Richard Karn
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| Richard Karn | |
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| Born | Richard Karn Wilson February 17, 1956 Seattle, Washington |
| Occupation | actor, game show host |
| Spouse(s) | Tudi Roche |
Richard Karn Wilson (born February 17, 1956 in Seattle, Washington) is an American television actor and former game show host.
Karn is best known for his role as Al Borland, the sidekick of Tim Allen's character, on the sitcom Home Improvement (1991–1999). In 2002, Karn replaced Louie Anderson as host of the game show Family Feud. In 2002, Karn also made an appearance in The Strokes' music video for "Someday", which featured segments of the band on a fictional showing of Family Feud against the band Guided by Voices.
Karn is sometimes referred to as "Richard Jr." because he and original Feud host Richard Dawson share the same first name. Richard left Family Feud in 2006 and was replaced by John O'Hurley.
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[edit] Early years
Karn is the son of Gene and Louise Wilson and has a sister, Sue. His mother was a painter and died of bone marrow cancer in 1983. His father was a U.S. Navy Seabee in World War II and went on to become a building contractor. Karn is married to Tudi Roche, who occasionally appeared on Home Improvement as Jill's sister Carrie, since 1985. They live in Los Angeles, California with their son Cooper Karn Wilson (born 1992).
After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Washington, where he was in the drama program, he attended the University of Washington where he was known around campus as "Dickie K". Karn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Professional Actors Training Program. He was also a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity while there.
Karn and his wife managed an apartment building before the start of the hit TV comedy, Home Improvement. They even kept the job through the first season of the show, not sure if it was going to be a hit. Karn cites his hard work ethic and Al's character traits after his father Gene who could build or fix anything.
[edit] Selected filmography
[edit] Films
- Snow Buddies (2008) - Patrick
- Mr. Blue Sky (2006) - John
- Air Buddies (2005) - Patrick
- Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch (2002) — Patrick
- Reality School (2002) — Victor Cayanne
- Sex and the Teenage Mind (2002) — Stanley Heitmeyer
- MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate (2001) — Ollie Plant
- The Pooch and the Pauper (1999) — Agent Dainville
- Legend of the Mummy (1997) — Brice Renard
- Picture Perfect (1995)(TV) - George Thomas
[edit] TV series
- Home Improvement (1991–1999) — Al Borland
- Family Feud (2002–2006) — Host
- Foot Soldier (1998) - Host and narrator
- That 70's Show (1 episode, Bye Bye Basement) Theo
- Boy Meets World (1 episode, "This Little Piggy") Animal Control Officer
- The New St Elsewhere (Dr. Frank Baum)
- Dirt (1 episode, Ties That (Don't) Bind) Holt McLauren's Father
Currently on Nick at Nite
[edit] Books
- House Broken: How I Remodeled My Home for Just Under Three Times the Original Bid (1999) - ISBN 0-0610-5144-6 (with George Mair)
- Handy at Home: Tips on Improving Your Home from America's Favorite Handyman (2002) - ISBN 0-3123-0606-7 (with George Mair)
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Louie Anderson |
Host of Family Feud September 9, 2002–June 16, 2006 |
Succeeded by John O'Hurley |
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