Richard Karn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Karn
Karn in 2015
Born	Richard Karn Wilson (1956-02-17) February 17, 1956 (age 69) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Washington
Occupation	Actor author game show host
Years active	1989–present
Spouse(s)	Tudi Roche ​ (m. 1985)​
Children	1

Richard Karn (born Richard Karn Wilson; February 17, 1956) is an American actor, author, and a well-known TV host. He is famous for playing Al Borland in the popular TV show Home Improvement. He also played Fred Peters in the Hulu series Pen15. Many people also know Richard Karn as the host of the game show Family Feud from 2002 to 2006.

Richard Karn's Early Life

Richard Karn Wilson was born in Seattle, Washington, on February 17, 1956. His father, Gene, was a Seabee during World War II. Richard went to Roosevelt High School. He then studied acting at the University of Washington. He also gained acting experience in Scotland at the Edinburgh Festival.

After finishing his drama degree in 1979, Richard moved to New York City. Soon after, he got a job in a commercial for Michelob beer. This commercial was even shown during Super Bowl XIV! When he joined the Screen Actors Guild, he learned there was already an actor named Richard Wilson. So, he decided to drop his last name and became known as Richard Karn.

Becoming a TV Star

Karn at the 1994 Emmy Awards

In 1989, Richard's wife, Tudi, convinced him to move to Los Angeles. To help them find a place to live, Richard managed an apartment complex. He also helped with events at a Jewish synagogue. One day, after getting a traffic ticket, Richard went to traffic school. There, he sat next to an agent who told him about a new TV show called Home Improvement.

The role of Al Borland was first given to another actor, Stephen Tobolowsky. But Stephen was busy with another movie when filming started. So, the role needed a new actor. Richard Karn was a guest star in the first episode. The show became very popular, and he soon became a regular cast member. He played Al Borland for many years, becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers.

Hosting Game Shows

In 2002, Richard Karn took over as the host of the famous game show Family Feud. He replaced Louie Anderson. Richard hosted Family Feud for four years, until 2006. After that, John O'Hurley became the new host.

Richard also appeared in a music video for the band The Strokes in 2002. The video for their song "Someday" showed parts of the band on a pretend Family Feud show.

Later, on October 6, 2008, Richard Karn became the host of Game Show Network's Bingo America. He also sometimes filled in as a host on GSN Radio. In the 1990s, he also did commercials for Orchard Supply Hardware.

Life Outside of Acting

Richard Karn has been married to actress Tudi Roche since 1985. They have a son named Cooper, who was born on March 4, 1992.

From 1994 to 1999, Richard hosted a yearly celebrity golf tournament in Seattle. In July 2002, another golf event called the Karn Invitational was held in Snohomish, Washington.

Film and Television Roles

Richard Karn has appeared in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of his roles:

Film

Television

Music Videos

Books Written by Richard Karn

Richard Karn is also an author! He has written two books about home improvement, sharing tips and stories.

• House Broken: How I Remodeled My Home for Just Under Three Times the Original Bid (1999) – ISBN: 0-06-105144-6 (with George Mair)
• Handy at Home: Tips on Improving Your Home from America's Favorite Handyman (2002) – ISBN: 0-312-30606-7 (with George Mair)