Tim Allen became a household name in the 90s for playing the goofy dad on the sitcom Home Improvement. But years before his big break, Allen endured a tough stint in federal prison that threatened to derail his career. Now, decades later, Allen’s forgotten prison saga has resurfaced and gone viral online.
Tim Allen’s Early Life
Childhood and Young Adulthood
Tim Allen was born in 1953 in Colorado. He had a turbulent upbringing, with his father dying when Allen was just 11 years old. As a teen, he started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Allen barely graduated high school in 1971.
Trouble with the Law
In his 20s, Allen’s partying spiraled out of control. He was arrested several times for felony drug trafficking charges in Michigan. Though Allen claimed he only sold to support his own habit, in 1978 he was caught with over 650 grams of cocaine at an airport.
Conviction and Sentencing
Allen faced life in prison for the drug charges. He struck a plea deal, providing information about other dealers to reduce his sentence. In 1979, Tim Allen was convicted of cocaine trafficking and sentenced to 3 to 7 years in a federal penitentiary.
Life in Prison
Processing and Placement
After his sentencing, Allen was transferred to the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, Minnesota. The 25-year-old underwent physical exams, psych evaluations, andorientation:
| Prison Routine Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Mugshots & Fingerprints | Standard intake procedure |
| Housing Assignments | Shared 6×8 ft cell |
| Prison Jobs | Janitorial and kitchen duties |
| Rules and Schedule | Strict daily regimen |
Suddenly, the once carefree young man faced rigid structure and constant surveillance.
Coping Behind Bars
Prison posed many challenges for Allen. His letters and journal entries expressed difficulty adjusting to the boredom and isolation. To pass time, he read voraciously from the prison library. He also discovered religion, becoming a practicing Christian in prison.
Parole After 2 Years
In 1981, after serving just over 2 years of his sentence, Tim Allen was granted early parole for good behavior. He left prison a changed man, ready to turn his life around.
After Prison – Big Break to Sitcom Fame
Struggling Years
After being released, Allen struggled for years to adjust to normal life and launch his career. He took comedy club gigs while working odd jobs to stay afloat. But he stayed clean, leaving the drug lifestyle behind.
Rise to Fame
In 1991, Tim Allen got his big break playing Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on Home Improvement. The sitcom was a massive hit, airing until 1999. During these years, Allen won awards and became one of TV’s biggest stars. While he never publicly discussed his past incarceration, Allen reinvented himself as a funny, family-friendly actor.
Conclusion
Decades ago, Tim Allen’s prison stint could have cost him his career. But the experience led to personal growth that enabled his strangers-to-riches success story. Now in 2023, Allen’s inspiring journey of redemption has resurfaced on social media, shocking younger generations. His vintage mugshots and records from behind bars offer a gritty glimpse of a star’s forgotten past. While just a chapter of his past, Allen’s viral prison saga has renewed appreciation for his perseverance.