EUGENE, Ore. — Actor Zachery Ty Bryan, best known for portraying the eldest son Brad Taylor on the hit 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, was arrested Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, for violating the terms of his probation stemming from a prior domestic violence conviction. Bryan, 39, remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, December 3.
According to Lane County jail records, Bryan's arrest follows a pattern of legal troubles that have plagued the former child star in recent years. He is currently serving a three-year probation sentence imposed in 2023 for a domestic violence-related offense, which is set to run through October 2026.
Girlfriend Also Detained on Multiple Charges
Bryan's live-in girlfriend, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was arrested alongside him on Saturday and booked into the same facility. She faces a series of serious charges, including driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), three counts of reckless endangering, and attempted first-degree assault. Cartwright is slated for arraignment on Monday.
The couple's latest encounter with law enforcement echoes a volatile history. Their relationship first drew headlines in 2020 when a drunken altercation in Oregon led to Bryan's initial charges, which were later reduced to a single count of menacing. At the time, he was placed on probation—a period that has now been repeatedly tested.
A Troubled Timeline of Incidents
Bryan's legal woes have escalated since his Home Improvement days, where he starred alongside Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson from 1991 to 1999. Key events include:
- 2020, Oregon: Bryan and Cartwright involved in a heated dispute, resulting in his conviction for menacing and probation.
- Post-2020: Additional arrests, including a DUII in Oklahoma.
- South Carolina Case: Bryan accused of assaulting and strangling Cartwright, though details remain part of ongoing proceedings.
- July 2025: A separate woman secured a five-year restraining order against Bryan, alleging physical and verbal abuse. No criminal charges have been filed in that incident.
Just last week, amid these mounting issues, Bryan spoke candidly to media outlets about his struggles. "I'm on a journey toward personal growth," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to "taking accountability for past violent behavior." Despite these declarations, the latest probation violation underscores the challenges in his path to reform.
Broader Context and Implications
This arrest marks yet another chapter in what has become a concerning narrative for Bryan, whose early career success gave way to personal and professional hurdles. The Home Improvement alum has largely stepped away from acting in recent years, with sporadic appearances in independent films and television.
Authorities have not released additional details about the specific circumstances leading to Saturday's arrests, citing the ongoing investigation. As Bryan awaits his court date, questions linger about the effectiveness of his probation terms and the support systems available to former stars navigating such crises.
TMZ first reported the story, drawing from jail records and prior coverage. This article has been updated with the latest available information as of December 1, 2025.