Debbe Dunning had some enormous shoes to fill when she stepped onto the set of Home Improvement in 1992.
Taking over the iconic role of Tool Time Girl after the departure of Pamela Anderson, Dunning faced a challenge few could envy: replacing a beloved TV bombshell.
Before landing the part, Dunning, now 59, had built a modest résumé with a string of bit parts on popular sitcoms.
But joining Home Improvement as Heidi marked a turning point in her career.
Anderson, who had played Lisa, the original assistant to Tim Allen’s Tim ‘the Tool Man’ Taylor, had become a rising star in her own right.
When Anderson left to take on the role of C.J. Parker on Baywatch—a part that would launch her into superstardom—Dunning was tapped to keep the Tool Time magic alive.
Debbe Dunning had some enormous shoes to fill when she stepped onto the set of Home Improvement in 1992; (seen in 1997)
Taking over the iconic role of Tool Time Girl after the departure of Pamela Anderson , Dunning faced a challenge few could envy: replacing a beloved TV bombshell; (Dunning, Tim Allen and Anderson in 1997)
At first, Anderson tried to juggle both shows, but it soon became clear that filming schedules couldn’t overlap, and she chose to focus on Baywatch.
On the show, Lisa’s departure was explained by her decision to pursue a career as a paramedic, opening the door for Heidi, Dunning’s character, to step in.
Anderson would later make a guest appearance during season six, revealing her character had completed medical training and now worked at Detroit Memorial Hospital.
Interestingly, the role of Lisa could have gone to someone else entirely.
Ashley Judd, who wowed producers during her audition, was in the running but ultimately opted to pursue a film career.
After Anderson signed on for Baywatch exclusively, the door swung wide open for Dunning, who remained Heidi for the entirety of Home Improvement, from 1992 through the series finale in 1999.
Over eight seasons, she became a household name and cemented her place in television history.
After the show wrapped, Dunning didn’t disappear from the screen.
Anderson, who had played Lisa, the original assistant to Tim Allen ’s Tim ‘the Tool Man’ Taylor, had become a rising star in her own right
When Anderson left to take on the role of C.J. Parker on Baywatch—a part that would launch her into superstardom—Dunning was tapped to keep the Tool Time magic alive; (with Richard Karn in 1992)
On the show, Lisa’s departure was explained by her decision to pursue a career as a paramedic, opening the door for Heidi, Dunning’s character, to step in; (seen in 1993)
She built a steady career with numerous guest appearances, including a small role on Baywatch—the very show that had pulled Anderson away years before.
She also appeared on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Jamie Foxx Show, Boy Meets World, and various commercials, expanding her reach across television.
On the big screen, she starred in the 2000 thriller The Spiral Staircase as well as the comedy Now You Know, showcasing her versatility.
Off-screen, Dunning’s personal life was just as full.
She married volleyball star Steve Timmons in 1997, and the pair welcomed three children over the years.
The couple eventually went their separate ways in 2018.
During the years she focused on raising her kids, Dunning stepped away from Hollywood and turned her attention to a career in sales and marketing for J R Lennen Construction Inc., according to her LinkedIn.
But Dunning would eventually return to the spotlight.
More recently, she was spotted at Cedric The Entertainer’s 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic VIP Pairings Party in August 2025
Debbe mingled with Hollywood’s elite and reminded fans that she remains an enduring presence in the entertainment world; (with Cedric the Entertainer)
Debbe built a steady career with numerous guest appearances, including a small role on Baywatch—the very show that had pulled Anderson away years before
Debbe and Heather Locklear posed together at a fan convention
Fans can also connect with her through signed memorabilia, including calendars and posters featuring images from her early career, as well as personalized Cameo videos, which she offers for $125
In 2017, she launched her own travel series on DirecTV’s Cowboy Channel: Debbe Dunning’s Dude Ranch Round-Up.
The series allowed her to exploredunique ranches across the country while sharing her infectious personality and hands-on approach.
These days, she promotes herself as a ‘lifestyle influencer,’ highlighting her skills as a DIY expert, accomplished golfer, and dedicated advocate for healthy living and motherhood, according to her website.
Fans can also connect with her through signed memorabilia, including calendars and posters featuring images from her early career, as well as personalized Cameo videos, which she offers for $125.
On social media, Dunning is active on Instagram, posting clips and photos of herself on the golf course, hanging out with her kids, and maintaining her impressive fitness routine.
More recently, she was spotted at Cedric The Entertainer’s 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic VIP Pairings Party in August 2025, mingling with Hollywood’s elite and reminding fans that she remains an enduring presence in the entertainment world.
