'Home Improvement' actor Zachery Ty Bryan and his girlfriend both jailed after child actor breaches probation for domestic violence

Actor Zachery Ty Bryan and his partner, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, were taken into custody in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday after Bryan reportedly violated the terms of his domestic violence probation. Court documents obtained by Page Six indicate that Bryan was denied bail and will remain in detention until Wednesday.

The former Home Improvement actor, 44, had been serving a 36-month probation sentence following a 2023 domestic violence conviction. The probation is set to expire in 2026. Previously, Bryan faced assault and robbery charges after a confrontation with an unnamed woman, with court records restricting him from contacting the victim without authorization.

Meanwhile, Cartwright faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, three counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of attempted first-degree assault. Her arraignment is scheduled for Monday.

Bryan and Cartwright share several children together. Bryan was formerly married to Carly Matros from 2007 to 2020.

Reports indicate that Bryan had previously been accused of physically assaulting Cartwright, including choking, in 2020. At the time, he was convicted of menacing and assault, although he claimed in a 2023 interview that the incident was blown out of proportion.

Over the years, Bryan has faced multiple arrests related to DUI and domestic violence. He was apprehended in February 2024 in Riverside, California, for a suspected DUI and again in October 2024 in Custer County, Oklahoma, for similar charges and driving without a license. On January 1, 2025, he was arrested following allegations that he struck a woman several times and issued death threats; it is not confirmed if this involved Cartwright.

An ex-partner of Bryan also recently obtained a five-year restraining order after alleging he had struck her in the head in July 2025. These incidents all fall under the probation stemming from his 2023 domestic violence case.

On November 13, Bryan publicly apologized for his recent behavior, acknowledging his struggles with early fame, addiction, and personal decisions. He described the incident as a painful wake-up call and expressed deep regret for his actions, citing the pressures of childhood stardom as a factor in his ongoing challenges.

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

Author: Sophia Brooks