Taran Noah Smith Wife: Who Is He Married To? (2026)

Taran Noah Smith is not currently married. His only marriage was to Heidi Van Pelt, whom he wed on April 27, 2001, when he was 17 and she was 33. They divorced on February 2, 2007, after six years of marriage.

Who Is Heidi Van Pelt?

Heidi Van Pelt is a vegan chef, certified nutritional counselor, and former film production worker. She founded the entertainment company Emergent Films in the late 1980s, later worked as a production assistant and prop master, and co-hosted the Los Angeles radio program "Raw Health" about vegan cooking. She became a certified nutritional counselor through online courses at the American Academy of Nutrition. Van Pelt met Smith in the 1990s through the vegan community; they shared an interest in animal rights and plant-based living. The 16-year age gap between the 17-year-old actor and the 33-year-old Van Pelt drew heavy media scrutiny at the time of their wedding.

Marriage Timeline

Smith and Van Pelt married on April 27, 2001. Together they co-founded Playfood, a Los Angeles-based vegan food company making organic, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and later a vegan restaurant. The marriage ended contentiously: Van Pelt filed for divorce on February 2, 2007, and Smith counter-filed for an annulment in March 2007, arguing the marriage was never valid because he had been a minor when it was contracted. The two fought over ownership of Playfood for two years; Smith eventually won full control of the company, and the business closed around 2009. Van Pelt later stated she had done most of the work while accusing Smith of mismanaging the business; Smith accused Van Pelt of moving company funds into her personal business.

Do They Have Children?

Public reports conflict on whether Smith and Van Pelt had children together, so no verified information is available on this point. Some celebrity biographies list a son named Nolan Eric Smith, while others state the couple had no children together.

Career Highlights

Taran Noah Smith was born April 8, 1984, in San Francisco, California. He played Mark Taylor, the youngest son, on ABC's Home Improvement for all eight seasons (1991–1999). He stepped away from acting after the show ended. In 2001, the same year he married Van Pelt, Smith sued his parents for control of his $1.5 million trust fund; he later reached a settlement. After his divorce, Smith largely withdrew from public life and has kept a low profile.

FAQ

Who was Taran Noah Smith's wife?

Heidi Van Pelt. They married April 27, 2001, and divorced February 2, 2007.

How old was Taran Noah Smith when he married?

17. Van Pelt was 33, a 16-year age gap that drew heavy media attention.

Why did they divorce?

The split involved financial disputes over their shared vegan business Playfood, including lawsuits over company funds and ownership.

Did Taran Noah Smith have children with Heidi Van Pelt?

Public reports conflict, so no verified information is available.

Is Taran Noah Smith married in 2026?

No. His marriage to Heidi Van Pelt ended in 2007, and there is no public record of a remarriage.

Related: related article