Ty Pennington is well-known as the charismatic carpenter from Trading Spaces, the DIY program that motivated individuals across the globe to express their creativity in home design.
After two decades of being on television, fans are now recommending that the DIY TV star should have a makeover for himself.
Gary Tygert Burton, known as Pennington, is 58 years old and has a playful personality. He enjoys entertaining his followers on Instagram by posting humorous videos that feature his quirky dance moves. His new wife can frequently be heard laughing in the background as he showcases his less-than-stellar dancing abilities.
Pennington, who likes to call himself a jack-of-all-trades, is really good at entertaining people. He used to be a model and was the face of J-Crew. He thought about becoming a graphic designer and worked in construction to make money while he was studying art.
At the age of 27, he experienced a severe car accident that nearly claimed his life and brought his modeling career to an abrupt end. This incident prompted him to view it as a turning point, leading him to pursue a new career in carpentry.
“My career seemed to skyrocket in an instant, but shortly after, I faced an unexpected challenge. Just a week later, I was involved in a serious car accident,” Pennington recalls. “I dusted off my best headshot, took my trusted tool bag, and went back to my roots in construction and carpentry. Nine years later, I got a call inviting me to audition for Trading Spaces… and that transformed my life.”
Pennington first made his way into Hollywood by working as a set designer for the 1995 movie Leaving Las Vegas, which featured Nicholas Cage. However, it was his job as a builder on the show Trading Spaces, which changed the way people thought about home renovations, that really made him famous.
After leaving Trading Spaces, Pennington became the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from 2003 to 2012, and during that time, he won two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, recognized for his performance in Modern Family, assumed the role of host for the show's 11th season and for 10 episodes during its revival in 2020. Pennington expressed on Instagram, “I won't deny that it was a blow to my pride. It was challenging to cope with and left me feeling quite perplexed. I began to doubt my abilities, my experience, and my self-assurance. However, this role has never solely been about me! … It has genuinely been, and will forever remain, one of the most remarkable experiences of my life.”
Pennington's career didn't stop there; he picked himself up, put on his boots, and came back for two more seasons of the Trading Spaces revival from 2018 to 2019.
Currently, Pennington serves as a mentor and design specialist on HGTV's Battle on the Beach, now in its third season, while also hosting the fourth season of the show Rock the Block.
He authored two publications titled “Good Design Can Change Your Life: Beautiful Rooms, Inspiring Stories” and “Ty's Tricks: Home Repair Secrets Plus Affordable and Simple Projects to Transform Any Room.”
Pennington talks openly about having ADHD and works hard to raise awareness about this condition that impacts how people behave.
In 2007, at the age of 41, he got into trouble for a DUI and was sentenced to three years of probation, plus he had to complete a 90-day alcohol treatment program.
“Drinking and driving is never acceptable. I have pleaded no contest and will abide by the court's ruling. I hope this experience can help others as much as it has helped me,” he said in a statement.
In November 2021, the charming builder married Kellee Merrell, a Vancouver social media manager, whom he frequently entertains with his daily antics.
Last year, following the release of a humorous video featuring him at the beach with his shorts pulled up to his waist, some fans seized the moment to criticize the noticeable belly that has taken the place of his formerly defined six-pack abs. In response, he remarked, “…by the way, I'm intentionally pushing my stomach out, but alright…”.
The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition alum, who's still a gorgeous man, was struck by disparaging comments on his age and appearance.
In a lengthy Instagram post, titled “Thoughts on aging,” Pennington addressed the criticisms, reminding people to practice social graces toward both men and women.
He expressed, “What began as a genuine attempt to bring laughter to my wife was subsequently scrutinized by strangers—more views often lead to more negativity! I received comments such as ‘disgusting,' ‘gross,' ‘he's so old now,' ‘grandpa,' and ‘he's gained weight.' It made me ponder whether I would receive the same remarks if I were still young and fit.” He added, “The movement towards embracing all body types and the aging process among women is fantastic (let's keep it going), but perhaps we should extend that same kindness to men as well.”
Pennington, a fan favorite on TLC's Trading Spaces, pointed out that he was decades younger when he first appeared on television.
“On a daily basis Im inundated with comments like ‘NOOOo what happened to him???!!!' Someone even commented the other day, ‘lack of exercise' which I wish was the truth! I have NEVER worked out harder in my life-7 days a week (this over 50 sh*t is no joke ). “What happened” is, it's been 22 YEARS since I made my television debut! “ he wrote. “No, I don't have a six pack anymore or a luscious head of hair (with frosted tips ) but what I do have is wisdom, empathy, life lessons and at 57 years old, I've TRULY never been happier! Anyways, all this to say: I'm human and I have feelings. Yes, I am older but I think it's pretty cool.”
We think Ty Pennington is still hot and we love watching his silly Instagram videos. What is your favorite show with Pennington? And did you catch the DIY bug after watching Trading Spaces?
