Heidi Van Pelt: The Story of Taran Noah Smith’s Ex-Wife and Her Life After Divorce

Heidi Van Pelt became known to many people after her marriage to Taran Noah Smith, a star from the famous TV show Home Improvement. Taran’s fans were shocked when he married Heidi because she was 16 years older than him. Their marriage became a hot topic, and many people wanted to know about Heidi. But there’s much more to her story than just being Taran Noah Smith’s ex-wife.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Heidi’s life before and after her marriage. From her childhood and early career to her work as a vegan chef, we’ll explore what happened after her divorce and where she is today.

Heidi Van Pelt Quick Bio

Heidi Van Pelt’s Early Life

Heidi Van Pelt was born on July 11, 1968, in Missouri, USA. Growing up in Missouri, her childhood wasn’t exactly easy. Her parents divorced when she was very young, which meant she had to live between both of them. This early life experience taught Heidi how to be independent and strong.

Heidi went to school at Oak Park High School, where she graduated in 1986. After that, she tried to go to college several times but didn’t find the right fit. She briefly studied fashion design at Stephens College, and later, she studied German and philosophy at the University of Missouri. However, neither of these paths felt right for her. Eventually, Heidi decided to try something completely different: she wanted to work for the CIA! She even enrolled at the University of Washington to study Russian, but she dropped out just one semester before finishing. Despite all this, Heidi didn’t give up on her dreams. She kept searching for her true passion.

The Beginning of a Controversial Relationship

Heidi’s life took a big turn when she met Taran Noah Smith. At the time, Taran was just 14 years old, and Heidi was about 30. They met through a mutual connection, and although Taran was dating someone else at the time, he and Heidi stayed in touch as friends.

After Heidi broke up with her boyfriend, she and Taran started spending more time together. Taran, who was already a well-known actor from Home Improvement, was still very young at the time, but they quickly formed a romantic connection. Taran was 17, and Heidi was 33 when they became a couple.

Their relationship quickly grew, and in 2001, Taran turned 18. This was when the couple took the step of getting married. The news of their wedding shocked many people because of their 16-year age gap. At the time, Heidi was 34, and Taran was just 18. The media and fans were divided about their marriage, and there was a lot of talk about their age difference.

Marriage to Taran Noah Smith

When Heidi and Taran tied the knot in 2001, the world was watching. The age difference made headlines, and the couple received a lot of attention from the press. People were shocked that Taran, still so young, was marrying someone much older than him. Many of his fans and even his family disapproved of the marriage.

Despite the public backlash, Heidi and Taran tried to live their lives happily. Taran had just gained control of his $1.5 million trust fund after turning 18, which made the situation even more controversial. Some people accused Heidi of taking advantage of Taran’s wealth, but Taran later defended his parents, saying they had been looking out for him.

Though their marriage was criticized, Heidi and Taran continued to attend public events together. They showed up at red carpets and Hollywood galas, always smiling for the cameras. But behind the scenes, their marriage wasn’t as perfect as it looked on the outside.

Heidi Van Pelt’s Career Before and After Marriage

Before meeting Taran, Heidi was exploring different career paths. She started a media company called Emergent Films but eventually shut it down. Then, she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked as a production assistant and prop master on film sets. While she wasn’t in front of the camera, Heidi was still part of the entertainment industry.

Over time, Heidi’s interests shifted. She became interested in veganism and healthy living. She took online classes at the American Academy of Nutrition and became a certified nutritional counselor. As her passion for plant-based food grew, Heidi started catering vegan meals and even hosted her own radio show called “Raw Health.” She soon became well-known in Hollywood for her vegan catering services.

Heidi wasn’t just following a trend; she truly believed in the power of healthy eating. She opened her own vegan restaurant, Füd, which became popular in Los Angeles. The restaurant served plant-based meals and was praised for its creative and healthy menu.

Life During the Marriage

During their marriage, Heidi and Taran appeared at several Hollywood events. They went to movie premieres, award shows, and other public functions, where they posed for photographers and looked like a happy couple. However, behind the scenes, things weren’t always perfect.

The media was fascinated by their relationship, constantly scrutinizing their age gap and their personal lives. While they were constantly in the public eye, their marriage was going through its own struggles. Taran, who was adjusting to his newfound wealth and fame, began partying more, and rumors about infidelity started to spread. Heidi, on the other hand, focused on her career and her work in the vegan community.

Despite these issues, the couple tried to keep things together for a while. However, it wasn’t long before things started to fall apart.

Controversies Surrounding Heidi Van Pelt and Taran Noah Smith’s Marriage

The marriage between Heidi and Taran was full of ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges they faced was Taran’s newfound wealth. After he turned 18, he gained control of his $1.5 million trust fund. This caused tension, as Taran initially accused his parents of mismanaging the money. Later, he took back those accusations, admitting that his parents had been protecting him all along.

Meanwhile, rumors of infidelity and excessive partying began to surround Taran. Heidi also accused Taran of being irresponsible with their business and personal finances. Their relationship became strained, and the media made it worse by focusing on their age difference and the growing tension in their marriage.

With all these personal struggles being made public, it wasn’t long before Heidi and Taran decided to call it quits.

Divorce and Life After Taran Noah Smith

In 2007, after six years of marriage, Heidi and Taran decided to divorce. Their relationship had been full of ups and downs, and both parties felt that it was time to move on. They filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” This is a legal way of saying that they could no longer fix the problems in their marriage.

The divorce wasn’t easy. There were rumors about money problems and trust issues. Taran accused Heidi of taking money from their business, and Heidi accused Taran of partying too much. Both had their sides of the story, but it was clear that their marriage was no longer working. They also fought over their business, Playfood, which they had started together. The business made vegan cheese and other plant-based foods. In the end, Heidi kept control of the business.

Even though the divorce was difficult, Heidi moved forward. She focused on her career and built a life for herself away from the media.

Heidi Van Pelt’s Vegan Journey and Entrepreneurial Ventures

After her divorce, Heidi really dove into her passion for veganism. She had always been interested in healthy living, and now she was fully committed to it. Heidi became well-known as a vegan chef and nutrition expert. She continued to grow her business and opened a new vegan restaurant called Füd.

Füd was all about offering healthy, plant-based meals to people who wanted to eat clean and green. The restaurant was small but loved by locals in Los Angeles. Heidi’s focus on healthy, vegan food became her new mission, and she was excited to share her knowledge with others. She didn’t stop there. Heidi also became a voice for veganism, speaking at events and encouraging people to try plant-based living.

Her passion for food and health made her a respected figure in the wellness community. She worked with famous people, cooked for events, and helped people lead healthier lives through plant-based diets.

Where is Heidi Now?

After the media frenzy around her marriage and divorce, Heidi decided to live a quieter life. She moved away from Los Angeles and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. She wanted to leave the spotlight and focus on what mattered most to her — her career and personal growth.

Today, Heidi keeps a very private life. She doesn’t appear much in the media or on social media. However, it’s believed that she continues to work in the wellness industry, helping people with nutrition and plant-based living. Her commitment to veganism and healthy eating remains strong, even if she doesn’t seek fame for it.

Many people who once followed her story are curious about her life now, but Heidi seems content to stay out of the limelight. She’s focused on her work and living peacefully, away from the public eye.

What’s Next for Heidi Van Pelt?

Although Heidi doesn’t share much about her future, it’s clear that she will continue to focus on her passion for health and wellness. She may not be running a restaurant anymore, but her influence in the vegan community is still felt. People who admire her work as a chef and nutritionist continue to support her.

It’s possible that Heidi will start new projects, whether it’s a new business or another vegan-related venture. She might also continue giving talks and spreading the message about healthy living. However, it seems she prefers to keep her plans private, so only time will tell what she does next.

Heidi Van Pelt’s Net Worth

Heidi’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. Much of her wealth comes from her work in the wellness industry, especially as a vegan chef and nutritionist. She also made money from her restaurant Füd and her vegan catering business.

Although she gained some wealth from her marriage to Taran Noah Smith, Heidi has proven that she can build her own success. Her career has allowed her to live independently and focus on her passion for helping others live healthier lives.

Final Thoughts

Heidi Van Pelt’s story is one of change, growth, and reinvention. She was once known as Taran Noah Smith’s wife, but today, she’s recognized for her own achievements in the world of veganism and nutrition. She has shown that it’s never too late to follow your passions and create a new path for yourself.

After a very public marriage and divorce, Heidi chose to leave the spotlight and focus on what truly mattered to her. She has built a career around helping others, and her work in the vegan community continues to inspire people. Her journey reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, we can always reinvent ourselves and find success in new ways.

(FAQs)

How old is Heidi Van Pelt and when is her birthday?

Heidi Van Pelt was born on July 11, 1968, making her 57 years old in 2025.

What is Heidi Van Pelt’s net worth?

Heidi’s net worth is about $500,000 as of 2025. She earned this from her work as a vegan chef and nutritionist.

Does Heidi Van Pelt have any children?

No, Heidi Van Pelt does not have any children. She and Taran Noah Smith did not have kids during their marriage.

Why did Heidi Van Pelt and Taran Noah Smith divorce, and when did it happen?

Heidi and Taran got divorced in 2007 after six years of marriage. They said it was because of irreconcilable differences, which included issues with money and trust.

Where is Heidi Van Pelt today (2025)? Is she remarried or working?

In 2025, Heidi lives a private life in Kansas City, Missouri. She is not remarried and continues to work in the vegan food and wellness industry, but stays out of the spotlight.

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