Jonathan announced (August 4, 1998) that he will appear in only 3 of the 26 episodes of Home Improvement that will be taped for the show's 8th season. Jonathan decided to devote more of his time toward his education.

With blue eyes, and light brown hair Jonathan was born on September 8, 1981 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. At the age of five, he and his family (mom Claudine, dad Stephen and brother Joel) moved to the Sacremento, California area where he began work as a fashion and print model (Italian Gum, Pumpkins & Monkies). During this time, he also appeared in several TV commercials for companies such as Burger King, Canon and Kelloggs. He also played a double role as Tiny Tim and Young Scrooge in a theatre production of "Scrooge" at the Chatauqua Theatre in Sacramento. His TV acting career began in ernest in 1989 with the role of Kevin in the TV series "The Bradys". In 1991 Jonathan and his family moved to the Los Angeles area to allow him to further pursue his acting career. There, his role as Randy in the hit ABC sitcom Home Improvement secured for him that elusive celebrity status.

Jonathan's projects include the voice of young Simba in Disney's "The Lion King", the voice of Spot in a video series entitled "Spot the Dog"; voice roles in "Ivy Cottage" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider", and he has guest starred as Kevin McAllister on "In Living Color". Jonathan has lent his voice to the character of Scooter in the Electronic Arts CD-ROM "Scooter's Magic Castle". His more recent cartoon work includes the voice of Scarecrow Jr. in "The Oz Kids". Jonathan has been seen in "A SeaWorld Summer Safari" and "What If I Were Alone"; also in industrial films for Del Monte and Apple Computers. He has also done a "Just Say No" public service announcement for ABC and appears in the new Milk ad campaign.

Jonathan's first feature film appearance was, his stunning performance as Ben Archer in Disney's "Man of the House"; which is now available for rental or purchase at your local video store (check out that cool picture of Jonathan on location in Vancouver... and then click on it to get the "big picture"). He also keeps very busy doing radio commercials and a too numerous to mention stream of talk show appearances. He made a action packed appearance in MTV's "Rock'n'Jock" Basketball and an even more action packed stunt Jet-Skiing appearance on ABC's "Extreme Comedy". He has also been featured on "Entertainment Tonight", "E! Entertainment", "Bing", "Extra", Rosie O'Donnell and "Regis & Kathie Lee". If you take a look, you'll also find Jonathan on the walls of Planet Hollywood all across the country.

Jonathan worked 2 jobs in the summer of 95... he played the lead in the Disney's " Tom & Huck" (originally Tom Sawyer) which finished filming at the end of June 95 in in Huntsville, Alabama [the film co-starred Brad Renfro as Huck and Rachel Leigh Cook as Becky]; this film opened in theatres on December 22, 1995 and Jonathan has once again proved that he is extremely talented as a dramatic as well as a comedic actor. Jonathan also has the title role in a live action version of "The Adventures of Pinocchio" (he plays the voice of Pinocchio, as well as the "real live" Pinocchio) [co-starring Martin Landau as Gepetto, Rob Schneider and Bebe Neuwirth as the fox and cat, and Genevive Bujold as Gepetto's long lost love] - the film opened in theatres on July 26, 1996 (released by New Line Cinema, Savoy Pictures). The soundtrack available from London Records and the movie is NOW available on video.

Jonathan has admitted that at some point he would like to pursue some "behind- the-camera" stuff as well as acting; directing is his ultimate goal.

Jonathan also takes time out of his schedule to participate in various celebrity benefits, such as Star Kids Challenge which benefits 4 national charities. Once again this year, Jonathan will be involved with The Big Help-a-Thon, an event sponsored by Nickelodeon and the YMCA of the USA; which encourages kids to volunteer time to their communities. Jonathan is also very involved in support of the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.

In addition to his full time career of acting, Jonathan is an avid sport fisherman and takes every available chance to go fishing (his biggest catch to date is a 3 foot yellowtail which he caught off the coast of Mexico -- it should be noted that Jonathan is a proponent of catch and release fishing, and releases the majority of what he catches); he even took a brief vacation in British Columbia Canada after the filming of "Wild America" to spend some time fishing for both trout in BC's interior, and Salmon on the BC coast (rumor has it that if JT would have actually entered the Salmon fishing contest which was on while he was in BC, he would have won with his catch of a 30 pound fish -- maybe next time he'll enter! ;-). Jonathan also collects sports cards & postage stamps, rollerblades, rollerskates, ice skates, snow skis, windsurfs, plays basketball, baseball, tennis and soccer. When he's not participating in sporting activity, he enjoys watching the New York Mets, Chicago Bears and Boston Celtics. Jonathan's diverse musical taste includes groups such as Boyz II Men, Shai and Silk.

Quite the traveller, Jonathan has covered the US... New York, Boston, Atlanta, Kansas City, Orlando, Columbus, Cleveland, Dallas, Davenport, Glasgow (KY), Huntsville, Savannah and more. North of the border in Canada Jonathan has been in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Finally bouncing to the other side of the globe, JT has visited England and has worked in Prague (Czech Republic)... amazingly enough amidst his hectic shooting schedule in Prague, Jonathan actually wrote an article chronicling his time in Europe which was published in the February 1996 issue of "Live!" magazine. In the summer of 1995, JT even took time between working on Tom & Huck" and "The Adventures of Pinocchio" in the summer of 1995 to go on a Celebrity Kids Cruise (click here to see current cruise info) and meet some of his many fans!

Amidst his hectic acting schedule Jonathan does the "school thing" now in the ninth grade in an advanced program for gifted students where he is a Top Honor Student and has a 4.1 GPA. His favorite subjects are geography, history & science; and it is rumored that math is among his least favorite. His college goal is to attend Northwestern University.

Jonathan also likes to spend time with big-brother Joel whenever he gets a chance, doing what... why a friendly game of Basketball (who wants to bet that JT doesn't get any special treatment in those games?), or just plain hangin' out.

Animals... Jonathan loves 'em, but not for lunch! He's a vegetarian and the way to his heart is reportedly Caesar salad, cheese pizza and cheese enchiladas. Really want to tempt him, offer him some Feta cheese! As far as pets go, he has a dog named MacCormick, a cat named Samantha, and Samantha's son... Simba (where have I heard that name before ;-) And don't expect that Jonathan has folks to clean up after his pets... he takes care of them himself, feeding them, cleaning the litter box, etc.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas Filmography

What acting work has Jonathan done? Find out here:

• "Wild America" - 1997 - Marshal Stouffer
  • Jonathan is playing the role of Marshall Stouffer, younger brother of Marty Stouffer (of the PBS series "Wild America"... not a coincidence :-)
  • The movie chronicles the adventures of the three Stouffer brothers as they travel across America in search of wildlife. Jonathan's character has a pretty rough time through the course of their adventures as the two older Stouffer brothers pick on him to no end (rumor has it that Devon and Scott gave Jonathan a rough time off set as well as on... gotta keep in character!).
  • Co-starring Devon Sawa (as Mark Stouffer), Scott Bairstow (as Marty Stouffer), Francis Fisher (their mother).
  • Produced by Morgan Creek Productions in association with Warner Brothers
  • Filmed in Atlanta, GA [April/May 1996] and Southern Alberta (Drumheller, Canmore, Calgary) [May/June 1996]
  • Premiered June 30, 1997 at Mann's Village Theatre in Westwood, CA
  • Opened in theatres July 2, 1997.
  • There will be a full line of backpacks, t-shirts, lunch bags and sport bags available for the movie. Check Out Wild Wear!
  • Jonathan, Devon and Scott participated in the music video of "Goldenman" by Spies to tie in with the movie.
  • Released in Australia on September 18, 1997
  • Released to video October 21, 1997
• "The Adventures of Pinocchio" - 1996 - Pinocchio
  • Jonathan spent 2 weeks in the summer of 1995 in Europe working on the live action portion of his role. He also does the voice of the animated Pinocchio.
  • Co-starring Martin Landau (as Gepetto), Rob Schneider (as the fox), Bebe Neuwirth (as the cat) and Genevive Bujold (as Gepetto's long lost love)
  • Produced by Kushner-Locke in association with Savoy Pictures and New Line Cinema
  • Live action filmed in Prague, Czech Republic in the summer of 1995
  • Opened in theatres July 26, 1996
  • Soundtrack available on London Records
  • Released to video (special magic action packaging)
  • Along with the theatrical release of the movie they released an interactive CD-ROM game using actual movie footage.
• "Tom & Huck" - 1996 - Tom Sawyer
  • Co-starring Brad Renfro (as Huck Finn) and Rachel-Leigh Cooke (as Becky Thatcher)
  • Produced by Walt Disney Pictures
  • Filmed in Huntsville, AL [Apr-Jun 1995]
  • Opened in theatres on December 22, 1995
  • Released to video (SRP $20).
• "Man of the House" - 1995 - Ben Archer
• "The Lion King" - 1994 - Young Simba (voice)
  • Broadcast TV debut November 3, 1996 on ABC

Jonathan was BORN TO BE WILD!

Three boys, a truck, a camera and a dream... With the hard fought blessing of their parents the three Stouffer brothers set out to fulfill their dream of filming endangered wildlife before it disappears. The boys head wildly across the countryside risking nothing, including poor little brother Marshall (Jonathan) in their adventures. After surviving a military base, a wild Moose, and a hungry Alligator the boys find themselves in a cave... a cave FILLED with sleeping bears, bears who are not pleased when they are awakened. The boys escape intact and return home to prove that their dreams could be made a reality.

Although based on the true-life story of the Stouffer brothers Mark, Marty and Marshall, this is not a biography, nor is it a nature film... it is an action/adventure/comedy. If you watch the movie with that in mind, you will thoroughly enjoy the film. Jonathan, Devon and Scott make extremely believable brothers... through the pranks, gags and torture they come across as a family. The story is told from the point of view of Marshal, and in addition to his acting onscreen Jonathan does a great job with the narration of the film. The only unfortunate thing about this movie is that while the animal scenes were great, the artificial animals look exactly that... artificial.

The rating...

• The film gets a 7 out of 10 stars
• Jonathan's portrayal of Marshall gets 9 out of 10 stars

Jonathan as Pinocchio!

"The Adventures of Pinocchio" opened in the theatres on July 26, 1996 to the delight of Jonathan's many fans. The video hit the stores on November 5, 1996.

The film starts off kinda slowly, with Gepetto carving the puppet and playing around with it once it is partially complete. Then magical things start to happen as Pinocchio starts to move around Gepetto's workshop all on his own. Almost right away, while he is still learning how to walk and talk, mischief and adventure are the name of the game.

Pinocchio learns some valuable life lessons thru the course of the film, and in the end is rewarded with his one true dream... to become a real live boy. For the last 10 minutes of the film, Jonathan reigns as the real live Pinocchio, with a little more adventure and a subtle "How about carving me a girlfriend?" to Gepetto...

Henson's creature shop did an absolutely AMAZING job in making the Pinocchio puppet... it's range of expression is great, and the care they took in making it resemble Jonathan makes the transition to the real thing at the end of the movie all the more believable. In addition Jonathan's voice lends just the right mischievous air to the character, both as the puppet and the live Pinocchio.

OK, now down to the nitty gritty...

• The film gets a 7 out of 10 stars
• Jonathan's portrayal of Pinocchio gets 8 out of 10 stars

The ORIGINAL Bad Boy
Jonathan Taylor Thomas in Tom & Huck!

Disney's " Tom & Huck" opened to rave reviews from Jonathan's fans on December 22, 1995.

The film is relatively faithful to Mark Twain's original manuscript; although in my opinion a number of scenes showing Tom's boyhood adventures and meetings with Becky were sadly lacking from the final theatre release (sources tell me that at least some of these scenes were in the original script and were filmed). Jonathan's mischievous side shows through in his portrayal of the young Tom Sawyer and it plays well against the more flat portrayal of Huck Finn by Brad Renfro and the portrayal of Becky Thatcher by Rachel Leigh Cook.

As he did with "Man of the House" Jonathan expands his dramatic acting horizons even further in this film, proving that he has what it takes to take his acting career in whatever direction he desires it to go. The confrontation scenes between Tom and Injun' Joe, and the jailhouse scene with Muff Potter give Jonathan the opportunity to show his dramatic talents. Sprinkled through the rest of the film are the scenes of unrepressed boyhood that allow Jonathan to show off his comedic/adventurous side.

OK, now down to the nitty gritty...

• The film gets an 7 1/2 out of 10 stars
• Jonathan's portrayal of Tom Sawyer gets 9 out of 10 stars
• Brad's portrayal of Huck Finn 7 1/2 out of 10 stars
• Rachel's portrayal of Becky Thatcher an 8 out of 10 stars

On the Lookout for Jonathan!

Where Jonathan's been, or will be!

• Jonathan will chatted LIVE with his fans on his official website at 4PM Pacific time on September 29, 1998.
• Jonathan chatted with his fans on Celebrity Sightings on June 29, 1998.
• "Nickelodeon's Big Help-A-Thon" - October 18, 1997 - Jonathan appears with Taran and a bunch of other stars in support of Nickelodeon's Big Help-A-Thon (Scheduled... NO SHOW).
• Celebrity Sightings - October 6, 1997 - Jonathan visits his website and chats with his fans.
• "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno - August 5, 1997
• Celebrity Sightings - July 28, 1997 - An all-star chat featuring Jonathan and loads of other stars. This chat will benefit the Starlight Childrens Foundation.
• "Nick in the Afternoon" - July 16, 1997 - Jonathan guest hosts with Stick Stickly.
• "CBS This Morning" - July 4, 1997
• "Wild America Wednesday" on TBS - July 2, 1997 - Jonathan appears with Devon Sawa and Scott Bairstow
• Jonathan and the other stars of "Wild America appear on Fox8 on July 2, 1997 to talk about the film.
• "Wild America" Premier - June 30, 1997 - Mann's Village Theatre in Westwood, CA
• "Entertainment Tonight" - June 29, 1997 - Jonathan, Devon Sawa and Scott Bairstow promote "Wild America"
• "Fox After Breakfast" - June 27, 1997
• "Access Hollywood" - June 1997 - Jonathan talks about his role in "Wild America" and his future aspirations.
• "Conan O'Brien" - June 27, 1997
• "Regis & Kathie Lee" - June 26, 1997
• "Late Night With David Letterman" - June 25, 1997
• Celebrity Sightings - June 23, 1997 - Jonathan's Wild America Chat
• Jonathan appeared with Devon Sawa at Planet Hollywood in Beverly Hills, CA on June 23, 1997 and presented props from the movie to be displayed in the restaurant.
• Celebrity Sightings - June 16, 1997 @ 4pm PDT - Jonathan chats with his fans
• "Rosie O'Donnell Show" - June 16, 1997
• "Extreme Comedy" (repeat) - June 16, 1997 - Jonathan shows off his jet-skiing prowess... and gets VERY wet!
• "Entertainment Tonight" - June 14/15, 1997 - Jonathan's 1998 calendar photo shoots with Christopher Voelker.
• "Front Runners" - June 15, 1997 - Jonathan appears with Zach, discussing their careers and lives.
• Jonathan was in Atlanta, GA on June 15-17, 1997 participating in various events related to "Wild America" including the media premier on the evening of the 15th.
• Jonathan made appearances in Sevierville, TN on June 14, 1997. He first appeared at a theater in Dollywood with Dolly and Owl-X and later hosted a charity screening of "Wild America".
• "2nd Annual M&M's Minis Hollywood for Children Family Film Festival" - April 14-27, 1997 in New York City
• Watch out, cuz here he comes... Jonathan participated in MTV's "Rock 'n Jock Super Bowl" on January 25, 1997. Jonathan looks small compared to the folks he was playing with, but he had no intention of letting that stop him... he's one tough kid.
• Jonathan made a Jet-Skiing appearance on ABC's "Extreme Comedy" on November 16, 1996 (re-aired on June 16, 1997). Check out a video clip.
• Jonathan made an appearance at the "Fire & Ice" Charity Ball in mid-October 1996.
  
• Jonathan appeared with Tim on "Nickelodeon's Big Help-A-Thon" on September 29, 1996 at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier in California.
• Jonathan was a presenter at the "1996 Emmy Awards" Ceremony on September 8, 1996 (yeah, on his birthday!).
• Jonathan was a presenter at the "Family Film Awards" on August 22, 1996.
• The world premier of "The Adventures of Pinocchio" took place on July 21, 1996 at Mann's Criterion Theatre in Santa Monica, CA. The proceeds from the event benefited the Amie Karen Cancer Fund for Children, The Leukemia Society of America and the National Tuberous Sclerosis Association.
• Jonathan was honored with the Young Star of the Year Award by the National Association of Theatre Owners Association in a ceremony on March 7, 1996 (the event aired on April 13, 1996 on Turner Network Television)

Much information courtesy 'Sup With Jonathan by Cammy K. *CHECK IT OUT* for more details!!!

Awards & Nominations!

Awards

• National Theatre Owners Association (NATO/ShoWest) Young Star of the Year Award; 1995
• YoungStar Award for "Best Performance by a Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series" for his role as Randy in Home Improvement; 1995

Nominations

• Kid's Choice Award Nomination for "Favourite Actor";1996
• Youth in Film Award Nomination for "Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series", 1994 (with Zachery Ty Bryan and Taran Noah Smith).
• Youth in Film Award Nomination for "Outstanding Child Actor"
• YoungStar Award Nomination for "Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Feature Film Comedy" for his role as Ben Archer in "Man of the House"; 1995
• YoungStar Award Nomination for "Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Comedy Film" for his work in "Tom and Huck"; 1996

Consideration

• Emmy Nomination Consideration - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
  The Longest Day, Room Without a View; 1996

Contacting Jonathan

In the Press!

• 16 Magazine - October 1997, page 22
• Seventeen - August 1997, page 172 (102??)
• National Enquirer - August 19, 1997
• Philadelphia Enquirer - August 13, 1997
• Variety - August 1,1997 - Reports Jonathan is almost ready to sign in a romantic comedy for Disney called "I Won't Be Home for Christmas". Jon's character would be a wild prep school type who's trying to stop his girlfriend fr om leaving him.
• US Magazine - August 1997
• New York Times - July 1997 - Wild America & his career... past, present and future.
• Caliente! - July 1997
• Movieline - July 1997
• Associated Press - July 2, 1997 - Interview with Jonathan, Devon Sawa and Scott Bairstow about "Wild America"
• People Weekly - June 30, 1997
• Washington Post - May 25, 1997
• Jonathan Taylor Thomas on "Inside Edition", from "Inside Edition"
• Jonathan Taylor Thomas' Life Story, from Teen Beat Magazine, October 1995
• Jonathan Taylor Thomas is Totally Yours, from Bop & BB Magazine
• The Fisher King, from TV Guide, July 1-7, 1995 (Canadian Edition)
• Road Quill, by Jonathan Taylor Thomas, from LIVE! magazine, February 1996
• Americas Funniest Home Videos (Transcript)

Much information courtesy 'Sup With Jonathan by Cammy K. *CHECK IT OUT* for more details!!!

Many articles courtesy the Home Improvement Archive