Duck Dynasty Secrets Exposed: The Robertsons’ Wildest Transformations – From Beards to Billions, Scandalous Feuds & Shocking Career Swerves You Won’t Believe!
Duck Dynasty wrapped on A&E in 2017, but the Robertson family kept busy. Spinoffs, reality TV, books, podcasts, feature films and babies — so, so many babies — have helped expand the reach of the beloved duck hunting clan from Louisiana.
A few Robertsons simply grew up. Bella comes to mind; when Duck Dynasty began, Willie and Korie Robertson’s little girl was just nine years old. Wait until you see her today!
The same is true for a few of patriarch Phil Robertson’s other grandchildren. Sadie has made her own celebrity post-show, while Cole and Reed have become successful professionals. Duck Dynasty may have provided the money for a strong education and a few life advantages, but one has to credit these kids for owning it.
Monica Schipper, Getty Images
The adults are now in their 50s, with the first generation (Kay and Uncle Si) nearing 80.
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No fewer than three successful podcasts occupied their time in 2024, a soft year compared to 2023 that found them promoting a movie called The Blind about Phil’s life and relationship with God.
Of course, quite a few of the family members are returning to the airwaves in the new reboot, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, which premieres on Sunday (June 1) on A&E.
Sadly, Phil Robertson died in May of 2025 at the age of 79.
Our list of Duck Dynasty cast members then and now starts with the first generation and then goes to Willie Robertson, his wife and their six kids.
After that, you’ll find out what’s become of Jase, Alan and Jep, plus their kids. We even found out what the lesser-known non-family members are up to.
If you loved you some John Godwin, read to the end.
The next generation seems to be following their older relatives in a journey with God. They also have remained remarkably loyal to the men and women they marry, sometimes as young as 18.
If there is a divorce or even a breakup among the group, we couldn’t find it. When the Duck Dynasty crew says “I do,” they mean it.
‘Duck Dynasty’ Cast Updates: Pictures Then + Now
Duck Dynasty aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017, meaning it’s been nearly a decade since Phil, Willie, Jase, Si and company have been on television regularly. So much life has happened since. The kids are all grown up and some even have children of their own.
Here is what the cast of Duck Dynasty has been up to since 2017, including pictures then and now.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
Phil and Miss Kay Robertson, Then
Jason Kempin, Getty Images
Phil and Miss Kay Robertson, Then
Phil Robertson was the family patriarch and founder of Duck Commander, a brand of duck calls. He married Marsha Kay Carroway in 1964, and he was honest about his drug use and infidelity early in the marriage. It’s all documented in the 2023 film The Blind.
Phil and Miss Kay Robertson, Now
Phil Robertson Instagram
Phil and Miss Kay Robertson, Now
Phil Robertson died in May of 2025 at the age of 79. Kay Robertson is now 77, and she is also in failing health.
Si and Christine Robertson, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Si and Christine Robertson, Then
Uncle Si was the breakout star of Duck Dynasty. He is Phil’s younger brother and the reed maker for the Duck Commander brand of duck calls. Wife Christine was also featured on the show, but fans rarely saw his two kids, Scott and Trasa.
Si and Christine Robertson, Now
Si and Christine Robertson, Now
Si Robertson starred in a short-lived spinoff called Going Si-Ral in 2016 and guest-starred on a couple of other TV shows.
In 2014, he released a six-song EP called Me and My Smokin’ Hot Honey that nabbed a fair bit of media attention.
Now retired, the Army veteran is part of the Duck Call Room podcast with two Duck Commander employees fans may recognize: John Godwin and Justin Martin.
He is also expected to be part of the revival.
Willie and Korie Robertson, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Willie and Korie Robertson, Then
Willie Robertson is the third of Phil and Miss Kay’s five children. He went on to be the CEO of Duck Commander, his father’s company. He has six children with his wife Korie Robertson.
Willie and Korie Robertson, Now
Willie and Korie Robertson, Now
Willie Robertson turned 53 in 2025. All six of his kids are grown, but he and Korie have seven grandchildren to look after.
They’re still in West-Monroe, La. He’s dabbled in more television, even reality television. In 2021 he was the Mallard on the Masked Singer on Fox.
Korie Robertson is a published author and co-producer of The Blind. She’s also the go-to for family updates on Instagram. Both are expected to be part of the reboot.
John Luke Robertson, Then
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John Luke Robertson, Then
John Luke Robertson is Willie and Korie’s oldest child, technically (more on that in a moment). He was part of the Duck Dynasty show as a teenager, but he’s certainly grown up.
John Luke Robertson, Now
John Luke Robertson, Now
John Luke and Mary Kate married in 2015, and since then they’ve had three children. In 2019 he became camp director at Camp Ch-Yo-Ca in Calhoun, La. Both John Luke and Mary Kate graduated from Liberty University.
Sadie Robertson, Then
Michael Loccisano, Getty Images
Sadie Robertson, Then
Sadie Robertson was just 15 when Duck Dynasty first aired, but she soon filled her resume with books, television and film appearances and more. The oldest of Willie and Korie’s daughter’s has not slowed down.
Sadie Robertson, Now
Sadie Robertson, Now
Sadie Robertson turns 28 in 2025, and she’s written even more books, started a podcast called Whoa, That’s Good and taken a career in public speaking.
In 2019 she married Christian Huff and the couple now have two daughters, Honey and Haven. They are expecting their third child.
Sadie Robertson is involved in the revival series that’s coming to A&E.
Bella Robertson, Then
Monica Schipper, Getty Images
Bella Robertson, Then
Little Bella was 9 years old when Duck Dynasty started filming. She’s all grown up now.
Bella Robertson, Now
Bella Robertson, Now
Not only has Bella Robertson graduated from Liberty University, she’s gotten married. In 2021, the then 18-year-old Bella married Jacob Mayo on Duck Dynasty property.
It’s not clear what her next career or personal movie will be, but she has been announced as part of the reboot.
Rebecca Robertson, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Rebecca Robertson, Then
Rebecca is referred to as Willie and Korie Robertson’s oldest child, but they never legally adopted her after fostering the then-teenage girl in 2004. They considered her to be a daughter, and during Season 5 she was introduced to the world.
Rebecca Robertson, Now
Rebecca Robertson, Now
In 2016, Rebecca married John Reed Loflin, and together they have two kids. She is the founder of a retail outlet called Me and My.
Rebecca Robertson is expected to be part of the new show on A&E.
Will Robertson, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Will Robertson, Then
Willie Robertson Jr. is Willie and Korie’s first adopted son. He was close to 10 years old when the TV show began, but had been a part of the family since he was just a few weeks old.
Will Robertson, Now
Will Robertson, Now
In 2023, Willie Jr. married Abby. It’s not clear what either do for a living or if they’re in college, but he says he lives in Dallas, Texas.
He has been announced to take part in the new Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
Rowdy Robertson, Then
Rowdy Robertson, Then
Rowdy Robertson came to the family in May 2016, and they adopted the teen a few months later. It was all kept pretty quiet to allow him time to adjust. There’s not a whole lot know about his background.
Rowdy Robertson, Now
Rowdy Robertson, Now
In 2025, Rowdy Robertson is roughly 23 years old and is an aspiring nature photographer. He does not appear to be involved in the Duck Dynasty revival.
Jase and Missy Robertson, Then
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Jase and Missy Robertson, Then
Jason (Jase) Silas Robertson and his wife Missy were two stars of Duck Dynasty.
He’s Willie’s older brother and something of a good-natured trouble-maker on the show. He’s also a skilled duck hunter and works at Duck Commander.
Jase and Missy Robertson, Now
Jason Kempin, Getty Images
Jase and Missy Robertson, Now
Today, the 50-plus year olds still live in Louisiana and have three children: Reed, Cole and Mia. He co-hosts the Unashamed podcast with his father.
Jase is no longer involved in Duck Commander and is not part of the new show.
Reed Robertson and Girlfriend Brighton, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Reed Robertson and Girlfriend Brighton, Then
Duck Dynasty fans literally watched Reed Robertson grow up. Jase’s oldest son graduated high school in Season 6 and married in Season 11.
One remarkable stat about this show is the percentage of relationships that work out — we’ve yet to find a break up!
Reed Robertson and Wife Brighton, Now
Reed Robertson and Wife Brighton, Now
Reed and Brighton now have two kids, and he’s thriving professionally in the real estate development business in Nashville.
Wife Brighton keeps fans up to date on their personal lives on Instagram, while Reed shares his takes on society and politics on Twitter.
Cole Robertson, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Cole Robertson, Then
Cole Robertson is Jase and Missy’s quiet second son. He graduated high school during Season 10 of Duck Dynasty.
Cole Robertson, Now
Cole Robertson, Now
In 2020, Cole graduated college from Pepperdine University in Malibu. He announced that he’s a licensed health insurance agent that November but has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
Mia Robertson, Then
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Mia Robertson, Then
Mia Robertson is one of the more famous grandkids to Phil and Kay Robertson.
Her health journey to fix a cleft lip and palette has involved many surgeries, but in recent years she’s become an advocate for others with a similar condition.
Mia Robertson, Now
Mia Robertson, Now
The now 21-year-old Mia Robertson has begun a college career at Lipscomb University in Nashville. She continues to undergo surgeries — in 2023 she had her 15th. However she smiles through it with joyful pictures on Instagram.
Alan and Lisa Robertson, Then
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Alan and Lisa Robertson, Then
Alan Robertson is Phil’s oldest son but was featured the least, not appearing until Season 4. He’s a preacher and the only beardless Robertson male. Wife Lisa and he have two kids who don’t appear.
Alan and Lisa Robertson, Now
Alan and Lisa Robertson, Now
The couple is still married today. He’s taken on co-hosting duties at the Unashamed Podcast, with his brother and father.
In fact, he even founded the production company that produces the show. The couple’s daughters have six kids between them.
Jep and Jessica Robertson, Then
Jason Merritt, Getty Images
Jep and Jessica Robertson, Then
Phil and Kay’s youngest son is Jep Robertson, who is married to Jessica. They have five kids today, but the youngest arrived toward the end of the series.
His story is similar to his grandfather’s in that it involves overcoming drug addiction and decisions that threatened his marriage. Most of this happened when he was a teenager or in his early 20s.
Jep and Jessica Robertson, Now
Jep and Jessica Robertson, Now
In 2016, Jep and Jessica starred in their own Duck Dynasty spinoff. It chronicled a time when they moved from Louisiana to Texas to open a food truck. That didn’t work out, as the social media platforms have been inactive for five years.
Jessica runs a retail enterprise, but it’s not clear what he does, or where they live. The couple have five kids.
Jep is not taking part in Duck Dynasty: The Revival.
Lily Robertson, Now
Lily Robertson, Now
Lily Robertson is Jep Jessica’s oldest daughter. She was a recurring character on Duck Dynasty. In 2023, she married boyfriend Austin, with the full family in attendance. She’s not active on social media and very little is know about their life together.
Merritt Robertson, Now
Merritt Robertson, Now
In 2024, Jep and Jessica looked to be involved in a second wedding. Their second daughter Merritt married Tyler Metro that June after a November 2023 engagement.
Priscilla Robertson, Now
Priscilla Robertson, Now
Priscilla Robertson was only six years old when the show started and was hardly seen. Now 18, she appears to be living her best life on Instagram.
River Robertson, 2018
River Robertson, 2018
River Robertson is about 17 years old in 2025, meaning he was just four when the show started.
His mother Jessica began to share more of his journey on social media afterward, revealing a dyslexia diagnosis that led to remarkable improvements in his ability to read.
Jules Augustus Gus Robertson, 2017
Jules Augustus “Gus” Robertson, 2017
Jep and Jessica first opened up about adopting Gus in 2017, meaning fans of Duck Dynasty never got to know the little boy. He’s growing up fast, turning eight in 2025.
John and Paula Godwin, Then
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
John and Paula Godwin, Then
John Godwin is one of two non-familial cast members of Duck Dynasty. He worked at Duck Commander for more than a decade when the show began to air.
John Godwin, Now
John Godwin, Now
These days, Godwin co-hosts the Duck Call Room podcast with Uncle Si and this next fella …
Justin Martin and Fiancee Brittany Brugman
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Justin Martin and Fiancee Brittany Brugman
Justin Martin is the second non-family member on the show. He also worked for Duck Commander for several years. At the time of this photo, he was only engaged to Brittany Brugman.
Justin Martin, Now
Justin Martin, Now
The couple is now married and have 2-year-old twin boys. He still works at Duck Commander as general manager.
What Happened To the Cast of ‘Reba’?
See the cast of Reba McEntire’s TV show Reba, then and now with updates on where each of the primary actors ended up.
2024 update: Several producers and at least two stars are teaming up for a new NBC sitcom called Happy’s Place in 2024. McEntire is the star of the show.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
Then: Reba Hart
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Then: Reba Hart
Reba Nell Hart is a single mother recently divorced from a dentist, Brock Hart. She is the star of the show and her no-nonsense, wise-cracking ways drove ratings.
Now: Reba McEntire (Or Just Reebs)
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Now: Reba McEntire (Or Just “Reebs”)
She’s Reba! The television series and its eventual cancelation didn’t slow McEntire’s music career. While she’s not getting rewarded with radio airplay, the Hall of Famer keeps creating great albums while she maintains a high profile as host of shows like the ACM Awards.
Within the last five years, McEntire’s acting resume has really grown as the star of shows like Big Sky: Deadly Trails on ABC and (in fall 2024) Happy’s Place on NBC.
Then: Barbara Jean Booker Hart
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Then: Barbara Jean Booker Hart
Barbara Jean was a stereotypical dumb blonde, but her big heart and affection for Reba — despite being the one who broke up the marriage — was charming. The new Mrs. Hart found out she was pregnant on early on during the series. She remained on the show to the end.
Now: Melissa Peterman
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
Now: Melissa Peterman
Peterman and McEntire remain very good friends, with the actress and comedian often appearing during specials like the ACM Awards. They’re a peanut butter and jelly kind of duo, but on her own Peterman has been very successful. Most notably, for six seasons she starred as Bonnie, the mother on Baby Daddy on ABC Family.
Beginning in fall 2024, Peterman will join McEntire on Happy’s Place on NBC.
Then: Brock Hart
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Then: Brock Hart
Reba’s ex-husband is Brock Hart, a dentist who has an affair with his hygienist. The tension between the two ex-lovers was both relatable and a great source of comedy.
Now: Christopher Rich
Amy Sussman, Getty Images
Now: Christopher Rich
Unlike many of the stars of Reba, Christopher Rich had TV experience prior to the show and he kept trucking after it was canceled. He divorced in real life, as well. In this picture he’s seen with wife Eva Halina Rich. They were married in 2003.
Professionally, Rich has slowed way down in the last decade.
Then: Van Montgomery
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Then: Van Montgomery
Van Montgomery matched wits with Barbara Jean on the show. He got Reba’s daughter pregnant and later moved in with the family when he was thrown out of his own house. The show’s star and the football player become very close.
Now: Steve Howey
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Now: Steve Howey
Howey burst out of any notion of typecasting after wrapping the show. These days he’s anything but a dolt, with his best role post-show being as Kevin in Shameless since 2011. He’s now married to actress Sarah Shahi and together the couple have three kids.
In 2023, Howey starred in CBS’ True Lies. The show has been canceled.
Then: Cheyenne Hart (Eventually Montgomery)
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Then: Cheyenne Hart (Eventually Montgomery)
As a character, Cheyenne enjoyed the largest arc. She gets pregnant as a senior in high school, marries, tries to become a dentist, realizes she’s an alcoholic and decides to help others with addiction by the end. While at times selfish, fans grew to love the big, caring heart beneath the surface.
Now: Joanna Garcia Swisher
Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images
Now: Joanna Garcia Swisher
Joanna Garcia added the Swisher when she married MLB star Nick Swisher in 2010, but she’s also remained very busy in film and television, starring as the lead role in two-short lived programs and earning recurring roles on several others. Most recently she was on Kevin (Probably) Saves the World on ABC.
Then: Kyra Hart
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Then: Kyra Hart
Reba’s second daughter Kyra has a quick wit like her mother, which is a great source of humor and perhaps some hurt feelings. The middle child is also a child with challenges, and she disappeared completely for most of the fifth season. There was a real-life reason for that …
Then: Scarlett Pomers
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Then: Scarlett Pomers
Reba was Pomers’ last television role, but she tried music as frontwoman for the Scarlett Pomers Band for awhile after the show (the Facebook page was last updated in 2014). Sadly she battled an eating disorder while on the show. The depth of her battle with anorexia came out only after the show was through. It’s something she was treated for when she was 16.
2024 update: Pomers’ has pulled further back from the public eye by deleting her Instagram page.
Then: Jake Hart
Robert Mora, Getty Images
Then: Jake Hart
Jake was the sensible little kid on the show while his older siblings and parents often acted very un-adultlike. His role grew as the show went on.
Now: Mitch Holleman
Charley Gallay, Getty Images
Now: Mitch Holleman
Holleman has had a few Hollywood roles since Reba ended in 2007, including that of “Max” in the movie The Hangover (2009). We don’t remember who Max was, either, but the kid is only 29 today so his future is still bright.
On social media, he identifies as a musician, actor, writer and comedian but his profiles have been pretty quiet for the last few years. We can confirm he got married in 2020.
See the Cast of ‘Home Improvement’ Then vs. Now
Tim Allen/Tim Taylor
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Tim Allen/Tim Taylor
Tim Allen starred as Home Improvement’s titular character, Tim “The Toolman” Taylor. Although he had a career in stand-up comedy, the show launched his career in Hollywood. Allen dominated the box office in the ’90s and early 2000s with films like the Santa Clause, Jungle 2 Jungle, Galaxy Quest, Christmas with the Cranks and more. He also provided the voice of Buzz Lightyear in each of the Toy Story films.
In 2011, he returned to television with another sitcom loosely based on his own life, Last Man Standing. After six seasons, the show was canceled at ABC in 2017, but renewed for a seventh season by FOX. In 2022, Allen reprised his character of Scott Calvin for the Disney+ miniseries the Santa Clauses. He also reunited with Home Improvement co-star Richard Karn to host the History Channel’s tool-fueled reality series, More Power. Allen will return as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in a fifth installment of Toy Story that is currently in the works.
Patricia Richardson/Jill Taylor
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Patricia Richardson/Jill Taylor
Patricia Richardson played the matriarch of the Taylor family, Jill, after becoming a last-minute replacement for Frances Fisher in the role. Her acting career began in theater before she landed a few small roles in the Cosby Show and Quantum Leap. Her role as Jill lead to other job opportunities like playing Dr. Andy Campbell on Strong Medicine. She also appeared in the final two seasons of the West Wing and the first season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, among other acting jobs.
Richardson reunited with her television husband, Tim Allen, on his show, Last Man Standing. Her character Helen Potts made her debut on Season four, Ep. 12 and returned for Season 5.
Zachery Ty Bryan/Brad Taylor
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Zachery Ty Bryan/Brad Taylor
After a few print and television ads, Zachery Ty Bryan was cast as Brad Taylor, the oldest son on Home Improvement. Despite portraying the oldest sibling, Jonathan Taylor Thomas — who played his younger brother — was one month older than him. His role on the show also landed him a brief gig on another popular sitcom, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in 1995. Bryan appeared in other television shows in his career like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica Mars, Touched by an Angel and Smallville.
His movie credits includeL First Kid, The Rage: Carrie 2, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and more. In 2022, he was cast DC/Justice League satire project called the Guardians of Justice.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas/Randy Taylor
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Jonathan Taylor Thomas/Randy Taylor
Before playing middle child Randy Taylor on Home Improvement, Jonathan Taylor Thomas had roles in a spinoff of the Brady Bunch, as well as a few appearances on In Living Color. In addition to playing Randy, JTT popped up onscreen in other shows, like 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter, Smallville and Veronica Mars. He also reunited with his television dad, Tim Allen, on Last Man Standing in its third and fourth seasons.
Thomas has had several big-screen roles in Man of the House, Tom and Huck, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, the Adventures of Pinocchio and more. He was notably the voice of young Simba in the animated film the Lion King. In between acting roles, he took time to focus on academics and graduated from Columbia University in 2010.
Taran Noah Smith/Mark Taylor
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Taran Noah Smith/Mark Taylor
Taran Noah Smith played the youngest Taylor son, Mark Taylor, on Home Improvement. He also had an appearance on the show 7th Heaven, as well as a television movie called Ebbie. His only big-screen role was in Little Bigfoot 2: The Journey Home, in which he played Brian Ferris.
Smith didn’t stay in Hollywood long. Being a vegan, he formed a non-dairy cheese manufacturing company called Playfood. He was also a submarine pilot instructor at the Community Submersibles Project, and in 2022, he joined SpaceX as an integration technician.
Earl Hindman/Wilson Wilson Jr.
YouTube
Earl Hindman/Wilson Wilson Jr.
Earl Hindman played the loveable next door neighbor, Wilson Wilson Jr., on Home Improvement. Although the audience never saw the bottom half of his character’s face, he finally revealed himself on the last episode of the series, during the final curtain call. Prior to the show, Hindman played Bob Reid in Ryan’s Hope for several seasons alongside his real-life wife Molly McGreevy.
Hindman had many film roles in the 1970s before making his name in television, appearing in the Taking of Pelham One Two Three, the Parallax View, Who Killed Mary What’s ‘Er Name? and Greased Lightning. Hindman died on Dec. 29, 2003 at the age of 61 after a battle with lung cancer.
Richard Karn/Al Borland
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Richard Karn/Al Borland
Where would Tim “The Toolman” Taylor be without his trusty sidekick, Al Borland? Richard Karn received the role after Stephen Tobolowsky dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
After the show, Karn went on to host a few game shows like Family Feud and Bingo America. He also served as a fill-in host for Game Show Network’s radio channel.
Pamela Anderson/Lisa
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Pamela Anderson/Lisa
In the first two seasons of Home Improvement, Pamela Anderson played Lisa, the assistant on Tim Taylor’s television series within a series, Tool Time. Prior to her playing the original “Tool Time Girl”, Anderson was known as a Playboy model, and shortly after her time on Home Improvement, she was cast in the television show Baywatch.
In addition to her modeling, Anderson has several movie credits. She appeared in films such as Raw Justice, Barb Wire, Scary Movie 3, Superhero Movie, and more. She also made her Broadway debut in 2022 playing Roxie Hart in Chicago for an eight-week run.
Debbe Dunning/Heidi Keppert
Michael Buckner / Gregg DeGuire, Getty Images
Debbe Dunning/Heidi Keppert
After Anderson left the show, Debbe Dunning stepped in as the new “Tool Time Girl,” Heidi Keppert. Prior to Home Improvement, Dunning had a small role in a movie called Dangerous Curves. Her other film credits include Leprechaun 4: In Space, Wicked Wicked Games, the Spiral Staircase and Now You Know.
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