Loren Ruch, the head of content at HGTV and co-host of “HGTV House Party,” passed away on June 12, 2025, at the age of 55 after battling acute myeloid leukemia. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his husband and close friends.
Ruch had been leading the lifestyle network’s content department since January 2023, managing well-known programs such as “My Lottery Dream Home,” “Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge,” “Celebrity IOU,” “Battle on the Beach,” and the Emmy-nominated “A Very Brady Renovation.” His television career spanned thirty years, covering various networks and genres.
Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. Television Group, informed staff of Ruch’s death through a memo. Dungey praised Ruch as an exceptional leader who motivated those around him, noted for his dedication, kindness, and integrity. She emphasized that his contributions extended beyond creating successful shows, as he built enduring relationships, acting as a mentor and friend to many in the television industry.
According to the company memo, Ruch’s influence extended beyond television programming. Dungey described him as a key figure in every setting, possessing an exceptional ability to make others feel valued and inspired. She noted that for Ruch, success was not just about ratings or recognition; it was about people, cultivating teams that felt like families, and forming lifelong friendships.
Ruch joined HGTV as a top programming executive in 2008, having initially started with the network in 2005 as an executive producer. In his early years, he managed the production of series like “HGTV Dream Home,” “HGTV Green Home,” “Rose Parade,” and “White House Christmas,” as well as producing “Brother vs. Brother” and the HGTV Dream Home specials.
Before becoming head of content, Ruch held the position of Group Senior Vice President of Development and Production for four years and was previously VP of Development and Programming for HGTV, DIY Network, and Great American Country. His responsibilities covered several Discovery-owned cable channels, including Food Network, Travel Channel, Cooking Channel, and additional programming for Food Network and Fine Living.
Before his work in cable television, Ruch spent ten years as a senior producer for Fox’s “Good Day LA” and the nationally syndicated “Good Day Live,” earning five Emmy Awards. His television career began in daytime talk and game shows, contributing to programs such as “Home & Family,” “Love Connection,” and “Family Feud.”
The television executive also served on the board of Live Out Loud, a nonprofit organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth by connecting them with LGBTQ+ professionals in their community. Dungey described him as a dedicated advocate for inclusivity and representation throughout his career.
Following news of his death, HGTV personalities and industry colleagues paid tribute to Ruch on social media. Bobby Berk, former “Queer Eye” star who appeared as a celebrity judge on “Rock the Block,” shared a photo with Ruch on Instagram, describing him as “always being such a warm light in a dark world who will be missed by many.”
“Help! I Wrecked My House” host Jasmine Roth noted that to know Ruch was to love him, describing him as having a personality that people naturally gravitate toward. She characterized him as fun-loving and highly creative. Christina Haack from “Flip or Flop” and “Christina on the Coast” referred to him as “one of the rare ones” and indicated that everyone adored him.
“Revealed” host Veronica Valencia expressed gratitude for Ruch’s belief in her potential, viewing him not just as a network executive but as a mentor, confidant, and protector of creative dreams. “Property Brothers” star Jonathan Scott shared his struggle with the loss, calling Ruch one of the great ones.
Acute myeloid leukemia, which led to Ruch’s death, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells. Medical sources indicate that AML is the most commonly diagnosed form of acute leukemia in adults, although the duration of Ruch’s illness was not disclosed.
Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas; his mother, Dolly Norris; his father, Larry Ruch; and his brother, Geoffrey Ruch. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation or the Be the Match organization in his memory. The family has yet to announce details regarding the funeral or memorial services.
