Kevin O’Connor has been appearing as host of the Emmy Award-winning series This Old House and Ask This Old House since 2003.
He is the host of the podcast Clearstory, he published a book The Best Homes of This Old House, and he also has hosted shows for the DIY and History’s H2 networks.
O’Connor’s first day on set in 2003 didn’t go exactly as planned. In his debut episode, he arrived late to the Ask This Old House loft, prompting Tom Silva to greet him with “You’re late. Tom doesn’t like to be kept waiting for his coffee.” Richard Trethewey welcomed him aboard but immediately asked, “Did you study your lines?” Despite the rocky start, O’Connor quickly found his footing and has been hosting both shows ever since.
Before joining This Old House in 2003, Kevin brought a unique perspective shaped by his Newark roots. During a recent project visit, he returned to his high school with the crew, where Father Edwin, his former headmaster, still serves. “St. Benedict’s men,” Kevin greeted current students, reflecting the values that would later inform his approach to community-focused renovations.
Kevin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master’s of Business Administration degree from Boston University. Prior to his television career, Kevin worked for Bank of America as a Senior Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Group and before that in the Sports Finance Group at Fleet Bank.
Kevin’s transition from finance to television came after years in commercial real estate, experience that now informs his understanding of urban development. He’s witnessed firsthand how abandoned properties can be transformed—from Detroit’s vacant houses being restored as literary centers to Boston’s Dudley Square renovation that turned a vacant lot into a $12 million mixed-use development with 42 apartments.
Originally from New Jersey, Kevin lives with his wife and three children in a home north of Boston.
Follow him on Facebook, Twitter @kevinoconnortoh, Instagram @kevinoconnortoh, and TikTok.
