HGTV Host Dies at 55 After Losing Cancer Battle

Loren Ruch, the longtime HGTV content executive and host of HGTV House Party, has passed away at the age of 55 following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Known for his creative vision and uplifting presence, Ruch helped shape some of HGTV’s most popular shows. As the network’s head of content, he oversaw fan favorites like Celebrity IOU, Property Brothers: Forever Home, My Lottery Dream Home, Bargain Mansions, A Very Brady Renovation, and the reboot of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Earlier in his career with HGTV, he also produced hits like Brother vs. Brother and the HGTV Dream Home specials.

Before rising through the ranks at HGTV and other Discovery-owned channels like Food Network, Travel Channel, and Cooking Channel, Ruch spent a decade at Fox’s Good Day LA, earning five Emmys. He got his start in daytime talk and game shows, working on classics like Love Connection, Home & Family, and Family Feud.

In a heartfelt message to staff, Warner Bros. Discovery chairperson Channing Dungey remembered Ruch not just for his work, but for the person he was behind the scenes.

“Loren was the rare leader who lifted everyone around him,” Dungey wrote. “He built not only hit shows but enduring relationships. He was the glue in every room, making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work.”

She continued, “For Loren, work wasn’t about ratings—it was about people. He created teams that became families and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and joy.”

Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas; his mother, Dolly Norris; his father, Larry Ruch; and brother Geoffrey Ruch.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation or Be the Match.