Fred Savage, famous for portraying Kevin Arnold on the iconic 1980s show The Wonder Years, became a household name at just 12 years old. The series, which aired from 1988 to 1993, thrust him into the limelight, establishing him as one of the era’s most notable child stars. However, after the show concluded, Savage surprised many by stepping away from acting, choosing not to pursue adult roles. This marked the start of a new chapter, one that would see him step out of the Hollywood spotlight.
Rather than continuing his acting career, Savage focused on his education, returning to high school and later attending Stanford University, where he studied English. His passion for storytelling led him to participate in student theater, but he kept a low profile in Hollywood, relying on his family and non-industry friends for support. After finishing his studies, Savage made a brief return to acting with the sitcom Working, but his true calling emerged behind the camera. Over the years, he honed his directing skills, eventually becoming known for his work on various TV series.
Savage made his most notable comeback to the entertainment industry in 2021 as executive producer and director for the The Wonder Years reboot. However, his time with the project ended in 2022 after allegations of inappropriate conduct, which he denied. In the wake of the 2023 industry strikes, Savage decided to pivot once again, focusing on a long-held passion for vintage watches, an interest he’d nurtured since 2017 through collector communities. This hobby soon turned into a new career path.
In late 2024, Savage officially launched Timepiece Grading Specialists (TGS), a company that provides third-party evaluations of collectible watches. Frustrated with the inconsistencies in the vintage watch market, Savage sought to introduce standardized grading services, similar to those in other collectibles industries. Based in Dayton, Ohio, and in partnership with a watch repair business, TGS offers detailed assessments of authenticity and condition, marking Savage’s full transition from Hollywood to the world of horology.
Now 48, Savage has embraced a quieter life, focusing on his growing vintage watch business, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Although he lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Jennifer Lynn Stone, and their three children, he spends part of each month in Dayton.
