Love It or List It host Hilary Farr is no stranger to helping clients make monumental decisions about their dream homes. But when she’s not busy renovating spaces for HGTV, this British-Canadian designer spends her time with her family, including her son, Josh Farr, and her adorable grandchildren. Hilary’s life is a blend of creativity, family, and design, and she has built a legacy that spans decades in both entertainment and interior design.
Born in Canada in 1952, Hilary Farr embarked on a journey that took her to London, where she developed a passion for theater and interior design. Her early years were filled with performances on stage, but her love for design remained a constant companion. When she moved to Los Angeles, she pursued both her passions with fervor—renovating homes while also landing roles in films. One of her most iconic roles came in 1975 when she played Betty Munroe in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Canadian television producer Gordon Farr. The couple tied the knot in 1982, marking the beginning of a long and loving marriage that lasted over two decades.
Hilary and Gordon welcomed their only child, Josh, during their marriage, which spanned over two decades. Although the couple divorced in 2008, Hilary continued to travel between California and Canada to film Love It or List It. She purchased a charming home in Toronto, where she could spend quality time with her son. This house became a sanctuary for both Hilary and Josh, filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.
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In a heartfelt interview during a home tour on Today in July 2020, Hilary shared her experiences of raising Josh in her Toronto home. “This is where my son was growing up,” she reminisced. “It was full of hairy, smelly teenage boys raiding the fridge, making a horrible mess, and being noisy. But honestly, it was all fine. I would just close the doors and hang out in my own space.” Her words paint a vivid picture of the lively and loving environment she created for her family.
Today, Josh is a married father of three beautiful children—a testament to the love and values passed down through generations. In a touching Mother’s Day video in May 2020, Josh and his children surprised Hilary with a heartfelt message. “As you can see, I haven’t been to the barber in a while,” Josh joked, “which reminds me of a story from when I was really little and you tried to cut my hair. You were trimming around my ear, and you actually cut me! I never forgot it, so that’s why my hair is so long today. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. We can’t wait to see you in person.”
On the same Mother’s Day, Hilary shared her own video, reflecting on the legacy of her late mother, who instilled in her a deep love for nature and the outdoors. “That love of nature is something incredible,” Hilary said. “My mother gave me that, along with so many other things, and now my own son also loves nature, loves animals, and is passing those values onto his own children. There’s a beautiful continuity here—my mother to me, and me to my son. It’s truly miraculous to me.”