Tim Allen forgives father’s killer 60 years later, inspired by Charlie Kirk’s widow

In November 1964, Tim Allen’s life was forever changed when his father, Gerald M. Dick, was killed by a drunk driver as Allen was just 11 years old at the time as the devastating event left a lasting emotional scar.

Tim later admitted, “I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my dad,” The pain followed him through his adult life, despite his successful career in comedy and acting.

Erika Kirk’s Powerful Message

In September 2025, conservative figure Carlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University and during his memorial service his widow, Erika Kirk, delivered a heartfelt message that reached far beyond the room.

The former beauty pageant queen said, “That man… that young man… I forgive, I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do, the answer to hate is not hate.”

Her powerful words deeply moved many, including Tim Allen.

A moment of personal breakthrough

Tim revealed that Erika’s public forgiveness “deeply affected me.” After decades of holding on to anger and sorrow, something shifted within him.

The Shifting Gears actor wrote, “I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my dad. I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.”

This was a moment of healing that Allen had been unable to reach for most of his life.

Choosing peace over pain

The Toy Story actor's decision to forgive was not easy and for many years, he admitted to wrestling with faith and with the idea of forgiveness itself.

But Erika Kirk’s ability to show compassion even in the middle of her grief inspired him to let go of something that had haunted him since childhood.

Forgiveness, in this case wasn’t just a personal choice as it became a public act of release and renewal reminding others that even the deepest wounds can begin to heal when hate is not returned with hate.

In forgiving his father’s killer, Tim Allen finally found a kind of peace he had been searching for his whole life.