Bob Vila
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Robert J. "Bob" Vila (born June 20, 1946) is a Cuban-American home improvement television show host, best known for This Old House (1979–1988), Bob Vila's Home Again (1989–2005) and Bob Vila (2005– ).
Vila, a native of Miami, Florida received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 1969. After graduating, he served as a volunteer in the United States Peace Corps, working in Panama from 1971 to 1973.
Vila was hired as the host of This Old House after receiving the "Heritage House of 1978" award by Better Homes and Gardens for his restoration of a Victorian Italianate house in Newton, Massachusetts. On This Old House, Vila appeared with master carpenter Norm Abram as they, and others, renovated houses. In 1989 he left the show, apparently due to a series of conflicts with This Old House executive producer Russell Morash arising from his involvement with outside commercial endorsements. He was replaced by Steve Thomas.
After leaving This Old House, Vila became a commercial spokesman for Sears and hosted the television program Bob Vila's Home Again which was renamed Bob Vila in 2005. He has written ten books, including a five-book series titled Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Homes of America. As of 2006 he still appears regularly on television.
Bob Vila has also appeared on various episodes of Tool Time, the fictional handyman cable TV show within the situation comedy, Home Improvement and made a cameo in the 1993 comedy spoof Hot Shots! Part Deux.
External links
- [Bob Vila Biography at bobvila.com]
- [Bob Vila TV Show at bobvila.com]
- [Bob Vila's Home Again at bobvila.com]
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