Original host
Bob Vila left the show in 1989 following a dispute about doing commercials. According to news reporter Barbara Beck, Vila was fired by WGBH Boston over making TV commercials for Rickel Home Centers, Home Depot's competitor. Home Depot, the show's underwriter, dropped its local sponsorship for This Old House after Vila made the commercials. Vila was fired in an effort to have Home Depot return as a sponsor to the show. Cast members later complained that Vila took up too much screen time, and noted that the show became more of an ensemble production after he left.
