If you grew up watching a high-pitched orange cat build cakes in a digital garden, you probably feel a weird sense of nostalgia just hearing the word "HELLOOO!"
Joseph Garrett, the man behind the legendary Stampylonghead persona, basically raised a generation of Minecraft players. But time moves fast. One minute you're watching him build a dog house, and the next, you're wondering where the years went.
So, let's get right to it. Joseph Garrett was born on December 13, 1990. As we sit here in 2026, that makes Stampy 35 years old. He’ll be hitting the big 36 this coming December.
It’s kind of wild to think about, right? For many of us, he’s frozen in time as this energetic 20-something guy who just really liked playing with his friends in a "Lovely World." But the reality is that Joe has been in the content game for nearly two decades. He isn't that kid in his bedroom anymore—he’s a veteran of the industry who has seen the entire landscape of the internet shift beneath his feet.
Why People Are Still Asking About Stampy’s Age
It’s not just a random "how old is stampylonghead" Google search for most people. It’s usually triggered by that sudden realization that we are getting older, too.
Most of Stampy’s core audience started watching him around 2012 or 2013. If you were ten back then, you’re in your mid-twenties now. Seeing Joe Garrett as a 35-year-old man feels like a reality check. Honestly, it’s a testament to how long he stayed relevant. Most YouTubers burn out after three years. Stampy kept the lights on in his Lovely World for over a decade.
There’s also the "soft retirement" factor.
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Back in October 2023, Joe finally closed the book on Stampy's Lovely World. Episode 823, titled "Thanks For Watching," was the end of an era. When a creator stops their main series, people naturally wonder what they’re up to. Is he retired? Is he "too old" for Minecraft?
Spoiler: You’re never really too old for Minecraft, but Joe definitely felt it was time to move on to different creative outlets.
The Journey from Portsmouth to Internet Icon
To understand the man at 35, you’ve gotta look at where he started. Joseph Garrett didn't just stumble into fame; he actually studied TV and video production at Solent University. He knew how to frame a shot and tell a story before he ever placed his first block of dirt.
- 2006: He starts the "stampylongnose" channel. It’s mostly live-action skits and animations.
- 2011: The "stampylonghead" channel is born.
- 2012: The first episode of Stampy’s Lovely World drops.
- 2014: He becomes one of the top ten most-viewed channels on the planet.
Think about that for a second. In 2014, Joe was roughly 23 or 24 years old. He was at the absolute peak of global internet fame while most people his age were just trying to figure out how to pay rent.
He handled it with a level of grace you don't see much today. He kept things family-friendly. He didn't chase scandals. He just... played. He even worked with the BBC and Disney, bringing the Stampy Cat character into the mainstream long before "influencer" was a standard job title.
What Is Joseph Garrett Doing in 2026?
You might think that after ending his 823-episode saga, he’d just disappear into the English countryside. And yeah, he’s definitely taking it easier, but he hasn't vanished.
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Joe has always been a writer at heart. Lately, he’s been focusing heavily on his novel series. He even went back to school for a bit to take a Creative Writing course. It’s a cool pivot—moving from digital storytelling in a sandbox game to traditional world-building on the page.
He also still pops up on The Bonus Points, a channel where he plays games with his friend David Spencer (better known as iBallisticSquid). It’s a much more relaxed vibe. No scripts, no "Lovely World" lore to maintain—just two guys who have been friends for half their lives playing games.
Life After the Cat Suit
In terms of his personal life, Joe has been through some changes. He married fellow creator Kye Bates (Sqaishey Quack) in 2019. However, more recent updates from late 2024 and 2025 indicated they had separated. It’s a reminder that behind the upbeat avatar and the "Stampy" persona, there’s a real person navigating the same ups and downs the rest of us deal with.
He’s also been working with 4J Studios (the folks who handled the console versions of Minecraft for years). It’s a full-circle moment. The guy who made their game famous is now helping them on the professional side.
The Legacy of a 35-Year-Old Gamer
A lot of people think the "Golden Age" of YouTube is dead. Maybe it is. But Stampy’s age represents something bigger than just a number on a birthday cake. He represents the first wave of creators who proved that you could build a career—a real, lasting, decades-long career—by just being a kind person online.
He never relied on "clickbait" or drama. He didn't need a "mansion tour" or a fleet of supercars. He just needed a microphone, a character, and a sense of wonder.
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If you're looking for actionable ways to keep up with Joe today or want to relive that nostalgia, here’s how to do it:
1. Check out the Minecraft Marketplace. In late 2024, Joe worked to get the official "Lovely World" map onto the Minecraft Marketplace. If you want to walk through the Funland or visit the Cake Shop yourself, you actually can now. It’s the best way to see the sheer scale of what he built over 11 years.
2. Follow "The Bonus Points."
If you miss the banter but don't want the kid-focused energy of the old channel, this is where Joe is most "himself." It's great background noise for when you're working or gaming.
3. Keep an eye out for his books.
Joe isn't just a "YouTuber" anymore; he’s an author. His transition into fiction is something any long-time fan should support, especially if you enjoyed the narrative arcs he created with characters like Hit The Target and Veeva Dash.
Stampy might be 35, but the impact he had on the early 2010s internet is permanent. He’s a reminder that even in a world that feels increasingly cynical, there’s still room for a guy who just wants to build a nice world and share it with everyone.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to dive back in, start by watching the final episode of Stampy’s Lovely World. It’s a bittersweet 20-minute masterclass in how to say goodbye to a project you've lived in for a third of your life. Afterward, head over to the Minecraft Marketplace to download the official map and explore the builds that defined a generation.