Where Is Laura Deibel Now? Tim Allen’s Ex-Wife’s Life Today

Have you ever wondered what happened to Laura Deibel, the first wife of famous actor Tim Allen? She was there long before Tim became a Hollywood star. She supported him when he was just starting out, even during his toughest moments. But as his career took off, their marriage started to fall apart.

Laura Deibel’s story is more than just being Tim Allen’s ex-wife. She has her own journey — from a hardworking career woman to a supportive wife and mother, and later, to someone who chose a private life away from the spotlight. In this article, we will explore her life, how she met Tim Allen, their marriage, why they divorced, and where she is today in 2025.

Laura Deibel Quick Bio

Who Is Laura Deibel?

Laura Deibel is best known as the first wife of Tim Allen, the actor who played Tim “The Toolman” Taylor on the hit sitcom Home Improvement and voiced Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story movies. But before she became connected to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Laura was living a simple, hardworking life.

Born on November 12, 1956, in Omena, Michigan, Laura lived a quiet childhood and went on to study at Western Michigan University. She wasn’t interested in fame or the entertainment industry. She focused on her studies and later worked as a sales manager for an interior landscaping company.

However, fate had other plans for her when she met a young man named Tim Allen during college. That meeting changed both of their lives forever.

How Laura Met Tim Allen

Laura and Tim Allen met when they were both students at Western Michigan University. At that time, Tim wasn’t the famous actor we know today. He was just starting to explore comedy, doing small stand-up gigs that paid him around $50 per show.

Laura was always there to support him. Friends of the couple often recalled seeing her waiting for Tim after his shows, giving him a big hug and kiss no matter how the night went. Their love story was one of those classic college romances where two people simply believed in each other’s dreams.

Even when Tim made mistakes, Laura stood by him. This includes a very tough period in 1978, when Tim Allen was arrested for drug possession and sentenced to more than two years in prison. Laura supported him through it all, which showed just how loyal and strong she was during those early years.

Their Marriage and Family Life

Laura Deibel and Tim Allen got married on April 7, 1984. For a while, their marriage seemed like a happy one. They were deeply in love and focused on building a family together.

In October 1989, they welcomed their daughter, Katherine “Kady” Allen, into the world. Laura took on the role of a full-time mom, making sure Kady had a stable and loving home while Tim worked hard to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

During these years, Tim’s career started to grow quickly. He landed his breakthrough role on Home Improvement, which became one of the most popular sitcoms in the 1990s. Laura stayed in the background, managing the household and raising Kady while supporting Tim’s career in every way possible.

The Struggles Behind the Scenes

Success often comes with challenges, and that’s exactly what happened in Laura and Tim’s marriage. As Tim became busier with Home Improvement, movies like The Santa Clause, and later Toy Story, he had less time for his family.

Laura often felt like she was alone in raising their daughter. Tim himself admitted in interviews that he let his family “slide” during those years because he was so focused on his career.

On top of that, Tim struggled with alcohol problems. He had a history of heavy drinking, which only added more stress to their marriage. In 1997, he checked into rehab after a DUI arrest in Michigan. While Laura supported him through this difficult time, the cracks in their relationship were becoming more and more visible.

Why Their Marriage Ended

By the late 1990s, Laura and Tim’s marriage had reached a breaking point. They officially separated in 1999, and their divorce was finalized in 2003. The main reasons were Tim’s demanding work schedule, his struggles with addiction, and the fact that they had grown apart over the years.

Laura was granted custody of their daughter, Kady, who remained close to both of her parents. Despite the divorce, Laura and Tim stayed on good terms. They continued to work together on charity events and supported their daughter as co-parents.

Laura Deibel’s Life After Divorce

After her divorce from Tim Allen in 2003, Laura Deibel decided to step away from the spotlight. She wanted a calmer, private life where she could focus on herself and her daughter, Katherine “Kady” Allen. Instead of chasing fame or using her connection to Tim’s success, Laura preferred to live quietly and spend time with her family.

Even though she and Tim were no longer together, Laura continued to show support for the charitable causes they both cared about. She was once involved in Tim Allen Signature Tools, a company created to raise funds for children’s charities. As the CEO of the company, Laura made sure the brand supported projects that gave back to the community.

A Private and Peaceful Life

Today, Laura Deibel lives in Sherman Oaks, California, and keeps her life very private. She rarely appears in public events or interviews. While Tim Allen and their daughter Kady sometimes attend red carpet events together, Laura prefers to stay out of the public eye.

Her life is very different from the busy, glamorous Hollywood lifestyle she once experienced while married to Tim Allen. Many people admire Laura for keeping a low profile and choosing a simple, peaceful path after all the challenges she faced during her marriage.

Relationship with Tim Allen and Kady

Even though Laura and Tim went their separate ways, they are known to have remained friendly. They often came together for important events for their daughter, Kady. Tim has spoken in interviews about how much he regrets not being more present during his first marriage, but he remains proud of the strong bond he has with Kady, who is now an adult.

Kady, like her mother, does not enjoy the spotlight. She has chosen a private life away from the media, which makes Laura’s role as a supportive and protective mother even more admirable.

Laura Deibel’s Net Worth

Laura Deibel’s net worth is estimated to be around $1–1.5 million in 2025. Most of this comes from her divorce settlement and her work with Tim Allen Signature Tools. Unlike many celebrity ex-wives, Laura never relied on the spotlight or media deals to make money. She built a comfortable life through her work and careful management of her finances.

On the other hand, Tim Allen’s net worth is far higher, estimated at around $100 million. He continues to earn from TV shows, movies like Toy Story, and other projects. But Laura’s life shows that wealth isn’t always about fame — it’s also about living peacefully and being happy with what you have.

Where Is Laura Deibel Now?

So, where is Laura Deibel now in 2025? She is enjoying her private life in California, staying close to her daughter and focusing on personal happiness. She no longer runs Tim Allen Signature Tools, but her time as CEO remains a big part of her story.

Laura’s journey is inspiring because it shows how someone can stay strong even when life takes a difficult turn. She stood by Tim during his hardest moments, and even after their marriage ended, she built a quiet but meaningful life on her own terms.

Final Thoughts

Laura Deibel may not be a Hollywood star, but her story is deeply connected to Tim Allen’s journey. She was there through his early struggles, his rise to fame, and his battles with addiction. After their marriage ended, she chose a life away from the spotlight — and that decision made her even more respected by those who know her story.

In 2025, Laura Deibel continues to live a life of privacy and peace, staying out of the media while maintaining a strong bond with her daughter. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the quietest people have the strongest and most inspiring journeys.

(FAQs)

Why did Laura Deibel and Tim Allen divorce?

Laura divorced Tim in 2003 after 15 years of marriage because his busy Hollywood career and struggles with alcohol left little time for family.

Did Laura Deibel stand by Tim Allen when he went to prison?

Yes, Laura supported Tim even when he served over two years in federal prison for drug charges in the late 1970s.

Is Laura Deibel richer than most people think?

Laura’s net worth is around $1–1.5 million in 2025, largely from her divorce settlement and her work as CEO of Tim Allen Signature Tools.

Does Laura Deibel still talk to Tim Allen?

Yes, despite their divorce, Laura and Tim remain on good terms and have worked together for their daughter, Kady.

Why is Laura Deibel rarely seen in public?

Laura chose a completely private life after her divorce and avoids Hollywood events, focusing instead on living peacefully in California.

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