Last Man Standing may have ended its run three years ago, but its legacy endures, and the cast members have continued to make waves in Hollywood in various ways.
While some have returned to the small screen or big screen, others have transitioned to different careers entirely. Here’s an update on where the beloved stars of Last Man Standing are now, who will be back on our screens soon, and who has taken a step away from acting altogether.
Tim Allen as Mike Baxter
Tim Allen, known for his iconic role as Mike Baxter, has remained a fixture in the entertainment industry even after the conclusion of Last Man Standing. Beyond his role in the sitcom, Allen’s career is legendary for his portrayal of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor on Home Improvement and as Santa Claus in The Santa Clause films.
He also voiced Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise and will reprise this role in Toy Story 5 in 2025. The 71-year-old actor has recently signed on for a new sitcom, marking a shift in his career. In his personal life, Allen enjoys a quiet family life with his wife, actress Jane Hajduk, and their daughter Elizabeth, who has appeared in The Santa Clauses.
Allen also revealed a shared bonding activity with his family—stretching—demonstrating a more personal side of the actor.
Nancy Travis as Vanessa Baxter
Nancy Travis, who played Vanessa Baxter, Mike’s wife, has also stayed busy post-Last Man Standing. This series was her longest-running TV gig, but she hasn’t slowed down. Travis has appeared in Mr. Mercedes, the Kaminsky Method on Netflix, and most recently in Ride (2023) and the film Ordinary Angels.
The 63-year-old actress continues to stay in high demand, and next year, she will appear in the series Gross Point Garden Society and the action-crime drama Sovereign. Despite her success, Nancy maintains a low-key private life with her husband, Robert Fried, a producer and screenwriter. The couple has two sons, Benjamin and Jeremy, both in their 20s.
Alexandra Krosney as Kristen Baxter
Alexandra Krosney was the original actress behind Kristen Baxter, Mike’s oldest daughter, in season one. However, her character was recast when the producers felt she was too young-looking for the role. Despite this, fans still remember her fondly.
After Last Man Standing, Krosney appeared in shows like Aquarius and films such as Barely Lethal. In 2016, she took a break from acting, but in 2021, she voiced a character in the animated series Archibald’s Next Big Thing. Krosney, now 36, has kept her personal life private, though there are rumors that she may be dating screenwriter Matthew Fogle.
Amanda Fuller as Kristen Baxter
After replacing Krosney as Kristen Baxter, Amanda Fuller took on the role and became a fixture of the show for almost a decade. Apart from Last Man Standing, Fuller has appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, Orange Is the New Black, and guest-starred in other dramatic and comedic projects.
In 2023, she featured in the horror film Unnatural Causes and the zombie thriller Heard Up. The 40-year-old actress continues to balance between dramatic and comedic roles.
Offscreen, Fuller is a mother to son Hayes Blue, whom she shares with her husband, Matthew Brian Feld. Sadly, Hayes was born with a rare medical condition, but thanks to early diagnosis and treatment, he’s doing well.
Jordan Masterson as Ryan Vogelson
Jordan Masterson took over the role of Ryan Vogelson, Kristen’s ex, from Nick Jonas, who originally played the character in season one. Masterson’s portrayal transformed Ryan from a reckless teen into a more mature, politically outspoken individual.
Beyond Last Man Standing, Masterson had roles in films like Inland Empire and Urge before taking a break from acting. The 38-year-old has not been seen much in Hollywood lately, and he has spent more time focusing on his personal life. He was previously linked to actress Dakota Johnson and is known for his ties to the Church of Scientology.
Jet Jurgensmeyer as Boyd Baxter
Boyd Baxter, Mike’s grandson, was portrayed by several actors over the years. Jet Jurgensmeyer, who took on the role in later seasons, transitioned to a music career after his time on Last Man Standing.
The 20-year-old is now a rising country music star, having released his third album The Ride Phase 2 in 2024. He is also set to appear in the series The Final Exam next year. Jurgensmeyer attends Belmont University, where he is dating fellow student Kayy Layman.
Molly Ephraim as Mandy Baxter
Fans were saddened when Molly Ephraim’s character, Mandy Baxter, was recast in season 7, but Ephraim quickly moved on to other projects. She landed recurring roles in Brockmire, Halt and Catch Fire, and starred in the movie The Front Runner.
More recently, she appeared in Perry Mason and the comedy-drama Their Own. Ephraim’s personal life also flourished, as she married her partner, Evan, in 2021. The couple has a daughter named Zia, and Ephraim has continued to stay busy with acting. She’s even landed a role in the upcoming The Office follow-up series, where she might be seen on our screens again next year.
Molly McCook as the New Mandy
Molly McCook took over the role of Mandy Baxter after Ephraim’s departure, and despite initial backlash, she gained a loyal fanbase.
McCook has appeared in another TV series, Not Dead Yet, and starred in romantic comedies like Candy Coated Christmas and Maybe It’s You. In her private life, the 34-year-old married fellow actor John Krause, and the couple frequently shares glimpses of their life on social media.
Christoph Sanders as Kyle Anderson
Christoph Sanders played Kyle Anderson, the lovable, sometimes naive husband of Mandy. Sanders kept a low profile after Last Man Standing but confirmed a year ago that he is engaged to actress Elizabeth McClaflin. The 36-year-old Sanders appeared in the comedy-drama Christmas Mystery but has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
Caitlyn Dever as Eve Baxter
Caitlyn Dever, who played Eve Baxter, has achieved significant success since Last Man Standing. Known for her versatility, Dever has appeared in Unbelievable, the film Dear Evan Hansen, and Ticket to Paradise alongside George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
The 27-year-old is considered one of the most talented actors of her generation, and her future looks bright. In 2024, she will be featured in the second season of The Last of Us and will also lead the upcoming Netflix miniseries Apple Cider Vinegar. In addition to acting, Dever has a passion for music and performs in a band with her sister, and her personal life has been kept relatively private.
In conclusion, while Last Man Standing may have come to an end, the cast members have continued to thrive in various ways. Whether they are starring in new projects, raising families, or pursuing music, these actors have carved out successful paths for themselves in Hollywood. Fans can look forward to seeing many of them return to their screens in the coming years.