Ty Pennington is famous for being the handsome carpenter on *Trading Spaces*, the DIY show that inspired fans everywhere to try designing their own spaces.
After 20 years on TV, some fans are now suggesting that Ty should get a makeover himself.
Ty Pennington Hits Back with a Stunning Response After Body-Shaming Comments!
Ty Pennington is famous for being the handsome carpenter on *Trading Spaces*, the DIY show that inspired fans everywhere to try designing their own spaces.
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After 20 years on TV, some fans are now suggesting that Ty should get a makeover himself.
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Born Gary Tygert Burton, Pennington, now 58, is known for his playful side. He loves sharing funny videos of his dance moves on Instagram, often with his new wife laughing in the background.
Pennington is a natural entertainer. He used to be a model for J-Crew and initially wanted to be a graphic designer, working in construction to support himself while he was in art school.
After a serious car accident at 27 ended his modeling career, he decided to switch to carpentry.
“I thought my career was taking off, but then I had a terrible car accident,” Pennington says. “I put away my modeling headshot, grabbed my tool bag, and went back to construction. Nine years later, I got a call to audition for *Trading Spaces*… and the rest is history.”
Pennington first got noticed in Hollywood as a set designer for the 1995 film *Leaving Las Vegas*, starring Nicolas Cage. But it was his role as a builder on *Trading Spaces*—a show that changed how people think about home renovations—that made him famous.
After *Trading Spaces*, Pennington hosted *Extreme Makeover: Home Edition* from 2003 to 2012, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for the show.
When Jesse Tyler Ferguson from *Modern Family* took over hosting in the show’s 11th season and for part of the 2020 revival, Pennington admitted on Instagram that it was tough for him. He felt his ego took a hit and started doubting himself. But he acknowledged that the job was never just about him and still considered it one of his best experiences.
Pennington didn’t let this setback stop him. He returned to *Trading Spaces* for its revival from 2018 to 2019.
Now, he’s a mentor and design expert on HGTV’s *Battle on the Beach*, which is in its third season, and he hosts *Rock the Block*, now in its fourth season.
Pennington has written two books: *Good Design Can Change Your Life: Beautiful Rooms, Inspiring Stories* and *Ty’s Tricks: Home Repair Secrets Plus Cheap and Easy Projects to Transform Any Room.*
He is also open about having ADHD and works to raise awareness about it.
In 2007, when he was 41, he was charged with a DUI. He was put on three years of probation and had to complete a 90-day alcohol program.
“Drinking and driving is never okay. I’ve admitted my mistake and will follow the court’s decision. I hope this experience helps others as much as it has helped me,” he said.
In November 2021, the popular builder married Kellee Merrell, a social media manager from Vancouver, who enjoys his daily funny posts.
Last year, after he posted a funny video of himself on the beach with his shorts hiked up, some fans criticized his now bigger stomach compared to his old six-pack abs. He responded with, “…by the way, I’m pushing my stomach out, but okay…”
The *Extreme Makeover: Home Edition* star, who still looks great, has faced negative comments about his age and appearance.
In a long Instagram post titled “Thoughts on Aging,” Pennington responded to the criticism he received. He reminded people to be kind to both men and women.
He wrote: “What started as a funny moment to make my wife laugh ended up being torn apart by strangers. With lots of views comes a lot of hate! Comments like ‘disgusting,’ ‘gross,’ ‘oh, he’s so old now,’ and ‘he’s gotten fat’ made me wonder if I’d get the same comments if I was still young and fit. There’s a strong movement to accept all body types and aging for women, which is fantastic, but maybe we should offer the same kindness to men?”
Pennington, known for *Trading Spaces*, mentioned that he was much younger when he first appeared on TV.
He said, “I often get comments like ‘What happened to him???’ Someone even said it’s due to ‘lack of exercise,’ which isn’t true. I work out harder than ever—seven days a week (being over 50 is no joke). What happened is that it’s been 22 YEARS since I first appeared on TV! No, I don’t have a six-pack or the same hairstyle, but I have gained wisdom, empathy, and life lessons. At 57, I’ve never been happier! I’m human and I have feelings. Yes, I’m 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?
The Basketball Court Girl: Her Journey Unfolds at 21
“The Basketball Court Girl: A Fate Decided at 21”
Tsyan Hongyan’s story is one of perseverance and hope, serving as a powerful inspiration to people worldwide, especially those with disabilities. Her life demonstrates that no matter the challenges, it’s possible to achieve greatness.
Tsyan lost both of her legs at the age of four in a tragic car accident. Her family, unable to afford prosthetic legs, had to find a way for her to adapt. Initially, her parents carried her, but her grandfather came up with a creative solution: he cut a basketball in half and placed Tsyan inside it, giving her sticks to help her move around.
This unique method of mobility caught the attention of many after a video of Tsyan went viral on social media. She quickly became known around the world as “the basketball girl.”
Tsyan’s determination was nothing short of remarkable. Despite her disability, she found a way to get to school on her own using this improvised “basketball transport,” although the journey took her an hour instead of the typical seven minutes.
At the age of eight, the government stepped in to provide Tsyan with prosthetic legs. With these new legs, Tsyan was able to take her first real steps toward independence.
Her dream, however, extended beyond walking. Tsyan had a deep love for swimming, and with her new prosthetics, she was finally able to pursue it fully. Despite facing many challenges, she set her sights on competing in the Paralympics, a goal that took years of effort and determination to achieve. Her hard work paid off in 2016 when she fulfilled her dream of participating in the Paralympic Games.
Today, Tsyan Hongyan is a celebrated swimming champion, with numerous medals to her name and worldwide recognition for her achievements. Her story reminds us that with perseverance, anything is possible. If Tsyan could overcome her challenges and find success, anyone can.
Feel free to SHARE this inspiring story with your loved ones!
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