90s Disney Channel star unrecognisable in rare appearance ahead of major TV comeback

Home Improvement star Patricia Richardson looked totally different from the last time many Disney Channel fans might have recalled seeing her on screen.

The 90s sitcom actress has evidently changed quite a bit from her time on the Emmy-award-winning show, that ran for a successful eight series with Patricia at the helm of the famous family alongside her on-screen husband Tim Allen, playing the role of lovable mum, Jill Taylor.

Back in 1999, Patricia decided to walk away from her television-motherly role to spend time with her own family, despite reports she was offered a hefty sum to return but instead turned down the tempting offer.

Now, 26 years on, from when many of her adoring fans will most likely remember her, the 74-year-old star looked unrecognisable with stunning silver locks in a rare Instagram post from last year.

It's likely that Patricia has become a focal point more recently for fans after it was announced she would be reuniting with her former co-star Tim Allen, for a special appearance on his show, Shifting Gears.

Since the news of the reunion landed, there has been much buzz about Patricia and what she's been up to and fans have be turning to her Instagram page to learn more.

Patricia doesn't often share snaps of herself on her profile but when she does they garner up a lot of attention. Fans were quick to chime praise as they spotted their idol sporting a brand new look.

They took to the comments section to voice their opinions, one person penned: "Beautiful. I can't wait for grey hair," a second online user gushed: "Patricia, you are just as beautiful as when you were on Home Improvements."

Another asked: "Is this Jill Taylor? She looks so hot silver," while a fourth commenter gasped: "I am speechless. Beautiful. Just beautiful."

Others were quick to remark about her memorable time on Home Improvements, adding: "The single most hilarious TV mother EVER," and "My favorite TV mum."

The actress who portrayed the role of Jill Taylor on the sitcom from 1991 to 1999, will be soon reuniting with Tim and their former co-stars Richard Karn and Debbe Dunning on series two of Shifting Gears.

On the official Shifting Gears Instagram page, they confirmed: "Worlds are colliding," along with picture of the news that was headlining on Deadline.

Patricia was such integral part of the Home Improvement team during her eight-series-tenure, not only for her role on-screen but she was actually helping to write the show too.

Carmen Finestra, co-creator and executive producer, previously commented to the Los Angeles Times about the actresses major hand in the series. She said: "Pat made it the comedy that we hoped it would be. It was unbelievable what she did. I mean, it made the show work."

Despite her valued hardwork and commitment to the show, Patricia made the tough decision to walk away after it's eighth series to focus on her own family.

According to reports, she had been offered a large sum to appear on another season but despite the tempting offer, she needed to spend time with her children.

Speaking about her departure to Closer Weekly, the single mum-of-three said: "Home Improvement had much longer days than most sitcoms. Because I was involved in all the writing, I was away from them more than I wanted and felt I missed so many things."

Patricia had been married to actor Ray Baker, with the pair parting ways in 1995, between them, they shared three children, Roxanne, Joseph and Henry.

After her Home Improvements exit, Patricia calved out a steady on-screen career, taking on role in well known shows such as Strong Medicine, The West Wing, and more recently in NCIS and Grey's Anatomy.

Home Improvements can be streamed on Disney Plus and is also available to view on Netflix now