Bob Vila (born June 20, 1946) is a Cuban-American home improvement television show host, best known for This Old House (1979-1988) and Bob Vila's Home Again .

Bob 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 U.S. Peace Corps volunteer 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 conflict of interests arising from his involvement with Sears. He was replaced by Steve Thomas.

After leaving This Old House, Vila hosted the television program Bob Vila's Home Again. He has written ten books, including a five-book series entitled Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Homes of America. As of 2003 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 sitcom, Home Improvement.

External link

• About Bob at bobvila.com