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Credit: Screenshot, 'Shifting Gears', ABCFew people have had a more successful career in film and television than Disney Legend Tim Allen. The stand-up comedian did not start acting until he was in his mid-thirties, but when he did, he quickly made a name for himself. Just three years after getting his first television role, Allen was cast as Tim Taylor in the iconic show Home Improvement.
While he was starring on Home Improvement, Allen became a key member of the Disney family when he played Scott Calvin, AKA Santa Claus, in the 1994 film The Santa Clause. The film was so successful that it spawned two more movies — The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) — as well as a spinoff Disney+ series that premiered in 2022.
Related: The Rise and Dramatic Fall of Tim Allen’s ‘Home Improvement’
Of course, we can’t forget one of Mr. Allen’s most successful and legendary Disney roles, that of Buzz Lightyear in the renowned Toy Story franchise. In addition to voicing the Space Ranger in four films, Allen also provided his voice for multiple television movies and video games. Buzz Lightyear is one of those characters who is close to Allen’s heart, and he will repeatedly return to reprise the role.
Most recently, Allen returned to his television roots in the new ABC comedy Shifting Gears. In the new series, he plays a widower whose estranged daughter returns home, bringing her crumbling life and two children with her.
The show — which also stars Kat Dennings, Seann William Scott, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis — has been a hit among fans. It even shattered ABC’s six-year viewership record.
Now, we don’t know how many seasons Shifting Gears will get, but we have learned that this will most likely be Tim Allen’s last acting project.
In a recent interview with USA Today, the Galaxy Quest (1999) star said that retirement is on the horizon.
“This probably will be the end of it,” says Allen of his TV career, though he continues to be a popular draw in both movies (“The Santa Clause 2”) and on the stand-up comedy circuit. “That sounds depressing, but I did (‘Shifting Gears’) because it seemed like a good idea that would be fun. That’s really it.”
Related: ‘Santa Clauses’ Actor Says Working With Tim Allen Was “The Single Worst Experience Ever”
One thing that Allen really loves about his new show is that his character, Matt Parker, is more like Allen in real life. Before he would agree to do the show, Allen said that he wanted to closely relate to the character. He wants to play someone more closely aligned with himself and his personal beliefs, and this new character does just that.
In addition to starring in Shifting Gears, Allen is returning to the studio to voice Buzz Lightyear once again. Disney and Pixar are currently hard at work on Toy Story 5, which is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on June 19, 2026.
Will you be sad to see Tim Allen retire? What is your favorite Tim Allen role? Share your thoughts in the comments!