While many know the name Tim Allen, the celebrated actor from Home Improvement and the voice of Buzz Lightyear, fewer are familiar with the woman who stood by him before the fame: Laura Deibel. Her story is not one of Hollywood glamour but of quiet strength, unwavering support through immense challenges, and a dignified retreat from the public eye. Though she is primarily known as Tim Allen’s first wife, her life encompasses much more than just that chapter. This article delves into the complete story of Laura Deibel, a woman who played a pivotal role in the rise of a comedy icon, only to choose a life of peace and privacy when the spotlight grew too bright.
Who is Laura Deibel?
Laura Deibel was born on November 12, 1956, in the United States. Before her life became intertwined with Hollywood, she lived a relatively private life. She pursued higher education at Western Michigan University, a decision that would unknowingly set the stage for a life-altering relationship. It was there she met a young, aspiring comedian named Tim Allen.
Before her marriage, Laura Deibel was building her own career. She worked as a sales manager for an interior landscaping company, demonstrating professional ambition and independence. Her life was grounded and focused, a stark contrast to the turbulent world of entertainment she would later navigate.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Laura Deibel |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1956 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 69 |
| Spouse | Tim Allen (m. 1984; div. 2003) |
| Children | Katherine Allen |
| Education | Western Michigan University |
| Known For | Being the first wife of actor Tim Allen |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Former CEO |
The Early Years: A College Romance and Unwavering Support
The relationship between Laura Deibel and Tim Allen began during their college years at Western Michigan University. Their romance blossomed long before Allen became a household name. This period was defined by mutual dreams and the struggles of young adulthood. Laura’s belief in Tim’s talent was a cornerstone of their early relationship.
Standing by Him Through a Major Crisis
A significant test of their bond came early on. In 1978, Tim Allen was arrested for drug trafficking after being caught with a substantial amount of cocaine. He was sentenced to prison and served over two years. During this incredibly difficult period, when many would have walked away, Laura Deibel remained steadfast. Her loyalty and support were unwavering; she waited for him, demonstrating a level of commitment that would define their relationship for years to come. This support during his darkest hours highlights the depth of their connection and the strength of her character.
Marriage, Fame, and the Cracks in the Foundation
After Tim Allen’s release from prison, he and Laura Deibel picked up where they left off. They married on April 7, 1984, ready to build a life together. In the initial years of their marriage, Laura continued to be a crucial support system. As Tim honed his stand-up comedy act and began to climb the ladder of the entertainment industry, she provided the stability he needed at home.
The landscape of their lives changed dramatically with the phenomenal success of the sitcom Home Improvement in the early 1990s. Tim Allen was catapulted to stardom, and with fame came immense pressure, long working hours, and a complete shift in their lifestyle. Laura Deibel transitioned from her career to become a homemaker and, for a time, the CEO of Tim Allen’s merchandise company, Tim Allen Signature Tools. This role showed her business acumen and her willingness to support his burgeoning empire from behind the scenes.
The Toll of Hollywood
However, the demands of celebrity began to erode the foundation of their marriage. Tim Allen himself has admitted that he let his family life slide during the height of his career. He was often absent, consumed by filming, promotional tours, and the other obligations of a Hollywood star. He confessed in interviews that he was not present enough for his family, leaving Laura Deibel to manage the household and raise their daughter largely on her own.
This growing distance was compounded by Allen’s personal struggles, including a battle with alcohol that led to a DUI arrest and a stint in rehab in 1998. The combination of fame, absence, and personal turmoil created an irreparable rift in their relationship. The woman who had been his rock was now feeling like an afterthought. An acquaintance noted that as Tim became famous, Laura Deibel was “in the back seat.”
Family Life: A Devoted Mother
In December 1989, Laura Deibel and Tim Allen welcomed their only child, a daughter named Katherine Allen, often called Kady. Motherhood became a central focus for Laura. She dedicated herself to providing a stable and loving environment for her daughter, a task that became even more critical as the pressures of her husband’s fame mounted.
Even after the separation and divorce, her priority remained her daughter’s well-being. She intentionally shielded Katherine from the harsh glare of the media, allowing her to have a more normal childhood. While Katherine has made rare public appearances with her father at premieres, she has largely followed her mother’s lead, preferring a life of privacy away from the spotlight. The strong, private woman Laura Deibel is has clearly influenced her daughter.
The Difficult Decision: Separation and Divorce
After nearly two decades together and 15 years of marriage, the strain became too much. In 1999, Laura Deibel filed for legal separation, citing irreconcilable differences. The news came as a shock to many, as the couple had often presented a united front in public. The divorce was finalized in 2003.
Laura was granted custody of their then-13-year-old daughter. The end of their marriage marked the end of an era, but it also signaled a new beginning for Laura Deibel, one where she could reclaim her life on her own terms. Despite the difficult circumstances of their split, both she and Tim Allen have handled their post-divorce relationship with maturity and respect, never speaking ill of one another publicly. They remained connected through their shared love for their daughter.
Life After the Spotlight: Where is Laura Deibel Now?
Following the divorce, Laura Deibel made a conscious and definitive choice to step away from public life. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who might leverage their connections for a new career in the public eye, she chose the opposite path. She sought peace, privacy, and normalcy.
Reports suggest she may reside in Sherman Oaks, California, a quiet residential area that offers a retreat from the chaos of Hollywood. She stepped down from her role as CEO of Tim Allen’s company and may have returned to a career in sales or business, fields where she had experience before her life was consumed by Allen’s career.
There have been no public reports of her remarrying or being in any new relationships. Her focus appears to have remained on her personal well-being and her family. The quiet dignity with which Laura Deibel has conducted her post-divorce life is perhaps one of the most admirable aspects of her story. Her estimated net worth, believed to be between $1 million and $1.5 million, largely stems from the divorce settlement, affording her a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle.
The Legacy of Laura Deibel
The legacy of Laura Deibel is not written in box office numbers or television ratings, but in her quiet resilience and unwavering loyalty. She was the anchor for a man who went on to become a comedy legend, supporting him through prison, addiction, and the initial struggles of his career. Her story is a poignant reminder that behind many public figures, there are individuals who provide the foundational support necessary for success.
She represents a different kind of strength—the strength to support a partner’s dream, to raise a child amidst chaos, to walk away from a broken relationship with grace, and to choose a life of authenticity over the allure of fame. The narrative of Laura Deibel is one of quiet power and self-possession. While the world may know Tim Allen, her story offers a more profound lesson in dignity and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Laura Deibel?
Laura Deibel is an American businesswoman best known as the first wife of actor and comedian Tim Allen. She was married to him from 1984 to 2003 and supported him through his early career and personal challenges. - Why did Laura Deibel and Tim Allen get divorced?
They divorced due to the immense strain Tim Allen’s burgeoning fame and demanding career placed on their marriage. Allen has admitted to being absent and not prioritizing his family, which led to their separation in 1999 and eventual divorce in 2003. - Does Laura Deibel have any children?
Yes, Laura Deibel and Tim Allen have one daughter together, Katherine Allen, who was born in 1989. Like her mother, Katherine leads a very private life. - What is Laura Deibel’s life like today?
Today, Laura Deibel lives a quiet and private life, intentionally staying out of the media spotlight. It is believed she has focused on her own career and personal happiness since her divorce from Tim Allen. - Did Tim Allen remarry after his divorce from Laura Deibel?
Yes, Tim Allen married actress Jane Hajduk in 2006. They have one daughter together, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, who was born in 2009.
