Jan. 13, 2020
Statement from This Old House CEO, Dan Suratt:
“For over 35 years, Roger Cook has provided expert landscaping and gardening advice to millions upon millions of viewers. But perhaps more importantly, he has displayed a sense of humor and warmth while going about his craft. As he stepped back from This Old House and Ask This Old House the last few seasons, Roger has maintained that grace and good-natured attitude, and endeared himself even more to his fans. He also continued to welcome landscaper Jenn Nawada into This Old House family as they worked alongside each other and she became a regular fixture on the shows. Today we welcome Jenn as the next This Old House Landscape Contractor, and thank Roger for representing the best of This Old House. Quite simply, This Old House would not be what it has become without Roger and all his contributions and he will always remain a member of the This Old House family. We thank Roger from the bottom of our hearts for all of his hard work and dedication to This Old House – we are forever grateful.”
From the Archives: In a 2018 letter to fans published in This Old House Magazine, Roger Cook wrote: “I am extremely proud to have been part of This Old House for more than 35 years. I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge of and passion for landscaping. And my life has been greatly enriched by the professional relationships and friendships I’ve formed over the years.”
Statement from Roger Cook:
“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.”
Passing the torch: Jenn Nawada recalled asking Roger’s blessing before accepting the role. “I asked his permission because I said, ‘I can’t take this position without you saying it’s okay,'” Jenn shared. “He said, ‘Carry on the passion.’ And I said, ‘Okay. I’m not gonna let you down.'” Jenn also reflected on how Roger mentored her on set: “Roger took me under his wings on the show because I just was like, ‘How do you do this? How do you teach with a camera in your face and all this activity and commotion going on?’ And he just was like… ‘Just do what you do when you’re implementing a project on your own.’ And then he said, ‘And one tip — it’s always easier to do with a shovel in your hand.'”
