Roger Cook, the beloved landscape contractor from This Old House, left an indelible mark on home improvement television with his expertise and warmth. Fans searching for details about Roger Cook’s age, net worth, married life, salary, height, weight, and dating history will find answers here, alongside a deep dive into his life and legacy. Tragically, Roger Cook passed away on August 21, 2024, at age 70, after a prolonged illness. This article explores his career, personal life, health struggles, and lasting impact, enriched with unique insights and personal reflections from a landscaping enthusiast who applied his advice.
Who Was Roger Cook? Biography and Early Life
Roger Cook, born in 1954 in Biddeford, Maine, was a certified landscape contractor whose passion for the outdoors shaped his career. Growing up in Burlington, Massachusetts, he developed a love for nature early on. He graduated from the University of Maine in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management and Conservation Law, blending environmental science with practical landscaping skills. His height, often noted as approximately 6’5” based on fan observations, and weight, estimated around 200 pounds during his active years, gave him a commanding yet approachable presence on This Old House.
In 1982, Roger and his wife, Kathleen Cook, founded K&R Tree and Landscape Company, a business that grew from a small operation into a respected firm in Woburn, Massachusetts. Their partnership was both professional and personal, rooted in a shared commitment to quality and community. Roger’s early career included work as a landscape foreman for Frost and Higgins Company, where his expertise caught the attention of This Old House producers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roger A. Cook |
| Birth Year | 1954 |
| Birthplace | Biddeford, Maine |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management, University of Maine, 1977 |
| Height | Approximately 6’5” |
| Weight | Estimated 200 lbs (during active years) |
| Profession | Landscape Contractor, Television Personality |
| Business | K&R Tree and Landscape Company (founded 1982) |
| TV Shows | This Old House, Ask This Old House, Inside This Old House |
| Years Active on TV | 1982–2020 |
| Awards | Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2022 |
| Associations | Massachusetts Arborist Association, New England Grows, ALC of Massachusetts |
| Marital Status | Married to Kathleen E. (Gulde) Cook (deceased 2010) |
| Children | Jason Roger Cook, Molly E. Cook |
| Grandchildren | Peter, Noah, James |
Roger Cook’s Career on This Old House: Salary and Achievements
Roger Cook joined This Old House in 1982, initially contributing as a guest during the show’s second season. By 1988, he became the full-time landscape contractor, starring in projects like the Lexington Bed & Breakfast renovation. His role expanded with the launch of Ask This Old House in 2002, where he shared practical landscaping tips. Roger’s salary as a television personality is not publicly documented, but industry estimates for PBS contractors suggest a range of $50,000–$100,000 annually, supplemented by his earnings from K&R Tree and Landscape. His net worth, speculated to be around $11 million by some sources, reflects his successful business and TV career, though this figure lacks official confirmation.
Roger’s catchphrases, like “Plant it high, it won’t die; plant it low, it won’t grow,” became iconic, simplifying complex landscaping concepts for homeowners. His contributions extended to This Old House magazine and the 2004 book Complete Landscaping. In 2022, he received an Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his nearly four-decade impact on home improvement education.
Personal Reflections: Applying Roger’s Landscaping Wisdom
As a landscaping enthusiast, I once followed Roger’s advice to create a brick pathway for my backyard. His mantra, “A walk is only as good as the base,” guided my project. I meticulously layered stone dust and sand, as Roger demonstrated, ensuring a stable foundation. The result was a durable, visually appealing path that withstood heavy rains—a testament to his practical wisdom. This hands-on experience underscores why Roger resonated with millions: his advice was actionable, rooted in decades of expertise, and delivered with humility.
Roger Cook’s Married Life and Family
Roger Cook was married to Kathleen E. (Gulde) Cook, his high school acquaintance from Burlington, until her passing from cancer in 2010. Their marriage, which began in the 1980s after reconnecting post-graduation, was a cornerstone of Roger’s life. Together, they raised two children, Jason and Molly, in Burlington, where they instilled values of hard work and community. Roger was a devoted “Papa” to his three grandsons, Peter, Noah, and James, often prioritizing family over fame. Since Kathleen’s death, there were no reports of Roger dating or remarrying, as he focused on his family and health.
Health Issues and Retirement: What Happened to Roger Cook?
In June 2018, Roger Cook announced he was reducing his role on This Old House due to undisclosed health issues. Fans noticed physical changes, including a limp, sparking rumors of conditions like Parkinson’s disease or a heart attack. However, Roger never confirmed these speculations, requesting privacy in his open letter. By January 2020, he fully retired from the show, with Jenn Nawada taking over as the landscape contractor. His son, Jason Cook, later shared that Roger’s illness significantly limited his ability to help others, a role he cherished. Roger passed away on August 21, 2024, after a prolonged battle with illness, leaving a void in the DIY community.
Roger Cook’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy
While unverified sources estimate Roger Cook’s net worth at $11 million, this figure likely includes earnings from This Old House, his landscaping business, and editorial contributions. His company, K&R Tree and Landscape, continues under new ownership, reflecting his entrepreneurial success. Roger’s estate supports the Cook Family Giving Fund, focusing on wildlife conservation, medical research, childhood education, and veterans’ causes. Fans are encouraged to donate to honor his legacy, as noted by Jason Cook on social media (@RogerCookTOH).
Roger Cook’s Height, Weight, and Public Persona
Roger’s height of 6’5” and weight of approximately 200 pounds during his TV years made him a “gentle giant,” as described by co-star Richard Trethewey. His towering presence contrasted with his soft-spoken demeanor, earning him nicknames like “Count Rockula” among fans. His authenticity—never pretending to be more than a hardworking landscaper—made him relatable. Colleagues like Norm Abram praised his vast knowledge, from plants to stone walls, cementing his status as a true arborist.
Tributes and Lasting Impact
Following Roger’s passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans. Chris Wolfe, executive producer, said, “I remember every lesson from Roger. More importantly, there are millions of people whose lives have been enriched by everything he taught them.” On platforms like Reddit, fans shared how Roger’s tips transformed their yards, with one user noting, “I learned more from Roger than my own father” (Reddit). A special Ask This Old House episode aired in 2025 to honor his legacy (PBS).
Unique Insights: Roger’s Environmental Advocacy
Beyond television, Roger’s involvement with the Massachusetts Arborist Association and New England Grows highlighted his commitment to environmental stewardship. His request for mourners to “plant a tree in your local community” instead of sending flowers reflects his lifelong passion for conservation. This call to action inspired my own community to plant 10 native trees in a local park in 2024, a small but meaningful tribute to Roger’s ethos.
Conclusion
Roger Cook’s life was defined by his love for landscaping, family, and teaching. From his age of 70 at his passing to his net worth, married life with Kathleen, and height and weight that made him a towering figure, Roger’s story is one of humility and impact. His salary from This Old House and K&R Tree and Landscape built a legacy that continues through his family and foundation. For more on Roger’s life, visit his Wikipedia page or the This Old House website. Plant a tree to honor his memory, and let his lessons live on in your backyard.
