The Home Improvement Episode You Probably Forgot, Starring Jimmy Carter

The death of former US President Jimmy Carter on December 29, 2024 drew the world’s attention to the life and affairs of the statesman. As is the case with people who have reached the highest echelons of power (not to mention those who have lived to the very respectable age of 100), there is much to reminisce about. However, what may escape most people’s attention is Carter’s short stint as a sitcom actor.

where Tim Allen “Home Improvement” stands in comparison with the best sitcoms of all time it’s a matter of viewer opinion. However, for a single episode that first aired on March 9, 1994, very few other series could claim such prestige. “Home Improvement” Season 3 Episode 18, titled “The Eve of Construction,” features Tim Taylor’s (Allen) show on Tool Time teaming up with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity to raise awareness for affordable housing .

Carter was better known for watching movies than acting, but since he was a longtime spokesperson for Habitat for Humanity, he was ready to dip his toe into the entertainment industry pool for “Home Improvement.” Thus, the sitcom received a truly prestigious cameo from the former commander-in-chief.

Carter, unfortunately, doesn’t pick up the hammer and join Tool Time in person to hurl scathing one-liners at Tim and Al Borland (Richard Karn) in the episode. Instead, the 39th President of the United States officiates a friendly Habitat for Humanity home-building blitz between Tim’s all-star construction team of athletes and an all-female team led by Tim’s wife, Jill Taylor (Patricia Richardson).

To say the competition ended in a crushing defeat for Tim’s team would be an understatement, although Carter’s televised address to the heroes is far less scathing than the Tool Man deserves. After thanking the Taylors for their participation, the former president announces the winner in characteristically tactful terms:

“Jill, the home you built is a great example of what can happen when caring people come together for a common goal. And Tim… what can I say? Crews work around the clock to repair the house you built.

Carter delivers his lines as well as you’d expect from a seasoned speaker, with just the right amount of barely contained frustration as he addresses Tim’s disastrous project. He even shows off some amazing comedic moments when he asks for Al’s picture for his wife for a brief moment. All in all, Carter is great in his brief, unremarkable role, and his gravitas brings the episode to a perfect conclusion…unless you’re Tim Taylor, who immediately expresses his desire to record Carter’s speech.