‘Home Improvement’ Actor Accused of Assaulting His Girlfriend, Threatening to Kill Her

Actor Zachery Ty Bryan, best known for his role on the 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, has been accused of assaulting his then-girlfriend and threatening to kill her, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. A California judge has since issued a five-year restraining order against him, as reported by TMZ.

The documents state that the incident took place on July 3, when Bryan allegedly struck his girlfriend in the right temple after she playfully bit his nipple while they were lying together. The woman told police that Bryan’s behavior escalated into violence, leaving her fearful for her safety.

Days later, the woman said the two got into a verbal argument, during which Bryan allegedly threatened her life and told her, “Shut the f*** up or I’m gonna shut you up.” She also reported that Bryan took their dog, locked himself in a room, and punched the door until it split from the frame.

#EXCLUSIVE Zachery Ty Bryan allegedly punched his girlfriend and threatened to kill her.

Details: https://t.co/ycAhWh4Nyf pic.twitter.com/jLv7vtJVFj

— TMZ (@TMZ) November 12, 2025

The woman told investigators that she and Bryan had been dating for about three months at the time. She also alleged that in June—about a month before the reported assault—Bryan sprayed their dog in the face with bleach during another argument.

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Following the July incident, a judge ordered Bryan to stay at least 100 yards away from the woman until September 29, 2030. TMZ reported that Bryan has not yet responded to requests for comment.

This is not the first time the 42-year-old actor has faced domestic violence allegations. On New Year’s Day 2024, Bryan was taken into custody in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after allegedly punching and choking a woman and threatening to kill her.

“Home Improvement”: The Later Years.

Zachary Ty Bryan, former child star of “Home Improvement”, was arrested for “attempted strangulation” and “assault” of his live-in girlfriend.

He pleaded guilty blaming “substance abuse”.

The years haven’t been kind to Zach, have they? pic.twitter.com/OeW9CS8x3z

— Mister Fox (@paulfoxone) June 24, 2023

He was also arrested in July 2023 for domestic violence and pleaded guilty in 2021 to menacing and assault in the fourth degree after allegedly strangling a former girlfriend. In addition to those incidents, Bryan was arrested in 2024 on charges of driving under the influence.

Bryan first gained national attention for his role as Brad Taylor on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement, which ran from 1991 to 1999. Since then, his acting career has largely stalled amid repeated run-ins with the law.

The court order issued this week adds to Bryan’s growing legal troubles, marking yet another case involving accusations of violence and threats against women.

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