As a handsome carpenter, Ty Pennington rose to fame; nevertheless, he no longer looks the same. Regretfully, the 58-year-old celebrity has experienced criticism and bullying on social media. He has been dubbed “disgusting,” “fat,” and “gross” by others. Ty finally had enough, and his most recent response to the critics is outstanding.
Several people have fallen in love with Ty Pennington, the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ever since he made an appearance on the well-liked BBC show Trading Spaces, where he worked as a carpenter. Being incredibly talented and attractive, it was no surprise that Ty was asked to host one of the greatest programs for the underprivileged.
Ty was in the spotlight as the show’s host, but being on the set had its costs. He had a hard time finding time for himself.
“I went ten years without seeing my family or a partner. In 2019, he told The Atlanta Constitution, “I would go out again, come home, do laundry.”
“My God! People from the old TV show exclaimed when they saw me. You look fantastic! I slept for a while! I think my appearance has improved significantly from the time I was on the show.
To be honest, Ty wasn’t always interested in being a builder. Instead, he intended to become a graphic designer and worked in construction to help pay for art school. However, his modeling career was derailed by a near-fatal car accident, so he resorted to carpentry.
“My career appeared to take off overnight. Sadly, fate had other ideas. I would be in a terrible vehicle accident only a week later,” he posted on Instagram. “I put my one good headshot on display, grabbed my handy tool bag, and returned to carpentry and construction. I received an audition call for Trading Spaces nine years later, and the rest is history.
He first made his Hollywood debut as a set designer for Nicholas Cage’s 1995 picture Leaving Las Vegas, but it wasn’t until he appeared as a builder on Trading Spaces—the show that upended preconceived notions about home remodeling—that he became well-known.
Ty moved on to other endeavors when Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which had won him two Prime Time Emmy Awards, was canceled back in 2011. He appeared on The Revolution, an ABC chat show, and then On The Menu and American Diner Revival, two cookery programs. In addition, he launched a design store in Los Angeles. In addition to participating in the third season of Deluxe Corporation’s Small Business Revolution: Main Street, Ty renovated Trading Spaces in 2018. He was seen hosting Battle on the Beach most recently.
He wasn’t asked to return to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition when the show recently aired again, but he insisted there are no ill will or ill blood.
Ty currently hosts the program Rock the Block and serves as a mentor and design consultant on HGTV’s Battle on the Beach.
In November 2021, Ty tied the knot with 33-year-old Kellee Merrell, a social media manager. He announced the wonderful news on Instagram by sharing a picture with the remark, “It’s the ‘yes’ for me,” and proposed to her with a stunning tea-drop-shaped diamond ring.
Although they have known each other for a long time, they didn’t begin dating until last year when they happened to cross paths.
“I’ve long admired Kellee from a distance. Ty told People, “She’s a beautiful person on the inside and out.”
Fortunately, the proper moment finally came for our paths to cross. It’s one of those situations where being with someone makes you feel content. She altered my perception of marriage, which I had never held. I’m happy I held out for the one.
After several viewers pointed out that he no longer had a six-pack, the host shared a humorous video of him from the beach last year with his shorts hiked up to his stomach. He also remarked that “he was pushing his stomach out.”
“What was an honest moment of just trying to make my wife laugh, was then picked apart by strangers- with a lot of views, comes a lot of hate!” he said in a lengthy Instagram post titled “Thoughts on Aging,” in response to the criticism. Remarks such as “gross,” “disgusting,” “grandpa,” “he got fat,” “omg he’s so old now,” etc.And I pondered whether I would receive the same remarks if I was still in good health. “Maybe we should extend the same grace to men as we do to women? There has been such a force behind accepting all shapes and sizes and aging in the female community, which is AWESOME (keep it coming),” he said.
Of course, he was much younger than he is now when he made his television debut.
“Every day, I get a ton of comments like, ‘NOOOo, what happened to him????’ The other day, I heard someone say, “lack of exercise,” which I hope was accurate! Seven days a week, I work out harder than I have ever worked out in my life (this over 50 sh*t is no joke). It’s been 22 years since my television debut, so here’s what occurred! He penned. “No, I don’t have a six pack or a gorgeous head of hair with frosted tips anymore, but at 57 years old, I’ve never been happier! I do, however, have wisdom, empathy, and life lessons! All of this is to indicate, nevertheless, that I am a human being with feelings. Yes, I am older, but that’s kind of cool, in my opinion.
In our opinion, he looks fantastic.
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Simple Man Learns Everyone at Career Day Thinks He’s Rich & Decides to Play Along – Story of the Day
For Will, Career Day was a chance to spend more time with his son Kevin and strengthen their bond. However, when he arrived at the school, he realized his son was ashamed of him. Will’s honest work as a garbage truck driver wasn’t enough for Kevin, so he decided to play along with his son’s lie.
Late in the evening, the sound of the front door creaking open echoed through the quiet house. Will stepped inside, his shoulders slumped and his boots dragging slightly on the floor. His face was smudged with dirt, and the faint scent of oil and metal lingered on his clothes.
Leslie, sitting on the couch with a folded laundry basket beside her, looked up as he entered. She set the basket aside and walked over, her expression calm but tired.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“You’re late again…” she said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
Will sighed and dropped his work bag near the door.
“I know… sorry. One of the garbage trucks broke down, so I had to cover their route. Couldn’t leave it undone, and—well, you know—we could use the extra money.”
Leslie nodded, folding her arms.
“I understand. But I’m worried about Kevin…”
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Will straightened slightly. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at school?”
“No, school’s fine,” she replied, shaking her head. “But he barely sees you anymore. You’re working so much, and I’m not sure he understands why.”
Will’s expression softened. “I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, Les. Everything I do, I do for his future.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Leslie smiled gently, placing a hand on his arm. “I know, dear. I know.”
Will knocked gently on Kevin’s door, letting his knuckles barely tap against the wood.
The house was quiet, except for the faint hum of the heater. He pushed the door open slowly, peeking in with a playful grin despite the heavy bags under his eyes.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, kiddo! How are you?” he asked, his voice soft but warm.
Kevin sat cross-legged on his bed, a book in his hands, though it didn’t look like he was reading it.
“Hi, Dad. I’m fine,” he said without looking up.
“Not asleep yet? Got a few minutes to chat?” Will stepped inside, his voice teasing but gentle.
“Sure…” Kevin set the book down reluctantly and glanced at his father.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Will sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.
“How’s school? Everything going okay? No fights with your classmates or anything?”
Kevin shrugged. “Yeah, it’s fine.”
Will raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Fine? Come on, you can give me more than that.”
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Kevin smirked a little but stayed quiet.
“Oh!” Will said, sitting up straighter. “I almost forgot—tomorrow’s Career Day at your school! I’ll take the day off to come. Don’t worry, I won’t miss it.”
Kevin’s face fell slightly, and he looked away.
“You don’t have to, Dad…” he said softly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Will tilted his head, watching his son carefully.
“I want to,” he said firmly. “Don’t worry about it. For you, I’ll always make time. Now get some rest, buddy. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
Kevin hesitated, then mumbled, “Goodnight.” He turned onto his side, facing the wall.
Will reached out, lightly ruffling Kevin’s hair before standing.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
He paused at the door, glancing back at his son with a faint smile, then quietly closed the door behind him.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windshield as Will drove Kevin to school. Will had traded his usual work uniform for a navy suit and tie, a combination that felt unfamiliar and stiff.
Kevin sat silently in the passenger seat, his face turned toward the window. His fingers fidgeted with the strap of his backpack, and his usual chatter was replaced by a heavy quietness.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Will glanced at him, the silence too loud to ignore. “What’s wrong, kiddo?” he asked, keeping his tone light.
Kevin shrugged but didn’t turn away from the window.
“I don’t feel well. I don’t want to go to school today,” he muttered.
Will frowned, his eyes darting between the road and his son.
“Come on, you’re fine. Are you nervous about something?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“No…” Kevin replied softly, his voice trailing off.
Will didn’t push.
“Don’t worry. It’ll be okay,” he said, though he couldn’t help but wonder if Kevin was hiding something.
When they arrived at the school, Kevin hesitated before opening the door.
Will waited, his hand resting on the gear shift, watching his son wrestle with some unspoken emotion.
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Finally, Kevin sighed, pushed open the door, and got out. Will followed, his concern lingering like a shadow.
Inside the classroom, rows of parents sat in folding chairs at the back while the children clustered together at their desks.
Will found a seat, adjusting his tie as he scanned the room. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter and excitement.
A tall man in an expensive suit approached Will, offering a polished smile. “You must be Kevin’s dad, right?”
Will nodded. “Yes. How’d you know?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Our boys are friends. Your son talks a lot about you and your work,” the man said, crossing his arms.
“Really?” Will said, eyebrows rising. “I didn’t think he was that interested in what I do.”
The man chuckled. “Well, he’s proud of you. Told everyone you own a waste recycling business.”
Will froze. “A recycling business?” he repeated, the words sticking in his throat.
“Yeah! Or did I get that wrong?” The man tilted his head. “Kids exaggerate sometimes. You know how it is.”
Will’s stomach tightened. He wasn’t a business owner—he drove a garbage truck. Admitting that now would mean exposing Kevin’s lie.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The image of his son’s anxious face flashed through his mind, and the thought of Kevin being humiliated in front of his peers was too much to bear.
“Yeah,” Will said finally, forcing a smile. “I’m not used to people knowing about it. I usually keep work stuff private.”
The man nodded, seemingly satisfied, and walked away.
Will’s chest felt heavy, but he tried to shake it off as the teacher stepped to the front of the room.
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“Next, let’s hear from Kevin’s dad,” she announced, motioning for him to come forward.
Will stood, smoothing his suit nervously as he walked to the front. He glanced at Kevin, who sat stiffly, staring at his desk.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Will, Kevin’s dad. As some of you already know, I own a waste recycling business,” he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.
Kevin’s head shot up, his eyes wide with relief. A small smile crept across his face as he looked at his father.
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The children leaned forward, listening intently, and the parents nodded approvingly—all except the man in the expensive suit, whose expression soured.
Will smiled through it, feeling a mixture of pride and sadness. For now, he had protected Kevin, and that was what mattered most.
After the presentations, the classroom was abuzz with chatter. Kevin stood near his desk, surrounded by a group of classmates. They grinned and chattered excitedly.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Your dad’s job is so cool!” one kid said.
“Yeah, owning a recycling business? That’s awesome,” another added.
Kevin smiled faintly, but his eyes kept darting toward the back of the room.
Will sat alone on a bench, his hands resting on his knees, staring at the floor. Something about his posture—a mix of exhaustion and quiet sadness—made Kevin’s chest feel tight.
Excusing himself from the group, Kevin walked over to his dad. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Dad… about your job…” Kevin’s voice was soft, almost unsure.
Will looked up, his tired eyes meeting his son’s.
“It’s okay, son,” he said gently. “I hope everything went better than you expected. I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of your friends. I’m sorry my job isn’t… prestigious. I really try my best.”
Kevin shook his head quickly. “Dad… your job is awesome. You’re awesome.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Will raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint, skeptical smile. “Then why did you tell everyone I’m a business owner?”
Kevin looked down, fidgeting with the strap of his backpack.
“It was Rob,” he admitted quietly.
“He’s always bragging about his dad selling cars and how much money he makes. I… I lied. I said you owned a recycling business. Then everyone started talking about it, and I didn’t know how to take it back. I didn’t want to look stupid.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Will nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.
“It’s okay, son. I understand,” he said after a moment. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll make that lie true someday. Maybe I can start my own business.”
Kevin stared at his dad, his guilt giving way to a sudden determination. Without another word, he turned and strode back toward the front of the classroom.
“Listen, everyone!” Kevin’s voice rang out, loud and clear. The chatter stopped, and all eyes turned to him. Will’s heart skipped a beat as he watched his son.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“My dad drives a garbage truck!” Kevin announced, his voice steady.
The room went silent. Kids stared at Kevin, some whispering to each other, others wide-eyed. Even the parents stopped their conversations.
Kevin straightened his back and continued, his voice unwavering.
“He’s not a business owner, and he’s not the richest, but I don’t care! I love my dad. He loves me and my mom, and I’m proud of him!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
For a moment, the room stayed quiet, and Kevin held his breath.
Then, one of the parents applauded. Slowly, others joined in.
Soon, most of the parents were smiling and applauding as well—except Rob’s father, who sat stiffly, his face sour.
Kevin turned back to his dad, beaming.
“I love you, Dad. And I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Will’s throat tightened as tears pricked at his eyes. He stood, pulling Kevin into a hug.
“Thank you, son. I love you too,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
In that moment, Will didn’t care about titles or appearances.
His son’s love and pride were more than enough.
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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Margaret loved her husband and did everything he asked of her, which was a lot. But for years, she hadn’t been on the receiving end of that love. She had resigned herself to the idea that her life would always be this way—until she opened a strange box beneath the Christmas tree. Read the full story here.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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