Bob Vila, a native of Miami, Florida, received a BS in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1969. He then served as US Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama from 1971 to 1973.
Bob was hired as the host of "This Old House" after receiving "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" Bob 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 because of his involvement with Sears, and was replaced by Steve Thomas.
After leaving "This Old House", Bob created "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.
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