Taran Noah Smith is a former American child actor, best known for playing Mark Taylor, the youngest son on the hit sitcom Home Improvement. Born on April 8, 1984, in San Francisco, California, Taran became a familiar face to TV audiences in the early ’90s.
His time on the show spanned eight years, earning him recognition and a steady career in Hollywood. However, after Home Improvement ended, Taran’s life took several unexpected turns, including business ventures, personal challenges, and a legal battle to regain control over his trust fund.
Despite stepping away from acting, Taran has remained in the public eye for his entrepreneurial spirit and unique personal journey.
Taran Noah Smith Bio/Wiki
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Taran Noah Smith |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Profession | Former Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Role of Mark Taylor on Home Improvement |
| Parents | Candy Bennici (Mother), David Smith (Father) |
| Siblings | One sister (name unknown) |
| Spouse | Heidi Van Pelt (2001–2007) |
| Height | 6 feet 1.5 inches (1.87 meters) |
| Net Worth | $300,000 |
| Notable Projects | Home Improvement, Playfood (Vegan Restaurant), Community Submersibles |
| Current Focus | Veganism, Entrepreneurship, Community Service |
Who is Taran Noah Smith?
Taran Noah Smith is a former child star known for his role as Mark Taylor on the popular sitcom Home Improvement. Born in San Francisco, California, in 1984, he was thrust into the spotlight at a young age. His portrayal of the youngest son on the show captured the hearts of many viewers during its run from 1991 to 1999.
After Home Improvement, Taran distanced himself from acting and pursued other passions, including veganism and business ventures. His life has been marked by personal and financial struggles, notably a legal battle over his trust fund. Despite these challenges, he’s remained a notable figure in pop culture.
Taran Noah Smith Early Life And Background
Taran Noah Smith was born on April 8, 1984, in San Francisco, California. He was raised in a family with some connections to the entertainment world, which helped spark his interest in acting. His sister had a background in professional modeling, which exposed Taran to the business early on.
At the age of seven, Taran landed his breakout role as Mark Taylor on Home Improvement. The show’s success catapulted him into fame, but the intense public attention at such a young age came with its challenges. Despite the fame, Taran focused on his personal growth, later studying at the University of Southern California before pursuing business ventures.
Taran Noah Smith Amazing Career
Taran Noah Smith’s acting career began with Home Improvement, where he starred as Mark Taylor, the youngest of the Taylor children. His role on the popular sitcom lasted for eight seasons, making him a household name. After Home Improvement, Taran appeared in a few guest roles, including 7th Heaven and Ebbie, but he gradually distanced himself from acting.
With an interest in becoming a director, Taran attended the University of Southern California Film School. Later, he co-founded a vegan restaurant and non-dairy cheese manufacturer called Playfood. His transition from acting to business marked a shift toward a more private life, though he occasionally reflects on his earlier experiences in Hollywood.
Taran Noah Smith Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Category | Details |
| Height | 6 feet 1.5 inches (1.87 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 175 lbs (79 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim, Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 10 US (approx.) |
| Facial Features | Strong jawline, youthful appearance |
| Distinguishing Marks | Clean-shaven, short hair |
Taran Noah Smith Relationship Status
Taran Noah Smith’s relationship history includes his marriage to Heidi Van Pelt, which became the subject of public interest due to their age difference—Taran was 17, and Heidi was 33. The couple married in 2001, but their relationship ended in 2007 when they divorced.
Despite the public scrutiny, Taran has maintained a relatively private personal life in recent years. He has not remarried since his divorce from Heidi. Taran’s relationships, including his marriage, were often in the spotlight, particularly given his young age and the unconventional nature of his first marriage.
His later years have been focused more on his business pursuits and personal growth.
Taran Noah Smith Net Worth
Taran Noah Smith has an estimated net worth of $300 thousand. This fortune was primarily built from his time as a child actor on Home Improvement, where he earned a steady income over eight seasons. After the show ended, Taran faced legal battles, including a lawsuit to gain control of his trust fund, which was initially worth $1.5 million.
Though his acting career slowed after Home Improvement, Taran found new avenues for income through his vegan business ventures, including Playfood. His entrepreneurial spirit, paired with his acting legacy, has contributed to his current financial status. Taran continues to stay active in various projects, maintaining his financial stability.
Taran Noah Smith Plans and Goals
Taran Noah Smith’s future plans and goals reflect his transition from acting to entrepreneurship. After his role on Home Improvement, he became passionate about veganism and environmental sustainability, which led to his involvement in the vegan food industry.
Taran co-founded Playfood, a vegan restaurant and non-dairy cheese manufacturer, with his ex-wife, Heidi Van Pelt. While he’s stayed largely out of the public eye, Taran has focused on community service, including disaster relief efforts.
As a technical manager for the Community Submersibles Project, Taran continues to pursue goals that align with his personal interests, including educating others and exploring sustainable practices.
Taran Noah Smith Controversies
Taran Noah Smith’s life has been marked by several controversies, particularly surrounding his personal and financial decisions. One of the most notable was his legal battle with his parents over control of his trust fund, which was initially worth $1.5 million.
Taran accused his parents of mismanaging his funds, leading to a public dispute. Additionally, his marriage to Heidi Van Pelt raised eyebrows due to their significant age difference. The couple’s business venture, Playfood, also became the subject of controversy, with Taran accusing Heidi of misusing funds.
Despite these controversies, Taran has since reconciled with his family and shifted his focus to personal growth and business pursuits.
Taran Noah Smith on Social Media
| Platform | Username/Handle | Activity/Presence |
| Not Active | Taran Noah Smith does not have an official public Instagram account. | |
| Not Active | Taran is not active on Twitter and prefers to keep a low profile. | |
| Not Active | No official Facebook page; limited public presence on social media. | |
| YouTube | Not Active | Taran does not maintain a personal YouTube channel. |
| Other Platforms | Not Active | Generally keeps a private life away from social media. |
Fun Facts about Taran Noah Smith
Started Acting at a Young Age
Taran Noah Smith was just seven when he landed his iconic role on Home Improvement. This early fame catapulted him into the spotlight and defined his career.
A Memorable TV Character
He played Mark Taylor, the youngest son in Home Improvement. His performance made him a household name in the 1990s.
Stepped Away from Acting
Despite his early success, Taran left acting after Home Improvement. He pursued other passions instead of continuing in Hollywood.
Ventured into Business
Taran co-founded Playfood, a vegan and organic food company. His entrepreneurial journey showcased his versatility.
Legal Battle Over Trust Fund
At 18, Taran sued his parents for control of his $1.5 million trust fund.
Focused on Philanthropy
He has supported environmental and veganism-related causes, dedicating his time to meaningful projects.
Prefers a Private Life
After leaving the spotlight, Taran has embraced a quieter, more personal lifestyle.
Taran Noah Smith Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Taran Noah Smith
What is Taran Noah Smith best known for?
Taran Noah Smith is best known for playing Mark Taylor on the hit show Home Improvement.
Why did Taran Noah Smith quit acting?
He left acting after Home Improvement to pursue other interests, including business and philanthropy.
What business did Taran Noah Smith start?
He co-founded Playfood, a company focused on vegan and organic food products.
Did Taran Noah Smith sue his parents?
Yes, at 18, he sued his parents to gain control of his $1.5 million trust fund.
Is Taran Noah Smith involved in philanthropy?
Yes, he supports environmental and veganism-related causes and actively promotes sustainable living.
What does Taran Noah Smith do now?
He has shifted focus to business and charitable projects, living a more private life.
How old is Taran Noah Smith now?
Taran Noah Smith was born on April 8, 1984, making him 40 years old in 2024.
What is Taran Noah Smith’s current net worth?
Taran Noah Smith has an estimated net worth of $300 thousand, primarily from his acting career and business ventures.
Why did Taran Noah Smith leave acting?
Taran decided to leave acting after Home Improvement ended in 1999, expressing a desire to pursue other interests, including directing and entrepreneurship.
Is Taran Noah Smith married?
Taran was married to Heidi Van Pelt from 2001 to 2007. Since then, he has remained single.
What is Taran Noah Smith doing now?
Taran is focused on his business ventures, including his vegan restaurant and working as a technical manager for a submarine project.
Conclusion of Taran Noah Smith
Taran Noah Smith’s journey from child star to entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience and desire to create a life that aligns with his personal values. After rising to fame on Home Improvement, Taran faced significant challenges, from legal battles to public scrutiny.
However, he has successfully shifted his focus toward environmental sustainability and business. His story is a reminder of the pressures of growing up in the spotlight and the importance of carving out one’s own path. Today, Taran Noah Smith remains active in his pursuits, advocating for causes he believes in and maintaining a lower public profile.
