What happened to Roger Cook on This Old House? Health Issues?

Roger Cook, a renowned garden and landscape contractor, made his mark on the popular PBS home renovation program This Old House from 1988 to 2020. Throughout his tenure, he also made appearances on the associated shows Ask This Old House and Inside This Old House.

In 1977, Cook earned a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management and conservation law from the University of Maine.

As a certified landscape contractor in Massachusetts, he actively participated in the Massachusetts Arborist Association and held leadership positions, including president of the board of directors of New England Grows and the Association of Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts.

In 1982, Cook, along with his wife Kathleen, established K & R Tree and Landscape Company, a venture that he continues to own and operate.

Cook’s introduction to This Old House dates back to 1982 when he first appeared on the show. At the time, he worked as a landscape foreman for a private company and contributed his expertise to various This Old House projects, such as the Bigelow Ranch and the Woburn House.

In 1988, Cook’s involvement elevated as he became a full-time cast member, specializing as the show’s esteemed garden and landscape contractor.

Beyond his television appearances, Cook has played an influential role in This Old House’s editorial endeavors.

He serves on the editorial board of This Old House magazine and has contributed to the publication of Complete Landscaping, a collaborative effort between This Old House Books and Sunset Books released in 2004.

In June 2018, Cook made the difficult decision to reduce his involvement in the television programs due to undisclosed health concerns. Despite this, his contributions and expertise continued to be valued by the show and its audience.

Cook resides in Burlington, Massachusetts, alongside his two children. Additionally, he enjoys spending time at his cottage located on Cape Cod, embracing the natural beauty that surrounds him.

On January 7, 2020, during a segment on The Tonight Show, Kevin O’Connor, the host of This Old House, announced Cook’s complete departure from the show. Jenn Nawada, a familiar face who had made multiple guest appearances, was chosen as Cook’s successor, marking a new chapter for the program.

Health Issues

the renowned landscaper, Roger Cook, made a significant health announcement, revealing that he was grappling with multiple medical conditions. Concerns arose about the fate of Roger Cook from This Old House, prompting the landscaper to address the situation in an open letter. In this heartfelt message, Cook expressed his deep appreciation for the years he spent on the show, emphasizing his enduring pride in being a part of the esteemed cast.Grateful for the connections he had forged, he extended his heartfelt gratitude to the friends and family he had gained during his tenure. However, Cook candidly shared that his health challenges necessitated a reduction in his television roles. The decision was not taken lightly, as he held immense passion for his work, but prioritizing his well-being was paramount. Viewers of This Old House may have observed that Cook began to walk with a noticeable limp, which sparked speculations and rumors regarding his health, specifically suggesting that he might be dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition characterized by a decline in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells.

This progressive ailment can lead to issues such as impaired balance, slowed movement, and even resting tremors. It’s worth noting that similar symptoms can also manifest in individuals who have experienced a stroke or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Note: This are all the rumors and speculations from the viewers as Roger himself hasn’t revealed anything concrete about his health issues. The only official statement released by Roger Cook is a message before leaving the show in 2020. he wrote on the official site and i quote,

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce I am stepping away from This Old House and Ask This Old House to focus on family and the things I love. With a great team in place, and wonderful customers, our work at K&R Landscape will continue as before. While I’d love nothing more than to continue appearing on the shows, I can no longer participate as I’d like. But I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still spend time with Kevin, Richard, Tommy, Norm and the entire team. There’s nothing like that group of pros … and human beings. I’m truly blessed to have worked with the best in the business. My friend and fellow pro Jenn Nawada will now serve as the Landscape Contractor for the show, an honor she richly deserves. It’s been an absolute honor being part of the show all these years. I’m proud of what we created, and that we’ve touched so many fans. Thank you for all of the good wishes and support.”