Richard Karn, an American actor and game show host, has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, best known for his role as Al Borland on the hit sitcom “Home Improvement.” As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Karn Wilson |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1956 |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Game Show Host, Author |
| Famous For | “Home Improvement” (Al Borland) |
| Education | University of Washington |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Tudi Roche (m. 1985) |
| Children | 1 (Cooper Karn Wilson) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $10 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life & Education
Born Richard Karn Wilson on February 17, 1956, in Seattle, Washington, Karn’s father, Gene, served as a Seabee during World War II. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and later earned a drama degree from the University of Washington in 1979. During his college years, Karn also gained valuable experience at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.
Career Beginnings
After moving to New York City in 1979, Karn quickly landed a commercial for Michelob beer that aired during Super Bowl XIV. This early success prompted him to join the Screen Actors Guild, where he dropped his surname due to another Richard Wilson already being registered.
Breakthrough with “Home Improvement”
Karn’s big break came in 1991 when he was cast as Al Borland on the ABC sitcom “Home Improvement.” Interestingly, he wasn’t the first choice for the role; Stephen Tobolowsky was originally cast but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Karn auditioned and landed the part, appearing in 202 of the show’s 204 episodes over eight seasons.
Hosting “Family Feud” and Other Ventures
Following “Home Improvement,” Karn diversified his career by hosting the popular game show “Family Feud” from 2002 to 2006. He later hosted “Bingo America” on the Game Show Network from 2008 to 2009. Karn’s versatility extended to commercials, including spots for Orchard Supply Hardware in the 1990s.
Film & Other Television Roles
While television has been Karn’s primary medium, he has also appeared in several films, including “Bram Stoker’s Legend of the Mummy” (1998), “Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch” (2002), and “Snow Buddies” (2008). On television, he’s had guest roles on shows like “That ’70s Show” and “Last Man Standing,” reuniting with his “Home Improvement” co-star Tim Allen in the latter.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Karn has continued to work in television. He played Fred Peters in the Hulu series “PEN15” from 2019 to 2021. In 2021, he reunited with Tim Allen for the History Channel’s “Assembly Required,” a competition show that pays homage to their “Home Improvement” roots.
Personal Life
Karn has been married to actress Tudi Roche since 1985. The couple has one son, Cooper, born in 1992. Roche has appeared alongside Karn in several episodes of “Home Improvement.”
Richard Karn’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Richard Karn’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long-standing acting career, hosting gigs, and various other entertainment ventures.
Conclusion
Richard Karn’s journey from a drama student in Seattle to a multimillionaire actor and host is a testament to his talent, versatility, and perseverance in the entertainment industry. His $10 million net worth reflects not just his success on “Home Improvement,” but also his ability to diversify his career and make smart financial decisions. As he continues to take on new projects and reunite with former co-stars, Karn’s legacy in television entertainment remains strong.