For decades, Tim Allen has made audiences laugh through beloved roles in “Home Improvement,” the “The Santa Clause” franchise, and as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story series. But behind the humor and Hollywood success, the actor says deep pain, personal failures and a long spiritual journey toward peace have also marked his life.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Allen reflected on his faith, his years of sobriety and the regrets he still carries from earlier chapters of his life.

The actor shared that he continues to be amazed by the impact “Toy Story” has had on families since the first film debuted in 1995. Allen admitted that nobody involved in the original movie expected it to become a cultural phenomenon.

“When we first saw ‘Toy Story,’ everybody was in the room going, ‘I don’t know what to make of this,'” Allen said. “[The] powers-that-be were very unsure it would [translate].”

Now, as Pixar prepares to release “Toy Story 5,” Allen said he appreciates the franchise’s willingness to address modern issues affecting children — especially technology and screen addiction.

“They’re into tech, and yet they’re putting a light on their own tech,” Allen explained, praising Pixar for encouraging children to rediscover imaginative play.

While Allen remains one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedic actors, he acknowledged that life in the entertainment industry has become more challenging with age and experience.

“There are moments where I lose my patience, but I don’t want to be rude,” he said. “I’m a successful actor because of the people who watch and because of the people who do all the real work.”

Allen also opened up about the personal tragedy that shaped much of his life. He was only 11 years old when his father was killed by a drunk driver in 1964. The devastating loss deeply affected him.

“Trauma has that effect,” Allen said. “I turned into my spiritual or metaphysical or religious self.”

Years later, Allen’s life spiraled further when he was arrested in 1978 for possessing more than a pound of cocaine at a Michigan airport. He ultimately served more than two years in federal prison, an experience he says permanently changed him.

“I humiliated my family, friends and myself,” Allen admitted. “I did not want to make that mistake [again].”

Allen, now sober for nearly 30 years, reflected emotionally on how addiction affected his relationship with his oldest daughter, Kate.

“I was not sober for some of her formative years. I made amends to her,” he shared. “With the younger one, I see how much different it is when I’ve been sober almost 30 years.”

The actor also spoke candidly about his struggles with faith and questions he carried for years about suffering and loss.

“I still enjoyed church services now and then, but underneath, I was going, ‘I don’t like this Creator because you can take anybody any time you want for no reason,'” Allen explained.

Over time, however, he says he has learned to stop demanding answers to every painful question.

“I’ve learned to stop asking,” he said.

Allen’s spiritual journey appears to be still unfolding. Last year, he revealed he had begun reading through the New Testament after completing the Old Testament, saying the book of Romans especially moved him.

For fans who have watched Allen grow from sitcom star to outspoken advocate for sobriety and personal growth, his story remains a reminder that redemption often comes through honesty, humility and perseverance.