Tim Allen Returns to TV in 'Shifting Gears' as a Dad Who Knows How to Listen

Tim Allen Takes on a New Role in 'Shifting Gears'

If you’ve been watching TV for a while, chances are you’ve seen Tim Allen play a dad—whether it’s the iconic Tim Taylor from Home Improvement, the lovable Mike Baxter from Last Man Standing, or even Scott Calvin from The Santa Clauses. But this month, Tim is back on screens in a brand-new role on Shifting Gears. In this latest show, airing on ABC and available to stream on Hulu, Tim plays Matt, a widower who takes in his estranged adult daughter and her kids. It’s a fresh take on family dynamics, one that Tim describes as a natural evolution from his past characters.

Evolution of a TV Dad

At 71 years old, Tim Allen has had plenty of time to refine his craft, and his portrayal of Matt showcases just that. Matt is more than your typical sitcom dad; he’s a man who restores cars for a living and is dealing with the loss of his wife. “He’s a creative guy who’s in grief over the loss of his wife,” Tim exclusively tells Closer. “It’s still a comedy, though. We’re not shying away from the humor, even in the midst of real-life struggles.”

Enter Kat Dennings as Riley

One of the main sources of laughter in Shifting Gears comes from the strained relationship between Matt and his daughter Riley, played by the talented Kat Dennings. Tim gushes about Dennings, calling her a “brilliant actress” who shares the same birthday as him. Their characters’ backstories add layers to their on-screen tension. “Her character got pregnant in high school, and then all her plans changed,” Tim explains. “She went off to be a musician, had two kids, and now she crawls back home. My character doesn’t exactly like her. But when she asks for help, I can’t say no, even though I think it’s a bad idea.”

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Real-Life Lessons in Parenthood

Tim feels incredibly fortunate that his real-life relationships with his daughters, Katherine, 35, from his first marriage, and Elizabeth, 15, with his current wife, Jane Hajduk, are much smoother. Parenthood, he admits, wasn’t always easy for him. “It’s a long history of learning how to listen,” he confides. “We’ve had misunderstandings based on really dumb conversations. But over time, you figure it out.”

Recently, Tim had a pivotal moment with Elizabeth. “She sat at the bottom of the stairs, and I sat at the top,” he recalls. “I said, ‘I’m just going to listen.’ And I did. You don’t interrupt. You just sit there and let her talk. That’s what being a good dad is all about.”

Tim Allen Says He Became a Good Dad After ‘Learning How to Listen’ — Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

A Journey Toward Better Parenting

Parenting, Tim admits, comes with its challenges but improves with practice. Elizabeth was born when Tim was 55, already a successful actor and sober for over a decade. “My first daughter, unfortunately, wasn’t around a sober guy,” he reflects. “My second daughter was never anywhere near that. So, they’re very different relationships.”

Now sober for 27 years, Tim is thrilled to return to television. “I have nothing but gratitude toward my life’s struggles,” he says. “Somebody told me, ‘If you’re going to do something you’ll regret tomorrow, don’t do it.’ So, I stick to that. Not being able to hide behind drugs and alcohol was tough, but now I deal with life moment by moment.”

Marriage and Partnership with Jane

Tim’s partnership with his wife, Jane, an actress he married in 2006, has been pivotal in his journey. “She’s been a part of my sobriety for a long time,” he says. “We both value listening and have learned to de-escalate arguments. You may not always agree, but at least you hear the other person’s side without interruption.”

Supporting His TV Family

Tim also maintains a fatherly presence in the lives of his previous co-stars from Home Improvement and Last Man Standing. “They’re like family to me,” he says. “I’m there to support them whenever I can. I’ve learned so much from life. I’m there just to listen, even though I’m helpless in many ways. But I’ve become a much better brother to my dramatic family.”