Zachery Ty Bryan, known for his role on “Home Improvement,” may receive a full prison sentence after admitting to three probation violations in an Oregon court on Monday. The 44-year-old actor’s sentencing is scheduled for February 17.
Bryan initially received three years of probation in 2023 instead of a 20-month prison term following a domestic violence conviction. His probation officer is now requesting the full sentence after Bryan reportedly faced multiple arrests for driving under the influence over 26 months.
Earlier this year, Bryan and his fiancée, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, were arrested after a roadside incident. Authorities responded to reports of reckless endangering near Lowell, Oregon, where Bryan exited their truck during an argument, prompting Cartwright to allegedly attempt to hit him with the vehicle—which carried their three children—before crashing into a ditch. No injuries were reported, but both showed signs of impairment. Bryan violated probation by contacting Cartwright, while she was charged with attempted assault, reckless endangerment, and DUI.
This incident echoed Bryan’s 2020 arrest after Cartwright accused him of assault, resulting in felony charges. Bryan has attributed his legal struggles to childhood fame, stating it left him with “scars” and fueled addiction and poor decisions, though he emphasized this doesn’t excuse his adult actions.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).