Detailed Biography

Richard Karn Wilson , is an American actor and game show host. He is probably best known for his role as Al Borland, the sidekick of Tim Allen's character, on the sitcom Home Improvement .

Early life

Karn was born in Seattle, Washington. Karn's father, Gene, was a Seabee who served in World War II. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington. He was also a member of the Fraternity Beta Theta Pi. His character on Home Improvement, Al Borland, was portrayed as a Navy Seabee, probably as a tribute to his father.

Show business career

In 2002, Karn replaced Louie Anderson as host of the game show Family Feud. In 2002, Karn also made an appearance in The Strokes' music video for "Someday", which featured segments of the band on a fictional showing of Family Feud against the band Guided by Voices.

Karn is sometimes referred to as "Richard Jr." because he and original Feud host Richard Dawson share the same first name. Karn left Family Feud in 2006 and was replaced by John O'Hurley.

On October 6, 2008, Karn replaced Patrick Duffy as host of Game Show Network's Bingo America. Karn is also a substitute host on GSN Radio.

Other pursuits

In 2008, Karn became the national spokesman for the "Mr. Handyman" franchise chain of professional handymen. He is touted as a "Handyman Guru," borrowing on his TV persona. He has also served as the spokesman for the Little Giant ladder system, a product of Wing Enterprises.