Zachery Ty Bryan: Biography, Net Worth, Career, Legal Troubles & Life Story

Zachery Ty Bryan emerged as one of the most recognizable child stars of the 1990s, captivating audiences as Brad Taylor, the eldest son on ABC’s hit sitcom Home Improvement. Once a promising young actor with a bright Hollywood future, Bryan’s life has taken a dramatic turn from red carpets to courtrooms. Now 44 years old, the former child star has become better known for his extensive criminal record than his acting credits, facing multiple arrests for domestic violence and DUI charges that have overshadowed his early success. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of childhood fame and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood under the spotlight.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Zachery Ty Bryan
Nickname	Zach
Profession	Actor, Producer (former)
Birth Date	October 9, 1981
Age	44 years 4 months old
Birth Place	Aurora, Colorado (raised in Denver)
Current Residence	Oregon/California (transient due to legal issues)
Nationality	American
Known For	Home Improvement (Brad Taylor, 1991–1999)
Ethnicity	Caucasian
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	185 lbs (84 kg)
Hair Color	Brown
Eye Color	Brown
Education	La Salle High School, Pasadena (Class of 2000)
Religion	Christian (raised Catholic)
Marital Status	Divorced (Carly Matros, 2007–2020); Engaged to Johnnie Faye Cartwright (2021–present, status uncertain)
Children	8 total: 4 with Carly Matros (twin daughters Taylor & Gemma, daughter Jordana, son Pierce); 3 with Johnnie Faye Cartwright (daughter Kennedy, twins Parker & Sequoia); 1 additional child with another woman (2025)
Parents	Dwight Bryan (father), Jenny Bryan (mother)
Siblings	1 younger sister, Ciri
Net Worth	$5 Million (estimated, though some sources cite $500,000)
Years Active	1990–2009 (acting); 2009–2012 (producing)
Current Status	Incarcerated (as of February 2026)

Early Life & Education

Zachery Ty Bryan was born on October 9, 1981, in Aurora, Colorado, and raised in Denver alongside his younger sister Ciri . His father worked as a paramedic and his mother was a homemaker. Bryan’s entry into show business began at age 8 when he appeared in local print advertisements and television commercials, including spots for Burger King and other brands .

A pivotal moment came when Bryan performed at a talent showcase in New York City, where talent scout Peter Seidman discovered him. Seidman convinced Bryan’s family to relocate to California to pursue professional acting opportunities . This decision would forever change the trajectory of Bryan’s life.

The family moved to Los Angeles, where Bryan attended La Salle High School in Pasadena, graduating in 2000 . During his teenage years, he balanced his acting career with typical high school activities, including playing baseball and paintball for a Los Angeles team called the Yankees .

Career Journey

The Home Improvement Years (1991–1999)

Bryan landed the role of Brad Taylor, the athletic and mischievous eldest son of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, at age 9. Home Improvement premiered in 1991 and became one of the decade’s most successful sitcoms, running for eight seasons until 1999 . During this period, Bryan became a household name and teen heartthrob, appearing in 204 episodes.

Behind the scenes, Bryan developed a reputation as “the kid who could maybe puncture a kid’s bicycle tire just because he thought it was funny,” according to Home Improvement writer and producer Billy Riback . Riback noted that Bryan “got in more trouble” than his co-stars Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy) and Taran Noah Smith (Mark) .

A disturbing aspect of Bryan’s childhood fame emerged years later: he was reportedly drinking at nightclubs by age 14, gaining entry due to his celebrity status as “the kid from Home Improvement” . Addiction specialist Dr. drew pinsky later observed that “fame” enabled Bryan to “go behind the velvet rope at 14 to party and get away with it,” leading to dependency issues that would plague his adult life .

Post-Home Improvement Career (1999–2009)

After Home Improvement ended, Bryan continued acting in various television shows and films. His credits include guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Boston Public, Family Law, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville, and Veronica Mars . He appeared in films such as The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), and Thor: Hammer of the Gods (2009) .

However, Bryan struggled to transition from child star to adult actor. By the late 2000s, acting opportunities had dried up. His last significant acting credit came in 2009 with the TV miniseries Meteor .

Producing Career (2009–2012)

In the 2010s, Bryan pivoted to producing independent films. He worked on projects including Dark Tourist (2012) and Heavy . However, this career phase ended amid controversy. In June 2023, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Bryan was accused of running a fraudulent agriculture-technology startup scheme, allegedly taking payments ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for fake contracts and earning close to $50,000 . Bryan denied running “some shady scam deal,” claiming he was “in the same boat” as his investors .

He made a brief acting comeback in Netflix’s 2022 series The Guardians of Justice , but his legal troubles soon overshadowed any professional endeavors.

Career Statistics

Television Credits:

• Home Improvement (1991–1999) – 204 episodes as Brad Taylor
• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1995) – Guest appearance
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002) – Guest appearance
• Smallville (2003) – Guest appearance
• Veronica Mars (2005) – Guest appearance
• The Guardians of Justice (2022) – Supporting role

Film Credits:

• First Kid (1996)
• True Heart (1997)
• The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
• The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
• Thor: Hammer of the Gods (2009)

Producing Credits:

• Dark Tourist (2012)
• Heavy (2010)

Personal Life

Marriage to Carly Matros (2007–2020)

Bryan met Carly Matros while attending La Cañada High School. The couple began dating as teenagers and married in March 2007 . Matros, who was active in real estate and a double major at USC, supported Bryan’s career transition from acting to producing .

The couple expanded their family significantly during their marriage:

• June 23, 2014: Twin daughters Gemma Rae and taylor simone born
• June 7, 2016: Daughter Jordana Nicole born
• March 18, 2019: Son Pierce Alexander born in Los Angeles

In September 2020, Bryan announced their separation via Instagram, posting a statement that was later revealed to be plagiarized almost verbatim from actor Armie Hammer’s divorce announcement . When confronted, Bryan admitted, “I literally did not know what to say, and he was literally going through the same thing as I was… I remember thinking that his statement was perfectly said… so I thought, ‘Let’s go'” .

Bryan later admitted to infidelity, telling The Hollywood Reporter in 2023: “I was just in party freaking mode. Making movies, traveling, drinking. I wasn’t living the way I was raised… I was not being a faithful husband” .

Relationship with Johnnie Faye Cartwright (2020–Present)

Bryan began dating Johnnie Faye Cartwright, an Oregon native and former model for Starlooks Cosmetics, while still married to Matros . Cartwright had worked as a Jetpack Instructor at Jetpack America in Newport Beach from 2012 to 2015 .

The couple’s relationship has been marked by extreme turbulence:

October 2020: Bryan was arrested for allegedly strangling Cartwright in their Oregon apartment. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor domestic violence charges and received three years of probation .

November 2021: Despite the violence, Cartwright and Bryan got engaged. Bryan announced the engagement on Instagram with a photo of Cartwright showing off her ring, writing, “You win some and you lose some… I’m thankful for a win … finally!”

Children with Cartwright:

• March 2022: Daughter Kennedy born
• May 2023: Twins Parker and Sequoia born

The couple has experienced multiple breakups and reconciliations amid Bryan’s ongoing legal issues. As of late 2025, their relationship status remains uncertain following their joint arrest in November 2025 .

Legal Troubles & Controversies

Zachery Ty Bryan’s post-acting life has been defined by an escalating pattern of criminal behavior, resulting in six arrests in five years:

DUI History

May 2020: Bryan pleaded guilty to DUI and was sentenced to five years of probation and 18 months in a multiple-offender alcohol program due to past DUI arrests .

February 2024: Arrested in La Quinta, California, for felony DUI with three or more priors and misdemeanor contempt of court . On February 23, 2026, Bryan was sentenced to 16 months in county jail after pleading guilty to DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.15% or higher (nearly double the legal limit). The court denied probation, and he received credit for 57 days already served .

Domestic Violence Arrests

October 2020: Arrested for allegedly strangling Johnnie Faye Cartwright. Pleaded guilty to menacing and fourth-degree assault, receiving three years of probation and ordered to attend a violence intervention program called Bridges2Safety .

July 2023: Arrested in Eugene, Oregon, following an alleged physical domestic dispute. Charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor (assault, robbery, and harassment). In October 2023, pleaded guilty to felony assault in the fourth degree constituting domestic violence, receiving 36 months of supervised probation .

January 2025: Arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for second-degree domestic violence. A woman (later identified as Cartwright) told police Bryan “choked her and punched her in the face multiple times” . Released on $10,000 bond .

November 2025: Bryan and Cartwright were both arrested in Eugene, Oregon. Police allege Cartwright attempted to run Bryan over with their truck while their three children were inside, crashing into a ditch. Bryan was arrested for violating a court order requiring him to stay away from Cartwright .

Other Legal Issues

June 2023: Accused of operating a fraudulent agriculture-technology startup scheme, allegedly defrauding investors of nearly $50,000 .

2024: Arrested in Oklahoma for driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without a valid license .

Current Incarceration Status

As of February 2026, Bryan is serving his 16-month sentence for the February 2024 DUI conviction. Upon release, he faces a probation violation hearing scheduled for March 2, 2026, in Lane County, Oregon, related to his 2023 domestic violence conviction. Prosecutors have recommended he serve the original 19-to-20-month sentence from that conviction due to multiple probation violations .

Physical Statistics

Measurement	Details
Height	5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
Weight	185 lbs (84 kg)
Build	Athletic (former), now average
Hair	Brown
Eyes	Brown
Distinctive Features	Former child star appearance, athletic build in youth

Quotes

“Being thrust into the spotlight at nine years old brought pressures I wasn’t equipped to handle — but that’s no justification for my choices as an adult.” — Statement to TMZ, November 2025

“I was just in party freaking mode. Making movies, traveling, drinking. I wasn’t living the way I was raised… I was not being a faithful husband, and I was not being the best me.” — The Hollywood Reporter, June 2023

“I do know when things get in the way of who you’re meant to be, where you’re supposed to go and what God has planned for you, He sometimes challenges you to do some reflecting by looking in the mirror and taking responsibility.” — The Hollywood Reporter, June 2023

“Obviously, my life flipped upside down and everywhere you go, people know who you are, but I give a lot of credit to my dad and my mom because they always kept me grounded.” — The Hollywood Reporter, June 2023 (referring to his Home Improvement years)

Favorites

Personal Interests (Historical):

• Sports: Baseball, paintball (played for Los Angeles Yankees team)
• Charity Work: Formerly volunteered for children’s AIDS and cancer charities, as well as organizations benefiting underprivileged children
• Music: Classic rock, country
• Activities: Outdoor activities, camping (ironically, given his November 2025 arrest occurred at a camping area)

Earnings & Net Worth

Zachery Ty Bryan’s net worth is estimated at $5 million according to some sources, though others cite as low as $500,000 . His wealth derives from several sources:

Income Sources:

• Home Improvement Trust Fund: Bryan has stated he maintained a trust fund from his earnings on the show, which provided financial stability
• Bitcoin Investments: At the urging of childhood friend Brock Pierce (who became a Bitcoin billionaire), Bryan made early investments in Bitcoin that reportedly earned him millions. In June 2023, he declined to specify the exact amount but stated the investments “definitely moved things into a different [area] for me”
• Real Estate: Formerly owned property in California; current status unknown due to legal troubles
• Producing: Limited income from independent film production (2009–2012)

Financial Decline:
Bryan’s legal troubles have undoubtedly impacted his finances. With eight children to support across two relationships and ongoing incarceration, his financial resources are likely strained.

Interesting Facts

1. Early Start: Bryan began his career at age 8 appearing in local Denver print ads and commercials before moving to Los Angeles .
2. World Cup Connection: Served as the youth spokesman for the 1994 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States .
3. Bitcoin Fortune: Childhood connections through acting led to lucrative cryptocurrency investments that may have preserved his wealth despite his career ending .
4. Plagiarism Incident: Bryan admitted to copying Armie Hammer’s divorce announcement verbatim for his own separation statement from Carly Matros .
5. Documentary Subject: Featured in the 2025 Investigation Discovery docuseries Hollywood Demons: Child Stars Gone Violent, examining his fall from grace .
6. Eight Children: Bryan has fathered eight children with three different women—four with ex-wife Carly Matros, three with fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright, and one additional child born in 2025 with another woman .
7. Friend’s Concern: Friend Travis Wade moved Bryan across the street from him after his 2020 divorce to serve as a support system, later expressing “huge empathy” for what Bryan “endured as a child” .

Did You Know?

• Bryan was considered for the role of Jake in The NeverEnding Story III (1994) but lost out to other actors.
• He turned down several college athletic scholarships to pursue acting after Home Improvement ended.
• Bryan’s Home Improvement co-star Jonathan Taylor Thomas (who played his brother Randy) has also largely retreated from public life but has avoided the legal troubles that have plagued Bryan.
• Bryan’s November 2025 arrest occurred at Big Fall Creek Road, a popular camping area in Oregon, while he was with Cartwright and their three young children .

Social Media Links

As of 2026, Bryan’s social media presence is limited or inactive due to his incarceration. Historical accounts included:

• Instagram: @zachery_bryan (inactive/deleted)
• Facebook: Zachery Ty Bryan (limited activity)

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Zachery Ty Bryan from Home Improvement?
After Home Improvement ended in 1999, Bryan continued acting in guest roles until 2009, then transitioned to producing independent films. Since 2020, he has been arrested six times for domestic violence and DUI charges. As of February 2026, he is serving a 16-month jail sentence for felony DUI .

How many times has Zachery Ty Bryan been arrested?
Bryan has been arrested at least six times between 2020 and 2025: twice for DUI (2020, 2024), and four times for domestic violence-related incidents (2020, 2023, January 2025, November 2025) .

Is Zachery Ty Bryan still with Johnnie Faye Cartwright?
Their relationship status is uncertain. Despite getting engaged in 2021 and having three children together, they were both arrested in November 2025 after Cartwright allegedly tried to run Bryan over with their truck. Bryan had a court order to stay away from her at the time of the incident .

How many kids does Zachery Ty Bryan have?
Bryan has eight children: four with ex-wife Carly Matros (twin daughters Taylor and Gemma, daughter Jordana, son Pierce), three with fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright (daughter Kennedy, twins Parker and Sequoia), and one additional child born in 2025 with another woman .

What is Zachery Ty Bryan’s net worth?
Estimates vary widely, from $500,000 to $5 million. Bryan has claimed to have made millions through early Bitcoin investments advised by childhood friend Brock Pierce, in addition to his Home Improvement trust fund .

Why did Zachery Ty Bryan go to jail?
In February 2026, Bryan was sentenced to 16 months in county jail for felony DUI with three or more prior convictions. He pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.15% or higher .

Conclusion

Zachery Ty Bryan’s trajectory from beloved child star to convicted criminal represents one of Hollywood’s more tragic falls from grace. Once the charming, athletic Brad Taylor who entertained millions weekly on Home Improvement, Bryan now spends his days in a county jail cell, serving time for repeated DUI and domestic violence convictions.

His story encapsulates the dangers of early fame—drinking in nightclubs at 14, lacking proper guidance during formative years, and developing dependency issues that metastasized into adult criminality. While Bryan has acknowledged that childhood fame “left scars” and brought “pressures I wasn’t equipped to handle,” he has also admitted that this history is “no justification for my choices as an adult” .

With eight children depending on him across three relationships, Bryan faces an uncertain future. His friend Travis Wade noted that Bryan screened a documentary about child trauma and “broke down in tears,” suggesting deep, unaddressed psychological wounds . Whether Bryan can overcome his demons and rebuild his life after incarceration remains to be seen, but his case stands as a stark reminder of the importance of proper support systems for child actors and the long-term consequences of untreated addiction and trauma.

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