In an image from The Santa Clause (1994), Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is dressed in a red Santa suit with white fur trim. He leans down near a decorated Christmas tree, holding a doll in one hand. The warm, festive living room is adorned with holiday lights and ornaments.

To Infinity and Beyond: Tim Allen’s Legendary Disney Journey

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Tim Allen has been a staple of Disney storytelling for decades, bringing his signature humor and charm to some of the studio’s most beloved characters and franchises. From voicing an intergalactic space ranger in Pixar’s Toy Story to donning a red suit as the ultimate holiday icon in The Santa Clause, the Disney Legend has become synonymous with roles that capture hearts and spark laughter.

As we rev up for his latest series, Shifting Gears—which premiered on January 8 on ABC, with the episode available the following day on Hulu—now is the perfect time to take a nostalgic look back at all the times Tim Allen left his mark on the Disney universe.

In an image from Home Improvement, Tim Allen as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor speaks to his on-screen sons, Mark (Taran Noah Smith), Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), and Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), in a cozy kitchen setting. Tim wears a plaid red and blue shirt.

Home Improvement on ABC (1991–1999)

Tim Allen’s breakout role as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor on ABC’s Home Improvement brought his comedic charm to audiences everywhere. The show was produced by Touchstone Television, a Disney subsidiary, making it Allen’s first collaboration with the studio. Home Improvement gave fans one of TV’s most iconic sitcom dads, proving that no one wields a power drill like Allen—whether it’s fixing a dishwasher or causing a small explosion.

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In an image from Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear (a live-action toy), voiced by Tim Allen, flies in the air holding Woody (a cowboy toy), voiced by Tom Hanks.

Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story Franchise (1995–Present)

“To infinity and beyond!” With just four words, Tim Allen became the voice of every kid’s favorite space ranger. Buzz Lightyear started as a delusional action figure and evolved into the dependable (and hilariously self-serious) leader of Andy’s toys. Whether he’s battling Zurg or navigating existential crises about being a toy, Buzz remains proof that Allen’s humor has universal appeal—just like the Toy Story franchise itself.

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In a scene from The Santa Clause (1994), Ballet Girl (Tabitha Lupien) stands on a park bench right behind Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), who sits on the edge of the bench, looking at Ballet Girl over his shoulder. He wears a white T-shirt, a red zip-up jacket, jeans, and black converse shoes. The background features a park with grass and other children playing.

The Santa Clause Trilogy (1994, 2002, 2006)

Who knew falling off a roof could lead to a career in Christmas cheer? As Scott Calvin, Tim Allen took an unconventional route to becoming Santa Claus—complete with legal loopholes and a sleigh-load of sass. The trilogy redefined holiday movies with its mix of heart and humor, cementing Allen as the go-to guy for bringing the magic of Christmas to life (with a side of sarcasm).

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Jungle 2 Jungle (1997)

Parenting is tough—especially when your estranged teenage son has been raised in the Amazon and thinks Manhattan is just a bigger jungle. In this fish-out-of-water comedy, Allen’s quick wit meets vine-swinging chaos as he navigates the collision of fatherhood and city life. It’s an underrated gem that proves even Allen’s trademark sarcasm has a soft side when it comes to family.

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The Shaggy Dog (2006)

Tim Allen barks orders, literally, in this furry romp. In this update of the original classic, Allen transforms from a no-nonsense lawyer into a sheepdog, offering plenty of canine-inspired hijinks. Whether sniffing out trouble or chasing his tail—metaphorically and otherwise—Allen dives headfirst into the absurdity, proving that he’s not afraid to get a little shaggy for a laugh.

Last Man Standing (2011)
Last Man Standing marked Allen’s return to TV, this time as Mike Baxter, a dad navigating life with his wife, three daughters, and a workplace that keeps him on his toes. With his classic blend of deadpan humor and fatherly wisdom, Allen effortlessly balanced family drama and witty commentary, proving once again that the sitcom king still knows how to bring the laughs—and the heart.

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In an image from The Santa Clauses (2022), Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is seated at a dining table, dressed in a white shirt and red jacket. He gestures with his palms facing upwards while engaging in conversation. The background shows the cozy interior of the dining room. Scott, with Santa-like signature white hair and beard, is smiling.

The Santa Clauses on Disney+ (2022)
Scott Calvin is back—and so is the chaos. In The Santa Clauses, Tim Allen picks up right where he left off, delivering the perfect mix of dad jokes, holiday mishaps, and Christmas magic. With a new set of challenges and plenty of festive laughs, Allen reminds us why we fell in love with his Santa in the first place.

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A promotional image for Shifting Gears features Tim Allen as Matt and Kat Dennings as Riley, in a red car behind Allen. The poster reads “Shifting Gears” in large red letters, and other details. The background features a sky around sunset.

Shifting Gears (2025)
What happens when you mix classic cars, family drama, and Tim Allen’s signature wit? Shifting Gears revs up the sitcom game as Allen plays a stubborn widower juggling an estranged daughter, rebellious grandkids, and a car restoration shop.