From "TV Preview," October 5, 2003 By Taylor Michaels
TV Q & A
Q: What happened to Steve Thomas from "This Old House"? He disappeared without explanation. Laurie
A: There's no dirty little secret. It's simply that after 14 years on "This Old House," Thomas wanted to move on to other things, reportedly including some new projects on the DIY Network. He left under very amicable terms and will continue to be seen in repeats of older episodes of "This Old House."
New host Kevin O'Connor is still in "pinch me, I must be dreaming" mode. The former bank executive landed his "House" gig through sheer serendipity, after he and his wife, Kathleen, e-mailed "Ask This Old House" for tips on renovating their first home, a Queen Anne Victorian.
To the couple's shock, a "This Old House" crew showed up to offer advice and assistance, and the show's producers noticed O'Connor's easy on-camera rapport with the "House" team. He spent much of the past summer at "This Old House boot camp" with master carpenter Norm Abram, general contractor Tom Silva, heating and plumbing guru Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook. "My friends are so jealous O'Connor laughs.