The home improvement episode you probably forgot starred Jimmy Carter

The death of former US President Jimmy Carter, on December 29, 2024, turned the world’s attention to the statesman’s life and actions. As with people who have reached the upper echelons of power (not to mention those who have lived to be 100), there is a lot to remember. But what may escape most people’s attention is Carter’s brief stint as an actor on the sitcom.

where Tim Allen “Home Improvement” stands compared to Best sitcoms of all time It is a matter of viewer opinion. However, for a single episode that first aired on 9 March 1994, very few other series have been able to achieve similar status. “Home Improvement” Season 3, Episode 18, titled “Eve of Construction,” sees in-show “Tool Time” showrunner Tim Taylor (Allen) teaming up with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity to raise living awareness for affordable housing. Reasonable.

Carter was known for watching movies Instead of acting, but since he’s been a high-profile speaker for Habitat for Humanity for a long time, he was willing to get involved with the entertainment industry group for “Home Improvement.” As such, the comedy series had a truly prestigious appearance by the former Commander-in-Chief.

Unfortunately, Carter doesn’t pick up a hammer and personally joins “Tool Time” to deliver diatribes at Tim and Al Borland (Richard Karn) in the episode. Instead, the 39th President of the United States runs a friendly Habitat for Humanity competition between Tim’s all-star athlete-building team and an all-female crew led by Tim’s wife, Jill Taylor (Patricia Richardson).

To say that the competition ends in a resounding defeat for Tim’s team is an understatement, although Carter’s televised speech to the characters is far less harsh than Toolman might deserve. After thanking the Taylor family for their participation, the former president announced the winner in characteristic tactful terms:

“Jill, the house you built is a perfect example of what can happen when caring people come together for a common goal. And Tim… what can I say? Crews are working around the clock to fix the house you built.”

Carter delivers his lines as you’d expect from a seasoned speechwriter, with just the right amount of barely-contained frustration as he addresses Tim’s disastrous project. He even shows off some surprising comedic chops when he asks Al for a quick aside for a photo of his wife. Overall, Carter’s performance was great in his brief, halting role, and his charisma brought the episode to a perfect conclusion… unless you’re Tim Taylor, who immediately expressed a desire to record Carter’s speech.