Richard Karn Net Worth

Richard Karn is an American actor and game show host with an estimated net worth of $10 million. He is best known for his role as Al Borland on the ABC sitcom Home Improvement, where he appeared in 202 of the show’s 204 episodes between 1991 and 1999. In addition to his acting career, Karn became a familiar face to daytime audiences as host of Family Feud from 2002 to 2006.

Richard Karn Net Worth	$10 Million
Date of Birth	February 17, 1956
Place of Birth	Seattle, Washington

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Early Life

Richard Karn Wilson was born on February 17, 1956, in Seattle, Washington. His father, Gene Wilson, was a Navy Seabee who served during World War II. Karn attended Roosevelt High School before enrolling at the University of Washington, where he participated in the Professional Actor Training Program. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in drama.

Breakthrough with Home Improvement

Karn’s big break came through a chance meeting with an agent while attending traffic school. That encounter led to an audition for Home Improvement, where he was cast as Al Borland after the original actor, Stephen Tobolowsky, exited due to scheduling conflicts.

As Al Borland—the flannel-wearing, soft-spoken co-host of the fictional show “Tool Time”—Karn became one of the sitcom’s most beloved characters. His on-screen dynamic with Tim Allen’s character, Tim Taylor, was a central comedic element of the series. The show quickly became one of the highest-rated programs of the 1990s, turning its ensemble cast into household names.

At the height of the series’ popularity, Karn reportedly earned $150,000 per episode, totaling approximately $3.3 million per season in later years.

Television

While starring on Home Improvement, Karn also made guest appearances on popular television series such as Burke’s Law, Boy Meets World, and Soul Man. In the early 2000s, he appeared in TV movies including The Pooch and the Pauper and had roles on shows like That ’70s Show, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Last Man Standing, where he reunited with Tim Allen.

From 2019 to 2021, Karn played Fred Peters on the Hulu comedy series PEN15.

Beyond acting, Karn built a successful career as a game show host. In 2002, he replaced Louie Anderson as host of Family Feud, serving until 2006. He later hosted Bingo America on Game Show Network and, in 2021, teamed up again with Tim Allen to co-host the competition series Assembly Required.

Film and Digital Media

Karn made his film debut in Bram Stoker’s Legend of the Mummy (1998). He went on to appear in family-friendly films such as MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate and entries in the popular Air Bud franchise, including Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch, Air Buddies, and Snow Buddies.

He has also explored digital media, appearing in NBC’s web series Ctrl and the online comedy In Gayle We Trust. Additionally, Karn has appeared in music videos for The Strokes’ “Someday” and Train’s “Careless Whisper,” featuring Kenny G.

Personal Life

In 1985, Richard Karn married actress and singer Tudi Roche, who later made guest appearances on Home Improvement. The couple has one son, Cooper. An avid golfer, Karn hosted the annual Richard Karn Celebrity Golf Classic in Seattle from 1994 to 1999.

Real Estate

In 1996, Karn purchased a 6,000-square-foot mansion in Studio City, California, for $1.1 million. Today, the property is estimated to be worth between $5–6 million, reflecting the area’s substantial appreciation in value.