Steve Thomas Rooney

Steve Thomas Rooney is a renowned American television personality, author, and former sailor, born in 1952 in Pomona, California. As the eldest of six siblings, he developed a passion for construction, inspired by his father, who worked in paint manufacturing and engaged in home renovation, and his grandfather, an Episcopal missionary and DIY enthusiast in Arctic Alaska.

Rooney earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he financed his education as a painting contractor and carpenter. After graduation, he returned to California, embarking on his own home renovation projects. In 1980, he married Evelyn Blum, and together they relocated to Massachusetts, where they continued their work on historic homes, including an 1836 Imperial Revival.

Throughout his life, Thomas has blended his love for woodworking with a passion for sailing, spending significant time at sea and traveling over 30,000 miles. A pivotal moment in his career came in 1987 with the publication of "The Last Navigator," inspired by his experiences on the Micronesian island of Satawal, which later became the foundation for a PBS documentary.

In 1989, Rooney was invited to host the iconic renovation series "This Old House," significantly elevating its status to one of the most acclaimed home improvement shows in television history. His contributions earned him a Daytime Emmy Award in 1998. In addition to "The Last Navigator," he has authored several other works, including "This Old House Kitchens," "This Old House Bathrooms," and "This Old House Guide to American Houses." His appearances on major television programs such as "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "Good Morning America" further solidified his influence in the realm of home improvement and design.