Ty Pennington, the ruggedly handsome carpenter on the popular DIY show Trading Spaces, has been a fan favorite for over 20 years. However, as fans suggest he gets a makeover of his own, Pennington proves that age is just a number and he continues to entertain and inspire with his talent and humor.
Born Gary Tygert Burton, Pennington, now 58, is a shameless jokester who loves to perform for his followers on Instagram. He frequently posts comical videos of his mad dance moves, often with his new wife giggling in the background.
Pennington, a former model and the face of J-Crew, originally planned on being a graphic designer. However, after a near-fatal car accident at the age of 27, he shifted his focus to carpentry. He quickly became known as a jack-of-all-trades and a born entertainer.
His career in Hollywood began as a set designer for the 1995 film Leaving Las Vegas, but it was his role as a builder on Trading Spaces that launched him into stardom. He went on to host Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for nine years, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards.
In 2018, Pennington returned for the revival of Trading Spaces and currently appears as a mentor and design expert on HGTV’s Battle on the Beach and as a host on Rock the Block. He has also authored two books and is open about his ADHD, using his platform to bring awareness to the disorder.
In 2007, Pennington faced a DUI charge and was placed on probation and a 90-day alcohol program. He took responsibility for his actions and used the experience to bring awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving.
In November 2021, Pennington married Kellee Merrell, a Vancouver social media manager, and continues to entertain his followers with his daily antics. However, he has also faced criticism for his age and appearance. In response, Pennington reminded people to practice social graces and give the same grace to men as they do to women when it comes to aging and body image.
Despite the negative comments, Pennington remains confident and happy at 57 years old. He reminds us that age is just a number and that he has gained wisdom, empathy, and life lessons over the years. And we couldn’t agree more.
So, whether you’ve been a fan of Pennington since his Trading Spaces days or have recently discovered his talent, one thing is for sure: he 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