Jill from ‘Home Improvement’ Dazzles with Gray Hair at Daughter’s Wedding — Chooses Family Over $30M Deal

Patricia Richardson, known for her role as Jill Taylor on the popular sitcom “Home Improvement,” has become a well-recognized name in Hollywood. At 72 years old, she recently showcased her gray hair at her daughter’s wedding, looking radiant as she shared numerous photos on Twitter from the family celebration.

HOME IMPROVEMENT – Season 4 Gallery – Shoot Date: July 1, 1994. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) PATRICIA RICHARDSON;TIM ALLEN

Richardson shared several photos from her daughter Roxanne Baker’s wedding, featuring her children and family members celebrating together. The images captured Richardson holding a baby and affectionately kissing the child’s forehead, as well as moments of her kids enjoying the day.

In her caption, Richardson reflected on the three-year wait for her daughter’s wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her daughter’s uncertainty about venues. They ultimately found the perfect location in the mountains of Ojai, where they celebrated the happy couple over the weekend. In addition to Roxanne, Richardson has two sons. Roxanne’s twin brother, Joseph Castle Baker, is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for his comedic skits, including one about coming out to their parents. The twins also have an older brother, Henry Baker, who is married.

Patricia Richardson on March 15, 2023 in Burbank, California | Source: Getty Images
Patricia Richardson and Joseph Castle Baker in New York City in 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Patricia Richardson has been candid about her life choices and potential regrets. While many might assume she regrets leaving “Home Improvement” and turning down a lucrative contract, she has explained her decision to step away from the show. Despite the success it brought her, the series impacted her personal life, and she has openly discussed her marital struggles, admitting she initially lacked confidence in her ability to maintain a marriage. Ultimately, she married Ray Baker, and they enjoyed many happy years together. Today, Richardson remains a devoted mother and grandmother.

Patricia Richardson in “Home Improvement,” October 6, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Patricia Richardson and Ray Baker on April 8, 1995 | Source: Getty Images

During her eight years on “Home Improvement,” Patricia Richardson worked hard to balance her career and family life. She had three children to care for, a husband who desired more of her presence at home, and aging parents whose health was declining. For a period, she was the primary caregiver for her parents. Despite these challenges, she continued to work on the show for nearly a decade. Throughout her career, she also experienced a divorce from her husband, Ray Baker. Although he initially supported her acting career, the demands of the show eventually took up too much of her time, leading to irreconcilable differences between them.

Patricia Richardson and Ray Baker on May 10, 1994 in New York City, New York | Source: Getty Images
Patricia Richardson and her kids in Westwood, California, United States, 2002 | Source: Getty Images

Richardson remembered frequently declining charity events because she lacked the time to spend with her children. When Baker filed for divorce, she became a single mother and realized she needed to take responsibility for her kids. This prompted her to make a tough decision. In addition to acting on the show, Richardson contributed to the writing, helping the creators develop her character to be more real and relatable. However, she ultimately felt she couldn’t continue working such long hours while also being a good mom, leading her to step down from the show.

Patricia Richardson and her kids in 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Richardson declined to continue with “Home Improvement” for its ninth season, turning down a $30 million deal and another project that won 30 Emmys. Despite these significant offers, she expresses satisfaction with her decision to prioritize her family over her career. She reflected on the time she spent away from her children, saying, “I was away from them more than I wanted and felt I missed so many things.”

Many might wonder how their lives would have turned out if they had accepted a lucrative role like Richardson’s on “Home Improvement.” While she occasionally reflects on the opportunities she missed by choosing family over career, she remains confident that she made the right choice. Before leaving the show, Richardson faced the challenge of caring for her seriously ill parents during their final years. With her sister’s assistance, she managed to care for them while also working on “The West Wing.” Unfortunately, by the time she completed that project, both of her parents had passed away.

Patricia Richardson on “NCIS,” November 8, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Despite enjoying her time on “Home Improvement,” Richardson found the experience challenging. She takes pride in her hard work and career success but feels relieved that she stepped down when she did. After her departure, she realized she needed to focus on her parenting skills again after being away from her children for so long. Today, Richardson remains a devoted mother and grandmother, frequently sharing photos of her family. On May 7, 2023, she posted a picture with her grandchild, wishing a “Happy Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and grandmothers today!” in the caption.

Though Richardson stepped away from her role in “Home Improvement,” she is enjoying a fulfilling life as a grandmother. She recently shared a heartwarming image of her grandson and granddaughter playing in their yard, capturing a moment where the boy is playfully hugging his sister. The proud grandmother humorously captioned the photo, “Grandson learning about unwelcome hugging.”