Roger Cook, the beloved landscaper who became a household name through his nearly four-decade-long tenure on PBS’s iconic home renovation show This Old House, has passed away at the age of 70. His passing was announced by the show’s official website, which confirmed that Cook had been battling a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt press release, This Old House shared, “With tremendous sadness, we bid farewell to our friend and longtime landscape contractor, Roger Cook, who passed away on August 21, 2024, after a long battle with illness.”
Roger Cook first made his appearance on This Old House in the show’s second season back in 1982. His expertise and passion for landscaping quickly made him an integral part of the team. By season 10, in 1988, he had officially become the show’s full-time landscape contractor, a role that he would continue to hold for many years. The show, now preparing for its 46th season, follows a team of skilled professionals as they renovate and restore homes, offering viewers valuable insights and inspiration.
In addition to his work on This Old House, Cook was also a key figure in its sister series, Ask This Old House, which debuted in 2002. This spin-off series focused on do-it-yourself projects and provided answers to specific remodeling questions submitted by viewers. For years, Cook balanced his appearances on both shows, sharing his wealth of knowledge with millions of viewers. Unfortunately, due to health issues, Cook had to step back from the franchise in 2020.
Reflecting on Cook’s impact, This Old House executive producer Chris Wolfe remarked, “I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything Roger taught them.”
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Colleagues and fans alike remember Cook as a “gentle giant” and “big-hearted” individual, with some even calling him “America’s landscape legend.” His contributions to the show and the field of landscaping left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure in many households across the country.
Roger Cook was born in 1954 in Burlington, Massachusetts. He pursued his passion for the outdoors by attending the University of Maine, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law in 1977. After completing his education, Cook returned to Massachusetts and became a certified landscape contractor. In 1982, he and his wife Kathleen founded their own landscaping business, K&R Landscape, specializing in both plant care and hardscaping projects.
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Cook’s son, Jason, shared touching memories of his father, saying, “Dad spent his entire life helping people—friends, family, and customers. One of the biggest regrets with his illness was that he could no longer help people in the same way.” In honor of Cook’s legacy, his family has established the Cook Family Giving Fund, which will support causes close to his heart, including wildlife and land conservation, medical research, childhood education, and military veterans.
Roger Cook’s life was also marked by personal tragedy. His wife, Kathleen, passed away from cancer in 2010. He is survived by his son Jason, daughter Molly, brother Greg, daughter-in-law Anna, and three grandsons: Peter, Noah, and James.
As fans and colleagues mourn the loss of Roger Cook, his legacy as a master landscaper and a generous soul will continue to inspire and impact many for years to come. Donations to the Cook Family Giving Fund can be made in his memory to support the causes he cared about most.