At the peak of his fame, a beloved teen heartthrob made the shocking choice to step back from Hollywood, leaving countless young fans wanting more.
This former star of a popular 90s sitcom, now 43, was last spotted in 2023, stirring nostalgia among those who once had a crush on him. So, what happened to the enigmatic actor known for voicing a classic Disney character?
He first gained attention as Greg Brady’s son in the 1990 TV series The Bradys, a spinoff of The Brady Bunch. However, his true breakout came shortly after, when he landed a role in a popular sitcom alongside a famous comedian, catapulting him to stardom.
Only 10 years old when the show debuted in 1991, Thomas grew up on-screen as Randy, the middle child, during its eight-year run. His charm made him a teen idol, winning the hearts of millions.
Reflecting on his fame, Thomas told The New York Times, “You’re part of their lives, and there’s a lot owed to them. But it’s hard because you want to make everyone happy, and if you try, you set yourself up for failure.”
At just 12, Thomas voiced Simba in Disney’s The Lion King, a role that resonated with fans worldwide. “Simba’s a lot like me,” he explained, citing his curious, fun-loving nature.
Juggling his time between The Lion King and Home Improvement, Thomas navigated two intense years. “I had to remind myself, ‘Oops! Time to be Randy,’ then, ‘Oops! Time to be Simba,’” he shared in 1994.
By 1998, after leaving Home Improvement, he began to withdraw from the spotlight. “I’ve done so many shows with full-blown migraines,” he said. “I wanted to take a break, go to school, and travel.”
In the following years, Thomas made guest appearances on shows like Ally McBeal and Smallville, while also lending his voice to animated series. He took on more mature roles, including a bisexual hustler in Speedway Junky (1999) and a persecuted gay teen in Common Ground (2000). These roles sparked rumors about his sexuality, which he addressed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
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