From Cult Classic Actress To HGTV Star: 7 Shocking Facts About Young Hilary Farr

It is December 11, 2025, and Hilary Farr remains one of television's most beloved and recognizable interior design experts, largely due to her decade-plus run on HGTV’s *Love It or List It*. While fans are familiar with her sharp wit, stunning design transformations, and playful rivalry with co-host David Visentin, the story of her life before HGTV—her "younger years"—is a fascinating, often-overlooked journey through the worlds of ballet, cult classic cinema, and Hollywood set design. This deep dive uncovers the surprising, fresh details about the early life and career of the British-Canadian personality, revealing a multi-talented artist who spent decades honing her creative skills long before she became a household name in home renovation. The image of a "young Hilary Farr" is not one of a budding designer, but rather a determined actress and world traveler, whose formative years laid the groundwork for the successful businesswoman and television host she is today. From her ambitious pursuit of a ballet career in London to her uncredited roles in 1970s films, her path was anything but conventional. This retrospective explores the pivotal moments and hidden roles that shaped the icon we know, providing a unique perspective on her transition from the silver screen to the drawing board.

Hilary Farr: Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Hilary Elizabeth Farr (née Labow) has carved out a formidable career that spans acting, interior design, and television hosting. Born in Canada and raised partly in England, her early life was a blend of artistic pursuits that eventually converged into her current design empire. Her full profile provides a snapshot of her diverse professional and personal life.

• Full Name: Hilary Elizabeth Farr (née Labow)
• Date of Birth: August 31, 1951
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 74
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: British-Canadian
• Education: Attended the Royal Ballet School in London (as a child) and pursued studies in arts and theater.
• Early Career: Professional actress in the 1970s (credited as Hilary Labow), set designer, and home renovator.
• Known For: Co-host of HGTV's Love It or List It (2008–2023), host of Tough Love with Hilary Farr (2021–present).
• Spouse: Gordon Farr (m. 1982; div. 2008)
• Children: One son, Josh Farr.
• Design Firm: Hilary Farr Designs (founded in Toronto, later expanded to New York and Los Angeles).
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): $8–12 Million (Approx.)

The Shocking Secret Life of Young Hilary Farr: From Ballerina to Betty Munroe

The biggest revelation about the early career of Hilary Farr, or Hilary Labow as she was known then, is her surprising stint as a professional actress in the 1970s. Her youthful ambition was initially focused on the stage, not home design, a fact that often surprises her current fan base.

The Ballet Dream. Before Hollywood or HGTV, a very young Hilary Farr dreamt of becoming a ballet dancer. She trained at the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London at the age of 11, a testament to her early discipline and artistic drive. Though she ultimately shifted her focus, this foundation in performance arts would prove invaluable for her later television career.

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The Cult Classic Role. By far the most famous, and most unexpected, role of young Hilary Farr’s acting career was in the 1975 cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Credited under her maiden name, Hilary Labow, she played the minor role of Betty Munroe, the bride in the opening wedding scene. For fans of the film, Betty Munroe is the character who marries Ralph Hapschatt. This small but memorable appearance is a piece of trivia that continuously resurfaces, connecting the sophisticated designer to one of the most iconic, unconventional films in cinema history.

Other Early Film Work. The Rocky Horror Picture Show was not an isolated event. Hilary Farr appeared in several other films during this period, often in small roles. These included Sex Farm (1973) and the disaster film City on Fire (1979), where she played the character Mrs. Adams. This period of her life was spent immersed in the creative, fast-paced world of film and theater in Los Angeles, setting the stage for her next professional pivot.

The Pivotal Transition: From Set Design to Home Renovation

The shift from acting to interior design was not a sudden change, but a natural progression rooted in her work behind the scenes. This transition is crucial to understanding how young Hilary Farr developed the unique skill set that defines her today.

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Hollywood Set Design. After her acting roles, Farr began working in Hollywood in a different capacity: set design and art direction. This role allowed her to combine her artistic sensibility with a practical understanding of space and structure. She learned how to visually transform a setting, a skill directly transferable to interior design. This hands-on experience in Los Angeles, combined with her early interest in arts and theater, provided a unique foundation for her future career.

The Real Estate Leap. While working in the film industry, Farr began buying and renovating homes in Los Angeles. This was her first foray into the world of property and design, driven by a passion for transforming spaces. She would purchase dilapidated properties, meticulously renovate them, and sell them for a profit—a classic "fix and flip" model. This entrepreneurial venture was the true genesis of her design career, predating her television fame by decades.

Founding Hilary Farr Designs. After years of renovating homes in California, she eventually returned to Toronto, Canada, where she established her design firm, Hilary Farr Designs. Her business focused on residential and commercial renovations, building a successful portfolio based on her unique, globally-influenced style. This established her as a serious, high-end designer long before she met David Visentin or stepped onto the set of *Love It or List It*.

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The Legacy of Hilary Labow: Topical Authority and Continued Success

The story of young Hilary Farr—or Hilary Labow—is a powerful narrative about pivoting careers and the value of a diverse creative background. Her early life entities provide deep topical authority for her current brand, demonstrating that her design expertise is built on a foundation of performance, visual arts, and hands-on renovation experience.

Connecting the Dots to HGTV. Her background as an actress allowed her to be completely natural and engaging on camera, which is a major factor in the enduring success of *Love It or List It*. Her ability to perform, debate, and command a scene is a direct result of her years in theater and film. The playful banter and competitive spirit with co-host David Visentin have made the show a global phenomenon.

A Designer's Evolution. Today, Hilary Farr's influence extends beyond *Love It or List It*. She has launched her own solo show, *Tough Love with Hilary Farr*, where she uses her decades of design and life experience to help families navigate both emotional and physical home renovations. Her estimated net worth of $8–12 million reflects her success not just as a TV host, but as a savvy businesswoman who built her empire from the ground up, starting with those early, daring real estate flips in Los Angeles. The young woman who once dreamed of ballet and appeared in a cult classic movie is now one of the most respected and successful figures in the world of interior design and home renovation.