Is there anything more ‘90s than teeny bopper magazines? You had Tiger Beat, Teen Beat, Bop, All-Stars, 16, the list goes on. People magazine even got in on the craze with Teen People. What do these all have in common? Well, for one, they’re pretty much all defunct now, but more importantly, they almost all featured one of the ‘90s most famous teen dreams – Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Or, as everyone called him, JTT.
Occasionally these magazines would feature a large poster portrait that you could fold out and put on your wall, or your ceiling, to gaze at as you drifted off to sleep. Not creepy at all. I’m sure he really appreciated that level of dedication. Or not, considering he eventually left showbiz in part, I’m sure, to the exposure he received. Because when you think back to the ‘90s, which teen guy would most represent that time for you? I’d wager a good portion would go with JTT. Cute, funny, charming, he seemed to be every girl’s dream. I may or may not have written him a fan letter at one point. So you know I’m not making this stuff up.
If he wanted to, he could probably have continued acting, or I’m sure he could make a comeback now as well. But, it seems he’s content to live his normal life, with just an occasional bop back in to guest star on former co-stars shows. Will we eventually see more? The teen girl in all of us can only hope. Until then, we’ll take a look at some of his most iconic roles.
Home Improvement
JTT’s most famous role was as Randy Taylor on Home Improvement, the middle son of Tim and Jill Taylor. He was by far the cutest and snarkiest of the three kids, and any time a story would focus more on either of his brothers, teen girls everywhere would silently weep. JTT left the show prior to it ending to head off to college.
Wild America
Wild America had a double whammy of teen dreaminess with both JTT and Devon Sawa (and Scott Bairstow?) playing brothers in the true story of three brothers who go on a cross-country trip to film wild animals. One of your tried and true coming of age dramas about brothers having to work together to survive.
Tom and Huck
What’s this? Another teen dream combo? Yes, this time you’ve got JTT joined by Brad Renfro, more of the bad boy of the ‘90s who has sadly since passed away. This version of Mark Twain’s infamous Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn is certainly a far cry from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer novel upon which it is primarily based. But if you want a fun, slightly silly, version, Tom and Huck fits the bill.
Man of the House
In Man of the House, JTT plays a rambunctious son who wants to thwart the relationship his mom has developed with Jack, played by Chevy Chase. He does anything possible to separate them, but of course we know what’s really going to happen here - they’re going to develop a bond and learn to accept one another. Not a groundbreaking movie by any means, but if you were a tween around the time this came out, you probably loved it.
I'll Be Home For Christmas
JTT’s foray into the schlocky Christmas movie pantheon, though I'll Be Home For Christmas was released by Disney, today it would probably be a Netflix movie. Basically, JTT gets abandoned in the middle of nowhere with nothing but the Santa suit he’s wearing, and has to find his way home, and learn some life lessons along the way.
The Lion King
JTT was the voice of our young hero Simba in the original Disney animated movie The Lion King. Look, if you haven’t seen this, you must be living under a Pride Rock - it’s one of the most popular Disney movies ever, with a Broadway spin off and a recent live-action adaptation, not to mention direct to video and television sequels.
- JTT was born Jonathan Taylor Weiss, he ended up using Thomas as his surname as someone else was already in the Screen Actors Guild with his real name.
- JTT is a devout vegetarian, and has been since he was four years old.
- He attended Harvard University for two years (2000-2002), then studied abroad for his third year at St. Andrews University in Scotland. He finally graduated from Columbia University in 2010.
- Though he has ventured back into acting today, it looks like what he really wants to do is become a director.
- Apparently he hates the JTT moniker. Oops. Honestly, though, eventually you gotta just embrace it, right?
- JTT was born Jonathan Taylor Weiss, he ended up using Thomas as his surname as someone else was already in the Screen Actors Guild with his real name.
- JTT is a devout vegetarian, and has been since he was four years old.
- He attended Harvard University for two years (2000-2002), then studied abroad for his third year at St. Andrews University in Scotland. He finally graduated from Columbia University in 2010.
- Though he has ventured back into acting today, it looks like what he really wants to do is become a director.
- Apparently he hates the JTT moniker. Oops. Honestly, though, eventually you gotta just embrace it, right?
Were you a JTT superfan? Have any interesting stories to share? Let us know in the comments!
