When Erika Kirk stunned the nation by forgiving the man responsible for her husband’s death, few expected the ripple effect it would cause. But actor Tim Allen has now revealed her courage moved him so deeply that he, too, has chosen forgiveness — for the man who killed his father in a drunk driving accident six decades ago. “I never thought I could let it go,” Allen admitted, his voice breaking. “But Erika showed me what real strength looks like.”

Introduction

The Death Of His Father Has Shaped Who Tim Allen Is Today

When Tim Allen was just 11-years-old, the actor’s life took a drastic turn when his father was killed by a drunk driver, and since then he has admittedly wrestled with his faith.

He said during a 20/20 interview that he questioned if he had prayed harder or had been with his father at the time could have prevented his death.

“For years, I just did not like this idea of God, church,” Allen recalled. “I was still a churchgoer, but constantly a cynic.”

The actor explained that today he thinks of God as, “The Builder.”

“I always do ask The Builder, what did you want me to do?” Allen said at the time. “And I do ask it. But you got to be prepared for the answer.”

From his father’s death and an arrest of his own for drug possession, the actor shared that he believes he is here for a greater purpose.

“Whoever built me, this is too much, too weird that it happened by accident,” he said. “It didn’t happen by accident.”

Tim Allen Reads Through The Entire Bible
Earlier this year, Allen shared that he was “amazed” while reading his way through the Bible.

Allen posted an update at the time to social media, seemingly soaking up the New Testament scriptures.

“Finished the Old Testament, and it is such a gift when I get out of the way and the words and meaning flow,” the actor posted to X in June. “This week I am now in the book of the Gospel of Paul. A Roman Jew familiar with Plato, Stoicism and other Greek schools of thought. I am amazed in seven pages!”

In October of 2024, Allen publicly committed to reading through the Bible, and first shared his thoughts on the journey.

“Continuing my reading of the complete Bible. Finished a rather intense Ezekiel now on to Daniel. The challenge in reading this Book is how I translate words that the Eternal expresses to the temporary. I need a Snickers,” he wrote.

After 60 Years, The Actor Is Choosing Forgiveness
Following the memorial service of conservative icon Charlie Kirk, Allen shared that he was deeply moved by his widow, Erika’s, speech.

Erika delivered a nearly 30-minute eulogy for her husband. During her speech, she told the crowd through tears that she had forgiven her husband’s killer.

“That man, that young man, I forgive him,” Erika said. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do.”

“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,” the “Home Improvement” actor wrote.

As a result of her speech, Allen shared that he was ready to choose forgiveness as well.

“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,” Allen saud,

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…

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