Zachery Ty Bryan (born October 9, 1981) is an American actor and film producer, recognized for portraying Brad Taylor, the eldest son on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement (1991–1999). He began his acting journey as a child and featured in numerous films, TV series, and specials during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Bryan stepped away from acting in 2009 and has maintained a distance from Hollywood for over ten years, making a brief return in 2022 with a minor role in The Guardians of Justice. By February 2026, at the age of 44, he maintains a discreet presence, concentrating on his family and personal matters while navigating legal challenges that have attracted more media scrutiny than his cinematic endeavors.
Biography Update
Zachery Ty Bryan was born in Aurora, Colorado, to Jenny and Dwight Bryan. He began performing at an early age, appearing in local print and TV advertisements in Denver. After participating in a showcase in New York City, a talent agent named Peter Seidman took notice of him. This opportunity led him to relocate to California and secure the role of Brad Taylor on Home Improvement. He was merely a month younger than Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who portrayed his younger sibling Randy. On the program, Brad was infamous for his teenage mischief, fluctuating hairstyles, and knack for trouble.
While engaged with Home Improvement, Bryan also guest-starred on several other series, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1995. Following the sitcom’s conclusion in 1999, he continued to act in both television and films. Some of his significant appearances were in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002), Veronica Mars (2005), Shark (2006), and Cold Case. He also featured in the Disney Channel film Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000) and portrayed Sam McGuire in The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003).
Bryan’s filmography includes portraying a school bully in First Kid (1996), alongside roles in Magic Island (1995), True Heart (1999), The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999), The Game of Their Lives (2005), and as the antagonist Clay in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006). He also took on a Klingon character in Star Trek: The Next Generation (“Gambit, Part II,” 1993) and made appearances in ER and Burn Notice.
Bryan exited the acting scene in 2009. He made a brief return in 2022 with a supporting role in Netflix’s The Guardians of Justice. As of 2026, he has not declared any upcoming acting endeavors and prefers to remain out of the public spotlight. In recent years, he has garnered more media attention for his legal issues, including several DUI arrests and domestic violence accusations, rather than for his work in the entertainment industry.
Wife
Zachery Ty Bryan has been married on two occasions. His initial marriage was to Carly Matros on March 10, 2007, after getting acquainted at La Cañada High School. They had three children together—twin daughters born on June 23, 2014, and a third girl born on June 7, 2016—before parting ways in September 2020 after 13 years of matrimony.
Bryan became engaged to model Johnnie Faye Cartwright on November 17, 2021. They have three children: a daughter born in April 2022 and twins delivered in May 2023. As of February 2026, Bryan and Cartwright remain a couple, though their relationship has attracted public scrutiny due to his legal troubles, including a domestic violence arrest in January 2025 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where Cartwright was identified as the victim.
Children
Zachery Ty Bryan has six children from his two unions:
- Twin daughters (born June 23, 2014) with ex-wife Carly Matros.
- Third daughter (born June 7, 2016) with Carly Matros.
- Daughter (born April 2022) with fiancée Johnnie Faye Cartwright.
- Twin offspring (born May 2023) with Johnnie Faye Cartwright.
Bryan keeps his children’s lives under wraps, and their names and current statuses are not disclosed publicly. He has not commented extensively on fatherhood in recent times, as most media attention has centered around his legal dilemmas rather than his family dynamics.
Tokyo Drift
Zachery Ty Bryan appeared in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), the third installment in the Fast & Furious franchise, directed by Justin Lin. He portrayed Clay, an American high school student and drift racer who intimidates the protagonist, Sean Boswell (Lucas Black), at the film’s onset. Clay participates in a street race that induces a grave accident and ignites the plot. Although his character’s role is limited, it is striking and demonstrates his talent for embodying a villain. The film grossed over $158 million globally and propelled the franchise’s expansion. Bryan has not participated in any additional Fast & Furious films.
Net Worth
In 2026, Zachery Ty Bryan’s net worth is approximated to be between $2 and $4 million. The majority of his wealth originates from:
- Compensation from Home Improvement (1991–1999), where he was a principal cast member for eight seasons.
- Film and television roles in the 1990s and early 2000s (Tokyo Drift, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, guest appearances).
- Residuals from syndicated reruns of Home Improvement and other works.
- Minor producing roles and sporadic appearances.
Bryan’s acting career significantly decreased after 2009, and he has not held any prominent roles since 2022. Legal complications, including various arrests and court expenses, may have impacted his financial situation.
As of 2026, there are no reports of new ventures or endorsements yielding substantial income.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Zachery Ty Bryan |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1981 |
| Age (Feb 2026) | 44 |
| Birthplace | Aurora, Colorado, USA |
| Known For | Brad Taylor on Home Improvement (1991–1999) |
| Wife/Partner | Carly Matros (married 2007–2020, divorced); engaged to Johnnie Faye Cartwright (since 2021) |
| Children | 6 (3 with Carly Matros; 3 with Johnnie Faye Cartwright) |
| Key Film Role | Clay in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) |
| Recent Activity | Minor role in The Guardians of Justice (2022); multiple legal troubles (2020–2025) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $2–4 million |
Zachery Ty Bryan gained significant recognition from his early accomplishments on Home Improvement, yet following 2009, his career shifted away from acting.
