6 Pure Michigan Moments: Tim Allen’s Connection to the Mitten State
You've probably heard about his college days and legal troubles- here are 6 other things that connect Tim Allen to Michigan.
Tim Allen fans may remember the Western Michigan University sweatshirts the Tool Man wore on Home Improvement- Tim Allen's Michigan roots go much deeper than that. Here are 6 ways Tim Allen is connected to the Great Lakes State:
- Photo: Mark A. Cunningham, Getty Images
Photo: Mark A. Cunningham, Getty Images 1The College Days
Yes, Tim graduated from Western Michigan University in 1976 with a degree in communications but did you know he was also a Chip? Central Michigan University is where Tim first enrolled, transferring to WMU in 1974.
- Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images 2On the air in Kalamazoo
Long before he flew through the air as Buzz Lightyear, Tim was on-the-air at Western Michigan University's campus radio station WIDR.
- Photo: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images 3Lauded laureate
Tim Allen's alma mater, Western Michigan University, awarded him an honorary Fine Arts degree and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1988.
- Google Maps Street View
Google Maps Street View 4Growing up
When he was 13, Tim's family moved from their home in Denver, Colorado to the Detroit suburb of Birmingham, Michigan. Allen attended Seaholm High School- "Go Maple Leafs!"
- Photo: Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
Photo: Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images 5Go ahead, I dare you!
Tim Allen's standup comedy career started right here in Michigan...on a dare. A friend challenged him and Tim took the stage for the first time at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak.
- Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Photo: Kevin Winter, Getty Images 6There's no place like home
Starting in 2009, Tim Allen became the voice of the Pure Michigan tourism campaign.