Tim Allen forgives man who killed his father after 60 years
Actor says Erika Kirk’s memorial speech inspired him to let go of decades of anger
Tim Allen says he has finally forgiven the drunk driver who killed his father more than 60 years ago, a decision he credits to Erika Kirk’s moving words at her husband Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.
When Allen was 11, his father was killed by a drunk driver, an event that changed his life forever. The Home Improvement actor has spoken openly about how the loss left him wrestling with faith.
In a past 20/20 interview, he admitted he questioned whether he could have done something to prevent his father’s death.
“For years, I just did not like this idea of God, church,” Allen recalled. “I was still a churchgoer, but constantly a cynic.”
Over time, he began to see God as “The Builder,” someone he asks for guidance while preparing himself for answers that may be difficult to accept.
Turning to scripture for understanding
In recent years, Allen has immersed himself in the Bible, often posting updates online as he reads.
In June, he said he was “amazed” by the writings of Paul in the New Testament. Later that year, he joked that the intensity of the Book of Ezekiel made him “need a Snickers,” showing both his humor and seriousness about the journey.
Allen has described reading scripture as a gift, saying the words “flow” when he gets out of the way and lets the meaning come through.
Erika Kirk’s words spark a turning point
On September 25, 2025, Allen attended the memorial service for conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. His widow, Erika, delivered a nearly half-hour eulogy where she spoke about choosing forgiveness.
When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: “That man… that young man… I forgive him.” That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: “ I forgive the man who…
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) September 25, 2025
Through tears, she told the audience she forgave the man responsible for her husband’s death.
“That man, that young man, I forgive him,” she said. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do.”
Her words struck Allen in a way that brought his own lifelong struggle into focus.
Allen’s message of forgiveness
That same day, Allen shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Erika’s speech moved him to make peace with the loss of his father.
“When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband… that moment deeply affected me,” he wrote.
“I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.”
For more than six decades, Allen carried anger and unanswered questions about his father’s death. Now, after years of reflection, prayer, and scripture study, he says he has finally found release.
His decision shows how moments of grace—whether found in scripture or in the words of others—can bring peace, even after a lifetime of pain.
