Claim: Tim Allen rarely starred in a TV series.

Timothy Allen Dick -LRB- born June 13 , 1953 -RRB- , known professionally as Tim Allen , is an American actor , comedian and author .   He is known for his role as Tim `` The Toolman '' Taylor in the ABC television show Home Improvement -LRB- 1991 -- 1999 -RRB- as well as for his starring roles in several films , including the role of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise . From 2011 to 2017 , he starred as Mike Baxter in the TV series Last Man Standing . Since 2007 , he is the owner of the company Boxing Cat Films .