Hilary Farr age and height often spark curiosity among fans of HGTV’s home renovation shows, but there is so much more to this talented British-Canadian designer, television host, and former actress. At 74 years old and standing at an impressive 5 feet 9 inches tall, Hilary brings confidence, style, and straight-talking advice to every project she touches.
Known for her sharp eye and no-nonsense approach on Love It or List It, Hilary has helped countless families fall back in love with their homes. Born Hilary Elizabeth Labow, she started as an actress in cult classics before building a thriving career in interior design and TV. Her story mixes creativity, resilience, and a love for turning ordinary spaces into something special. Whether you watch her for design tips or just enjoy her warm personality, Hilary Farr stands out as a true icon in the world of home makeovers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hilary Elizabeth Farr (née Labow) |
| Also Known As / Nicknames | Hilary Labow (acting credits) |
| Date of Birth / Age | August 31, 1951 (74 years old as of 2026) |
| Birthplace / Hometown | Toronto, Ontario, Canada (raised in London, England) |
| Nationality | British-Canadian |
| Primary Occupation | Interior designer and television host |
| Other Roles | Businesswoman, former actress, real estate investor |
| Genres / Fields | Home renovation, reality TV, interior design |
| Active Years | 1970s to present |
| Breakthrough Year | 2008 (Love It or List It) |
| Notable Works | Love It or List It (2008-2023), Tough Love with Hilary Farr (2021-present), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) |
| Awards & Honors | Multiple HGTV fan favorites and viewer awards (specific individual honors not publicly detailed) |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Children | One son, Joshua Farr (born 1983) |
| Education & Training | Royal Ballet School (London, until age 11), Toronto Metropolitan University |
| Official Social Media Handles | Instagram: @hilary_farr |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8 million (approximate, based on industry sources) |
Hilary Farr was born on August 31, 1951, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her mother came from Britain and followed the Anglican faith, while her father was Canadian and Jewish. She grew up celebrating traditions from both sides of her family, which gave her an early sense of openness and cultural mix.
When she was young, the family moved to London, England. Life there shaped her in big ways. Hilary loved the theater scene and dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. She trained at the prestigious Royal Ballet School, but a growth spurt at age 11 changed her path. Instead of giving up on performing, she turned to acting and theater. Helping her mother decorate their family home also planted the first seeds of her love for interior design.
Those early years in London taught her to blend creativity with practicality. She learned to see beauty in everyday spaces and to adapt when plans shifted, skills that would serve her well later.
Hilary’s education combined the arts with hands-on experience. After leaving the Royal Ballet School, she studied art and theater, eventually attending Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) back in Canada. She never planned a career in design at first, but real life pushed her in that direction.
In her early twenties, she moved to Los Angeles. There, she bought fixer-upper properties, renovated them on the side, and even designed sets for film and TV productions. To pay the bills, she took small acting roles while learning the ins and outs of construction and decor. These formative years turned her hobby into a real skill set. She lived in different countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, picking up design ideas from each place she called home.
First Breakthrough Hilary’s big break came in 2008 when she auditioned for Love It or List It. The show paired her with real estate agent David Visentin. Hilary redesigned homes while David found new ones for families who could not decide what to do. The Canadian series quickly became a hit and moved to HGTV in the United States in 2011. Fans loved the friendly banter between the two hosts and the dramatic before-and-after reveals.
Growth Phase and Major Projects Over 19 seasons and more than 250 episodes, Hilary transformed hundreds of tired houses into modern, functional spaces. She worked on properties in Toronto, New York, California, and beyond. In 2021 she launched her own show, Tough Love with Hilary Farr, where she helps families fix homes that are straining their relationships. She uses creative solutions and a bit of tough love to get everyone on the same page.
Iconic Moments and Turning Points One standout moment came when Hilary surprised David by buying and renovating her own home on the show. She also appeared in smaller acting roles early on, including a memorable scene as Betty Munroe in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In 2023, after nearly 15 years with Love It or List It, she decided to leave. She told fans it was time for new challenges and fresh inspiration.
Collaborations and Accolades Hilary has worked with celebrity clients and co-founded Rules of Renovation, a seminar series that teaches people how to invest in real estate. She also writes for the Huffington Post and sells her own line of home products through her company, Hilary Farr Designs. While she does not have a long list of formal awards, her shows consistently rank high with viewers, and fans praise her practical, elegant style.
Life has not always been easy for Hilary. In 2014 she faced a breast cancer diagnosis after an earlier precancerous tumor in 2012. She went through surgery and radiation and has stayed in remission since. She has spoken openly about how the experience changed her outlook. She now focuses on living each day with joy and grabbing new opportunities.
Her divorce from Gordon Farr in 2008 was another big life shift, but she stayed focused on her son and her work. These challenges taught her resilience and the importance of staying true to herself.
Hilary married Canadian TV producer Gordon Farr in 1982. Their son, Joshua, was born in 1983. The couple divorced in 2008, but they share a close family bond. Joshua has given Hilary several grandchildren, and she often shares sweet moments with them on social media.
Outside of work, Hilary loves animals. In 2017 she volunteered in Nairobi, Kenya, helping care for orphaned elephants. She supports animal rescue groups and encourages fans to do the same. She has lived all over the world, from Toronto to London to Los Angeles, and now splits time between Canada and other favorite spots. Her Instagram (@hilary_farr) gives fans a peek at her lifestyle, travels, and design projects.
Hilary Farr’s estimated net worth sits at around $8 million. This figure comes from years of television work, her successful design company, real estate investments, product lines, and speaking events. Sources such as Celebrity Net Worth track her earnings from HGTV shows, home renovations for private clients, and her business Hilary Farr Designs, which has offices in Toronto and New York City.
She also earns from her product collections and seminars through Rules of Renovation. Hilary built her wealth the old-fashioned way: hard work, smart investments, and turning her passion into multiple income streams.
- Did you know? Hilary once performed in the London stage production of Grease alongside Richard Gere.
- She does not believe beige is a real color and encourages people to add personality to their rooms.
- Before fame, she lived in the same building as Tim Curry while filming The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Hilary still flips houses today and enjoys the challenge of making old spaces feel fresh and livable.
One of her favorite pieces of advice: “I look for challenges, look for inspiration, look for new ideas.” She reminds fans that growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone.
How old is Hilary Farr and how tall is she?
Hilary Farr was born on August 31, 1951, making her 74 years old in 2026. She stands 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
What is Hilary Farr famous for?
She is best known as the longtime designer and co-host of Love It or List It on HGTV and for her solo show Tough Love with Hilary Farr.
Is Hilary Farr married?
No. She was married to Gordon Farr from 1982 until their divorce in 2008. She is currently single.
Does Hilary Farr have children?
Yes. She has one son, Joshua, born in 1983, and several grandchildren.
Where is Hilary Farr now?
After leaving Love It or List It in 2023, she continues to host Tough Love with Hilary Farr and run her design business. She stays active on social media and focuses on new creative projects.
Did Hilary Farr have cancer?
Yes. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and is now in remission. She has shared her story to inspire others.
What is Hilary Farr’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $8 million, earned through television, design work, and business ventures.
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