This former model got his big showbiz break during his carpenter day job, when he was tapped to join the crew of the home-improvement cable series
Trading Spaces in 2000. Three years later, this zany handyman earned his own network show,
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which allowed him to shout through a bullhorn, knock down walls and tear up at the sob stories of the families he helped. Pennington's good looks and goofy antics endeared him to audiences and even led to a handful of acting gigs. Off screen, Pennington has designed his own furniture line, played in a one-man band named Barney and authored a how-to book. In May 2007, he tarnished his good-guy image when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Ty Pennington Fast Facts:
- Modeled for J.Crew, Swatch, Body Glove and Land's End.
- Appeared in commercials for Diet Coke, Macy's, Levi's and Sears.
- Adept at carpentry and owns the company Furniture Unlimited, based in L.A.
- Published Ty's Tricks in 2003.
- Was on the cover of the inaugural full-size TV GUIDE magazine (issue of October 17, 2005).
- Ty Pennington Relationships:
- Drea Bock - Significant Other
- Wynn Pennington - Brother
- Yvonne Pennington - Mother
- Ty Pennington Awards:
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Nominee
- 2005 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Winner
- 2006 Emmy: Outstanding Reality Program - Winner
- College:
- The Art Institute of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA (Graphic Design); attended Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, GA
