The Unrecognizable Life Of Mark Taylor: 5 Shocking Facts About 'Home Improvement' Star Taran Noah Smith Now

For nine years, Taran Noah Smith was a fixture in American households as Mark Taylor, the youngest son on the iconic sitcom *Home Improvement*. His journey from a charming child star to the character who famously embraced a "goth phase" captured the attention of millions. Now, in December 2025, Smith has largely stepped away from the spotlight, building a life that is almost unrecognizable to the fans who grew up watching him on "Tool Time." His current path is one of entrepreneurship, privacy, and a commitment to a unique lifestyle far removed from the pressures of Hollywood. The curiosity surrounding the *Home Improvement* cast remains high, particularly for the actors who chose to leave the industry entirely. Taran Noah Smith's story is arguably the most compelling, marked by a conscious decision to forge a new identity as a businessman and advocate. The recent, rare public statements he has made shed new light on his transformation and the real reasons behind his character's most memorable storyline, offering a fresh perspective on the former child star's life today.

Taran Noah Smith: Full Biography and Profile

Taran Noah Smith, who brought the character of Mark Taylor to life, has cultivated a fascinating, non-traditional life since the *Home Improvement* finale. His career is a classic example of a child star who successfully pivoted to a completely different industry.

• Full Name: Taran Noah Smith
• Date of Birth: April 8, 1984
• Current Age: 41 (as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
• Notable Role: Marcus "Mark" Jason Taylor on *Home Improvement* (1991–1999)
• Spouse: Heidi Van Pelt (m. 2001; div. 2007)
• Education: Briefly attended the University of Southern California (USC)
• Post-Acting Career: Businessman, Entrepreneur, Vegan Cashew Cheese Manufacturer
• Current Residence: Reportedly based in Oregon, focusing on his business.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $300,000 - $400,000.

Smith’s time on the show began when he was just seven years old, starring alongside industry heavyweights like Tim Allen (Tim "The Toolman" Taylor), Patricia Richardson (Jill Taylor), and his on-screen brothers, Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor) and Zachery Ty Bryan (Brad Taylor). He was the youngest member of the core cast, growing up entirely on the set of the popular ABC sitcom.

Fact 1: The Vegan Cashew Cheese Empire in Oregon

One of the most surprising twists in Taran Noah Smith’s post-Hollywood life is his dedication to the organic food industry. After leaving acting, Smith pursued a career as a businessman, a path that led him to co-found a company focused on vegan, organic food products.

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The Status of Playfood Now

The original venture, which included a restaurant and a non-dairy cheese manufacturer called Playfood, was launched with his ex-wife, Heidi Van Pelt. While the restaurant component in Los Angeles reportedly closed following their 2007 divorce, the spirit of the business seems to have continued in a new form.

Recent reports indicate that Taran Noah Smith is now based in Oregon and is actively running a food company that specializes in a line of Vegan Cashew Cheese Spreads. This is a significant pivot from the glitz of network television to the niche, health-conscious market of artisanal vegan products.

His commitment to this lifestyle is deeply personal. Smith is a committed vegan, and his business reflects his desire to promote organic, non-GMO, and sustainable food options. This venture has become his primary focus, demonstrating a successful transition from the entertainment world to a hands-on, ethical business model.

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Fact 2: He Recently Re-emerged to Discuss the "Goth Phase"

For fans of *Home Improvement*, the most memorable—and sometimes "awkward"—storyline for Mark Taylor was his mid-series transformation into a brooding, black-clad "goth". After nearly two decades of silence, Taran Noah Smith recently made a rare public appearance in an interview, finally providing a fresh explanation for this dramatic character shift.

The Real Reason Behind Mark's Goth Look

Contrary to speculation that it was Smith's personal choice or a typical teenage rebellion, the actor revealed that the "goth storyline" was not his idea at all; it was a decision made by the show's head writer.

Smith explained that the writers were looking for a way to differentiate Mark from his two older brothers, Brad and Randy, and to explore a new dynamic within the Taylor family. The goth aesthetic was chosen as a stark visual contrast, making Mark the "odd one out" in a family obsessed with tools, cars, and sports. This detail is a crucial piece of television history, clarifying a long-standing fan question and providing a unique, fresh insight into the show’s creative process.

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The interview, which marked his first major on-screen discussion in over a decade, provided a snapshot of the adult Smith, who is now 41, looking dramatically different from his child star days.

Fact 3: The Conscious Choice to Leave Hollywood

Unlike many child actors who struggle to find roles post-sitcom, Taran Noah Smith’s departure from Hollywood was a deliberate and calculated choice. He did not leave because he couldn't find work; he left because he wanted a normal life.

Rejecting the Child Star Path

Smith has been vocal about the difficulties of growing up on set. He began acting at just six months old and spent his entire childhood on the *Home Improvement* set, a period that lasted from 1991 to 1999. He reportedly found the experience restrictive and felt he missed out on a normal upbringing.

When the show ended, Smith made the decision to step away from acting entirely. He briefly attended the University of Southern California (USC) before dropping out to focus on his entrepreneurial and personal goals. His desire for a life outside the public eye has been consistent, leading to a largely private existence that respects his boundaries.

His decision is a powerful statement about prioritizing personal well-being over fame. He is one of the few former child stars who successfully transitioned to a completely different, non-entertainment-related career, proving that a post-Hollywood life can be both fulfilling and grounded.

Fact 4: His Legal Battles and Early Adult Challenges

While Taran Noah Smith has found stability as a businessman, his transition into adulthood was not without its challenges, which were often sensationalized by the media.

• Emancipation: In 2001, at the age of 17, Smith famously filed for emancipation from his parents, seeking control over his estimated $1.5 million trust fund from his years on *Home Improvement*.
• The Marriage: He married Heidi Van Pelt in 2001 when he was 17 and she was 33, a relationship that drew significant media attention due to the age gap. The couple divorced in 2007.
• Legal Issues: Smith faced a legal incident in 2012 when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of hashish. This event, though a setback, seems to have been a turning point that solidified his commitment to a private, sober life away from the Hollywood scrutiny.

These early adult struggles highlight the pressure and confusion that often plague child stars. His ability to move past these public incidents and build a successful, low-profile business life is a testament to his resilience and determination to control his own narrative.

Fact 5: The Legacy of the Taylor Brothers

Although Taran Noah Smith has moved on, the legacy of the Taylor brothers—Mark, Randy, and Brad—remains a cornerstone of 90s television. The dynamic between the three sons of Tim "The Toolman" Taylor was central to the show's success.

Mark, as the youngest, often served as the quiet, artistic foil to his older, more rambunctious brothers. The evolution of his character, from a sweet little boy to the camera-loving filmmaker and eventually the thoughtful goth, provided a relatable storyline about finding one's identity within a family.

While the cast has reunited for various projects and specials over the years, Smith has consistently maintained his distance from the industry. His rare public appearances are usually focused on clarifying his past and promoting his current ventures, making it clear that his identity is no longer tied to the character of Mark Taylor, but to his life as an entrepreneur in Oregon.

The story of Taran Noah Smith is a powerful reminder that "home improvement" can mean more than just renovations; it can mean rebuilding one's own life on one's own terms, far from the celebrity machine.