Chip Gaines ‘Knows How Incredibly Blessed He Is’ as He Approaches 50: ‘I’ve Never Been Happier!

He admits he still thinks of himself as a “little boy.” Lovable goofball and self-described “Peter Pan” type Chip Gaines is known for his fearless pratfalls, immature jokes and giddy “demo day” hijinks — all while wife Joanna rolls her eyes. But the reality star is now facing a milestone birthday. 

“When you’ve always evaluated yourself through a childlike lens, how does that coexist with a 50-year-old reality?” Chip, who hits the half-century mark on November 14, told Drew Barrymore on her talk show recently. “I feel conflicted.” It’s time to grow up. 

“He’s usually not one to care so much about these kinds of things, but turning 50 has really given Chip pause,” says a source, noting that Chip has been doing hard manual labor for most of his life, “and that catches up with you. But he’s also so grateful for everything that work has brought him.” 

Over 21 years of marriage, he and Joanna have not only built a $50 million Magnolia empire — from a T.V. network to their thriving Waco, Texas, businesses — but are also raising five happy, healthy kids. 

“I’m torn in the sense that … from a family standpoint, I’ve never been happier. But then my knees ache in the morning,” Chip admitted on the Today show in October. “Maybe I’m just getting started.” 

Focus on the Future

He’s beginning a new chapter for sure. He and Joanna, 46, have branched out from their home reno background to churn out multiple new reality shows (see sidebar). The latest is silly competition show Human vs. Hamster, which Chip says he dreamed up after seeing Jason Kelce rip off his shirt at the AFC Championship this year and thought, “I wish I was furrier.” 

That’s a lot for a couple who still don’t own a T.V. 

“When they left Fixer Upper, everyone thought it was so they could slow down,” notes the source. But for Chip, who’s called himself a “serial entrepreneur,” it’s more about control. 

“He was exhausted from always having to be funny on cue,” adds the source. “Now he can focus more on their businesses and behind-the-scenes work. Obviously he’s got this goofy personality in real life as well as onscreen, but don’t let that fool you — he wouldn’t have gotten this far if he didn’t know what he was doing.” 

And while Chip is coming to terms with his maturity, Joanna is finally embracing her husband’s mindset. 

“Chip is all about surprises and spontaneity,” she told Drew. “I’ve learned it’s just more fun to let go. At the end of the day, when I look back I just want to remember the moments.” 

Chip’s birthday will be one of them. “Joanna is planning a special celebration for him with the whole family,” says the source. “Chip may complain about little aches and pains, but he knows how incredibly blessed he is. His life turned out better than he could have ever imagined.”