Tim Allen says Erika Kirk inspired him to forgive father’s killer

The emotional remarks delivered by Charlie Kirk’s widow at his memorial on Sunday inspired Tim Allen to show compassion to the person who killed his father more than 60 years ago.

The actor and comedian, known for “Home Improvement” and “The Santa Clause” film franchise, took to social media Thursday to share that thanks to Erika Kirk, he’s finally forgiven the man responsible for his dad’s death.

Erika, who’d been married to the controversial conservative activist since 2021, said during Sunday’s event that despite her grief, she decided to forgive 22-year-old accused shooter Tyler Robinson.

“My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she began her speech. “That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do.”

“The answer to hate is not hate,” she continued. “The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love; love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Allen, 72, said he was so moved by her words that they prompted him to have a sudden change of heart.

“When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ‘That man… that young man… I forgive him.’ That moment deeply affected me,” he tweeted. “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.’”

Allen’s dad, real estate agent Gerald Dick, died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in 1964, when Allen was 11 years old.

The conservative actor has always been open about his Christian faith, despite describing having some complex feelings due to the loss of his father.

“I knew my father was dead, but I was never satisfied with why he was dead,” he shared in a 2012 interview. “I wanted answers that minute from God. ‘Do you think this is funny? Do you think this is necessary?’ And I’ve had a tumultuous relationship with my creator ever since.”