“In Hollywood, you’re not really anyone until there’s a rumor you’re gay,” he said. He later clarified that the rumors were false and originated from a site called CyberSleaze.
In the early 2000s, Thomas shocked fans by leaving Hollywood for higher education. After graduating from Chaminade College Preparatory School in 2000, he attended Harvard, studying philosophy and history, and later graduated from Columbia University in 2010.
“I never took fame too seriously,” he reflected. “It was a great time in my life, but it doesn’t define me.” He found the experience of attending classes and walking through libraries refreshing.
Despite leaving Hollywood, Thomas reunited with Tim Allen for guest appearances on Last Man Standing between 2013 and 2015, even directing a few episodes.
In 2023, fans buzzed after spotting Thomas walking his dogs in public, dressed casually in a beige sweater and jeans. His appearance stirred nostalgic feelings among fans, with one exclaiming, “JTT, my elementary school crush!”
While another fan noted, “He was my childhood crush, and I’m glad he avoided the weirdness of Hollywood.” A third added, “Hollywood doesn’t treat child actors well, so who knows what he went through?”
Another fan humorously commented on his iconic bowl cut, stating, “Of course, he looks different! Not many 42-year-olds have bowl haircuts. He brought joy to so many with his early career.”
Despite his rare public appearances, Jonathan Taylor Thomas remains a cherished figure from the 90s, fondly remembered for his roles in Home Improvement and The Lion King, and for choosing to walk away from fame on his own terms.