s Next for Zachery Ty Bryan?

As of now, it’s unclear what the future holds for Zachery Ty Bryan. With a bond set at $10,000, he may soon be released from custody, but the legal process for his most recent charge will likely unfold in the coming weeks.

For fans who remember him as the charming Brad Taylor, it’s a sobering reminder of how far his life has diverged from his early days of fame.

The Bigger Picture

Bryan’s situation is a reminder of the importance of addressing the challenges that often accompany early fame. While his story may feel like a tabloid headline, it also raises questions about how society supports former child stars and helps them navigate life beyond the spotlight.

For now, Zachery Ty Bryan remains in the public eye for all the wrong reasons. Whether he can turn his life around remains to be seen, but his story serves as both a cautionary tale and a moment of reflection for fans and Hollywood alike.

This article is based on reporting from WBTV.com.