HGTV Content Chief Was 55

Loren Ruch, the content chief at HGTV and host of its HGTV House Party, has died. He was 55.

Ruch had been battling acute myeloid leukemia.

Earlier in his HGTV tenure, Ruch produced shows like Brother vs. Brother and the HGTV Dream Home specials. As head of content, Ruch oversaw Celebrity IOU, A Very Brady Renovation, Property Brothers: Forever Home, My Lottery Dream Home, Bargain Mansions and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Ruch previously worked at other Discovery-owned cable channels: Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.

Prior to his Discovery career, Ruch spent 10 years at Fox’s Good Day LA; he won five Emmys there. Ruch started his career in daytime talk and game shows, including Home & Family, Love Connection and Family Feud.

“Throughout his three-decade career, Loren was the rare leader who lifted everyone around him. Known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness, and unshakeable integrity, Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape,” Warner Bros. Discovery chairperson Channing Dungey wrote in an email to staff (obtained by The Hollywood Reporter). “His impact stretched far beyond the screen. Loren was the connective tissue of every room he entered — the glue that bound teams, departments, and friendships. He possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

“For Loren, work was never just about ratings or accolades, it was about people. He built teams that became families, forged friendships that lasted lifetimes, and leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and joy,” Dungey added. “For those of us lucky enough to have known and loved Loren, the things we remember, and cherish go far beyond his professional accomplishments. We warmly recall the way he supported his team and his colleagues, celebrating their victories and lending a sympathetic ear when things were difficult. Loren’s light touched everyone lucky enough to know him. Though gone too soon, he leaves behind a lasting imprint on both the television industry and the lives of those who loved him.”

Ruch is survived by his husband, David Salas; his mother, Dolly Norris; his father, Larry Ruch; and brother Geoffrey Ruch. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation or Be the Match.