Hilary Farr is a renowned Toronto-based interior designer, television host, and actress. Her talent and significant contributions to the entertainment and design industries have made her a household name far beyond her native Toronto. Learn more about Hilary’s life and career on torontonka.com.
Finding Her Path
Hilary Farr was born on August 31, 1951, in Toronto. Her mother, an avid traveler and decorator, moved the family to the United Kingdom shortly after Hilary’s birth, where she spent most of her childhood.
As a child, Hilary dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. She attended classes at the Royal Ballet School in London. However, at the age of 11, her interests shifted, and she developed a passion for the arts, aspiring to perform on stage.
In school, Hilary joined the drama club, exploring her acting potential. Meanwhile, her mother’s career as a realtor exposed Hilary to old, grand buildings, sparking her interest in interior design. This blend of artistic curiosity and exposure to architecture led her to delve into the world of design.
After finishing high school, Hilary returned to Toronto and enrolled at Ryerson University to study interior design. Upon graduating, she faced the dilemma of choosing a career path but eventually decided to pursue her childhood passion for acting. In the early 1970s, Hilary moved to Los Angeles to explore opportunities in film and television.
Early Career and Growth
In Los Angeles, Hilary balanced her interests in acting and design. She worked for several interior design firms and took on freelance projects, including set design and home renovations featured in films.
Her acting debut came with a small role in the 1972 film Layout for 5 Models. She later appeared in Sex Farm (1973) and Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width (1973). Despite these roles, Hilary realized acting wasn’t her true calling and decided to focus on interior design.
Hilary’s design career flourished as she worked on projects across New York, Toronto, Australia, and the UK. Her portfolio showcased a blend of innovation and timeless elegance, cementing her reputation as a talented designer.
In 2008, after a challenging divorce, Hilary returned to Toronto. That same year, she was offered a hosting role on the television show Love It or List It, a project that became the foundation for a successful franchise.
Love It or List It features couples dissatisfied with their home interiors. The hosts, both designers, pitch renovation ideas to persuade the couples to either keep their homes or sell them. The show’s unique format quickly made it one of the most popular programs on Canadian television, catapulting Hilary to fame.
In 2010, the show won two Gemini Awards: Best Direction and Best Reality Program. By 2011, Hilary had become a celebrated television personality.
In addition to Love It or List It, Hilary hosted Search for the Next W Expert in 2010 and wrote regularly for The Huffington Post. Her articles reflect her keen eye for design trends and passion for creating beautiful spaces.
In 2016, Hilary returned to acting, playing the lead role in Sleeping Beauty, a stage production in Toronto that showcased her theatrical talent.
Personal Life
Hilary Farr was previously married to Canadian writer and producer Gordon Farr. The couple divorced in 2008. That same year, Hilary met David Visentin, her co-host on Love It or List It. While rumors of a romantic relationship between them circulated, neither Hilary nor David confirmed these speculations.
Hilary Farr has established herself as a leading figure in interior design and television. Her creative flair and charismatic on-screen presence have inspired audiences worldwide, making her a role model for aspiring designers and entertainers alike.