Hidden behind his backyard fence and offering sage advice to his neighbor, Tim Taylor, ‘Home Improvement’s Wilson became one of the most mysterious characters in sitcom history. But what do we know about Earl Hindman, the man behind the fence? Here are five facts you might not know about him:
5. Fans Believe Wilson Hid His Face Due To a Witness Protection Program
One of the longest-running gags in ‘Home Improvement’ was the fact that audiences rarely saw Wilson’s entire face. Usually shielded by the backyard fence, and on the rare occasion he stepped out, his face would still be obscured by plants, scarves, or other objects. At the end of every episode, during curtain calls, Hindman used a miniature picket fence prop to continue hiding his face from the audience. This mystery led to a fan theory: Was Wilson in a witness protection program and, thus, hiding his identity?
4. He Was Okay With Hiding His Face From The Audience
While some actors might be uncomfortable with such limited on-screen visibility, Hindman seemed quite comfortable with it. He embraced this aspect of his character, and the decision to keep Wilson’s face a mystery added an element of intrigue. The big reveal of his full face came only in the series finale, a move that kept the audience curious throughout the show’s run.
3. Hindman Was Married to Actress Molly McGreevey
Hindman married actress Molly McGreevey on May 21, 1976. The duo shared the screen in ‘Ryan’s Hope,’ with McGreevey portraying Polly Longworth and Hindman as Bob Reid. Their partnership lasted till Hindman’s death, though they never had children. Two years after the actor’s passing, McGreevey retired from acting, and she also passed away on November 1, 2015.
2. He Passed Away Due To Lung Cancer
In December 2003, Hindman passed away at the age of 61 from lung cancer. The actor was a chain smoker for the majority of his life, which could have contributed to his illness.
1. Hindman’s Net Worth At The Time of His Death
Hindman’s net worth was estimated at $4 million at the time of his death. Beyond ‘Home Improvement,’ his career spanned roles in films like ‘The Ballad of the Sad Café‘ and ‘Silverado,‘ and he also did voice work, with his voice heard on Disneyland Radio since 2002.