"It's hard to get everybody to recycle paper and plastic, let alone." -- Richard Karn
Richard Karn (born February 17, 1956) is an American actor and game show host. He is probably best known for his role as Al Borland, the sidekick of Tim Allen's character, on the sitcom Home Improvement (1991—1999) and also known as the host on Family Feud (2002-2006).
Karn was born as Richard Karn Wilson in Seattle, Washington. Karn's father, Gene, was a Seabee who served in World War II. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington. He is also a member of the Fraternity Beta Theta Pi. His character on Home Improvement, Al Borland, was portrayed as a Navy Seabee, probably as a tribute to his father.
In 2002, Karn replaced Louie Anderson as host of the game show Family Feud. Karn left Family Feud in 2006 and was replaced by John O'Hurley.
In 2002, Karn also made an appearance in The Strokes' music video for "Someday", which featured segments of the band on a fictional showing of Family Feud against the band Guided by Voices.
On October 6, 2008, Karn replaced Patrick Duffy as host of Game Show Network's Bingo America. Karn is also a substitute host on GSN Radio.
In 2008, Karn became the national spokesman for the "Mr. Handyman" franchise chain of professional handymen. He is touted as a "Handyman Guru," borrowing on his TV persona. He has also served as the spokesman for the Little Giant ladder system, a product of Wing Enterprises.
In 2010, Karn became the national spokesman for Zaxby's restaurants, a chain of franchised chicken restaurants in the southeastern United States. He plays a handyman, similar to his Home Improvement character.
Karn is a spokesman for Call2Recycle. The Call2Recycle program is operated by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Cooperation (RBRC), an industry-initiated, non-profit public service organization.