Norm Abram, the esteemed master carpenter who recently retired from his iconic role on “This Old House,” was in for an unforgettable birthday gift this year. As he celebratds his 73rd birthday on October 3, a fitting tribute awaied him in the form of a one-hour special, “The House that Norm Built.”
This tribute aired on GBH 2 and be broadcast across the nation on PBS on Monday, October 3 at 9 pm. The special is set to shine a spotlight on his remarkable 43-year career through a collection of classic moments, archived footage, interviews, and heartfelt memories shared by celebrities, friends, peers, and those who have had the privilege of working alongside him.
Reflecting on the upcoming tribute, Norm shared, ”
When I saw a rough cut of it, I got kind of emotional. I’m happy and I love it that people love what I did.”
Norm Abram’s journey into the world of carpentry and home improvement began in his childhood in Milford, Massachusetts. He developed a fascination with all things mechanical and honed his carpentry skills under the guidance of his father, who worked diligently in their basement workshop. Norm’s first foray into the craft involved sweeping up the sawdust at the end of a day’s work.
“Watching him work, I got sucked in,” Norm reminisced. “I got interested in seeing what happens when you make all the moves and cut wood and form something.”
When he eventually got his hands on the saws and tools, he constructed a wooden truck for his sister, despite its initial imperfections. He proudly recalled,
“I made some pretty awful-looking stuff at first, but I was as proud as I could possibly be because I made it.” In over 1,000 episodes of “This Old House,” Norm invited viewers to experience that same sense of accomplishment.
Norm’s journey continued through high school and college, as he worked weekends and vacations for his father’s construction company, ultimately branching out on his own.
Then came a fateful turn of events that would change his life. Norm Abram was discovered by GBH creator Russell Morash, who had commissioned him to build a barn. Impressed by Norm’s craftsmanship, Morash invited him to assist in the renovation of a house in Dorchester, with a GBH camera crew documenting the project for a new series. It was an instant success.
Norm on “This Old House”
Norm Abram served as the master carpenter of “This Old House” from the show’s premiere in 1979 and went on to host “The New Yankee Workshop” a decade later. Collectively, “This Old House” and “Ask This Old House” garnered an impressive 117 Emmy nominations and 20 Emmy wins.
In the 49th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, “This Old House” received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television, Arts & Sciences. Norm humbly attributes much of the success to Russell Morash, stating, “I give all the credit to Russ Morash. He’s the genius in this just as he was with ‘The French Chef’ with Julia Child and Jim Crockett of ‘The Victory Garden.'”
Transitioning into his role on television, Norm adapted with ease. He recalled his early days, saying, “On Day One, Russ said, ‘I want you to go up on the scaffolding, and I want you to talk to host Bob Vila and tell him what the problem is with the eaves.’
And I said, ‘I guess I can do that.'” Norm’s unassuming demeanor, unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, and his trademark plaid shirt endeared him to audiences, making him a cherished figure in the world of home improvement. “This Old House” also played a pivotal role in inspiring a multitude of do-it-yourself home improvement shows.
Norm expressed his preference for educational shows, noting, “I prefer shows like ours that teach. We were all about teaching, and people caught onto that really fast.”
As Norm departs from the program, he has numerous plans on the horizon, including the completion of intricate details at his home in Carlisle and embarking on motor boating adventures with his wife along the New England Coast. Norm remains profoundly touched by the enduring love and support of “This Old House” viewers, saying,
“It blows me away how many people love ‘This Old House.’ I get stopped on the street every day. People often will say, ‘I’m sorry to bother you,’ and I say, ‘Don’t worry about it. It’s because of you that I had a job!'”
Now Norm Wants to enjoy his time with family.
