Tim Allen Talks ‘Last Man Standing’ Cancelation, Petition, ‘Toy Story 4’

Funnyman Tim Allen has been steadily working on his standup routines and Toy Story 4 since ABC canceled his sitcom Last Man Standing.

TIM ALLEN TALKS LAST MAN STANDING

Allen had played conservative father Mike Baxter for six seasons before his show got the axe. “It was like a sudden death,” he told The Chicago Tribune. “I had no idea it was coming. All of the cast, all 200 of us who worked on it, we had no warning this was coming. One of the things I will miss most is when Mike Baxter could do these blogs and rant,” he added. “It was a very steroid-induced version — it’s about everything including political correctness.”

Allen will perform at the Genesee Theater on June 23, and will be performing at various standup clubs in the near future. “The pleasure [of making people laugh] is mine, the blessing is mine. This will be another great year of touring.” He is also “very, very grateful to God that… I get strength, energy and resilience from standup comedy — I love it — it still scares the hell out of me. But it’s been the constant in my life besides the love of my family.”

The actor also recently mourned fellow Toy Story cast member Don Rickles, who voiced Mr. Potato Head in the franchise. Another friend and co-star, Powers Boothe, also passed away in the last few months. “I felt so bad for [Boothe’s] family. Our loss [of Last Man Standing] pales in comparison,” Allen said.

Allen went on to speak about getting his start, and how going into TV acting was never his top goal. “I was a very focused young guy – all I really wanted to do was pay my bills and support my family, and I wanted to do The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” he explained. “But the funny thing was, though I prayed and worked to be on The Tonight Show, I was so successful at comedy that they put me on TV as an actor (first). My preference was to be a comedian.”

Allen has always been outspoken about his political beliefs, and describes himself as “socially moderate to liberal,” despite supporting John Kasich in the presidential primaries and Donald Trump in the election. But regardless, he hopes to keep politics out of his standup. “Essentially,” he wants to tell jokes [that both Democrats and Republicans can laugh at. It’s the things we all do that are funny.”

Aside from comedy routines, Allen is also working on Toy Story 4. He says one of the best parts of the franchise is working with his now-friend Tom Hanks. “I really admire the guy,” Allen said. “I love working with him. We’re close buddies. I’m very excited to be working with Pixar again. It’s always a wonderful thing.”