Imagine this: Patricia Richardson, the woman who made millions laugh as Jill Taylor on Home Improvement, is actually a superhero in real life. Who knew? In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Patricia, now 67, opens up about her life behind the scenes. She shares how she turned down a staggering $30 million to skip the ninth season of Home Improvement because she was a single parent who wanted to be with her children—Henry Baker, 33, and twins Roxanne and Joseph Baker, both 27. "I left the show, and since then, my kids have been my priority," she says. "That’s why I’ve stepped away from acting so many times—to be there for them." And when she wasn’t busy being mom of the year, she was also caring for her ailing parents. Talk about multitasking!
Thankfully for us fans, Patricia hasn’t completely disappeared from the screen. The four-time Emmy nominee has kept busy with projects like Ulee’s Gold (which earned her a nod at the Independent Spirit Awards), TV shows like Strong Medicine and The West Wing, and her latest Lifetime TV movie, A Christmas in Tennessee. In this heart-to-heart chat, Patricia dives deep into the sacrifices she’s made, the joy of reuniting with Tim Allen, and so much more. Ready to hear her story? Scroll down for our exclusive Q&A with Patricia!
Bringing the Holiday Spirit: A Christmas in Tennessee
Patricia’s new Lifetime TV movie, A Christmas in Tennessee, showcases her talents beyond just acting. Did you know she sings in the film? Now, before you get intimidated, Patricia wants you to know she’s no diva. "My first gig in New York was on Broadway in 1974's Gypsy," she recalls with a laugh. "Back then, if you did musicals, people didn’t take you seriously as an actor. I’m not the greatest singer, but I can belt it out when I need to!" And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good holiday song?
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Singing Through Life: A Lifelong Passion
Growing up, Patricia’s life was filled with music. Her family moved around a lot, but one constant was their involvement in church choirs and school choruses. "Singing with others has always been my favorite thing to do," she shares. "It’s something that’s stayed with me all these years. There’s something magical about creating harmony with a group of people." It’s this love for music that makes her performance in A Christmas in Tennessee all the more heartfelt.
Home Improvement: More Than Just a Show
When you think of Home Improvement, you think of laughter, family, and Tim Allen’s endless jokes. But for Patricia, it was so much more. "Tim and I were always cracking each other up," she reminisces. "A lot of what you saw on screen came from us just improvising on set. We had so much fun!" And while the on-screen antics were hilarious, there were moments that became inside jokes. "One time, Tim was throwing potatoes around at the male crew members and accidentally hit a female camerawoman in the face. That became a running joke for us."
But it wasn’t all fun and games. Patricia remembers getting hit in the head with a football more than once because the kids didn’t have a safe outdoor space to play. Despite these challenges, she treasures the memories of the cast and crew becoming a real family. "It was a special time in my life," she says with a smile.
Reconnecting with Tim Allen
Though their paths don’t cross as often these days, Patricia and Tim still keep in touch when their schedules allow. "When I guest-starred on Last Man Standing, we caught up," she explains. "But let’s be real, Tim has his own family now, and he’s dedicated to Nancy Travis, who’s an absolute gem. So, while it’s always fun to see him, life moves on." Patricia chuckles as she shares a funny story about Tim’s confusion when she would appear on set during his bedroom scenes with Nancy. "He’d look at me and then at his real wife in the audience. Poor guy!"
Choosing Family Over Fame
Leaving Home Improvement in 1999 was a tough decision for Patricia, but it was one she made with her heart. "I passed up another show that went on to win 30 Emmys," she admits. "But it wasn’t about sacrifice—it was about doing what felt right. I missed my kids terribly, and Home Improvement had such long days. Being involved in the writing meant I was away from them even more than I wanted."
Fame wasn’t something Patricia enjoyed. "Jonathan Taylor Thomas and I had similar reactions to the spotlight—we both backed away from it. I didn’t do charity events because I was desperate for time with my kids and husband. Unfortunately, that led to my divorce." She recalls hosting the Emmys in 1994 as one of the hardest days of her life. "I was terrified and felt so out of place. I had no idea how to sell myself, so I retreated. Looking back, I realize I essentially put my career on hold, but it was worth it to be with my family."
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Building a New Normal
After her time on Home Improvement, Patricia found ways to balance her career and family. She joined Lifetime’s Strong Medicine with a four-day workweek contract, allowing her to spend more time with her kids. "It worked perfectly for a while, but as their schedules changed, it got harder. Eventually, I decided to step away from acting altogether for four years so I could be there for them during high school."
When her youngest went to college, Patricia tried to re-enter the industry, but it wasn’t easy. "After being out for so long, it was tough to get back in," she admits. "But I don’t regret any of it. Would I trade my relationship with my kids for some awards? Absolutely not."
Proud Moments and Lessons Learned
Patricia’s proudest accomplishment isn’t an award or a hit TV show—it’s getting through the toughest times with her family. "During Home Improvement, I was flying back and forth to the East Coast to care for my parents, who were dealing with serious illnesses," she explains. "My dad had a terrible brain disease, which is why I became a national spokesperson for the National Organization for Rare Disorders. It was exhausting, but I’m proud of how I handled it all."
Through it all, Patricia has maintained a close relationship with her children. "My oldest son is married to an amazing woman, and they live in Brooklyn. My second son is a talented stand-up comic, actor, and writer. And my daughter recently started a job at an ad agency. I may not be perfect, but they know I’ll always be there for them. That’s what matters most."
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