Facts About HGTV Star Hilary Farr’s Ex-Husband Gordon

HGTV viewers have speculated for years whether Hilary Farr and David Visentin, the charismatic hosts of “Love It or List It,” are more than just colleagues. Despite their entertaining on-screen dynamic, their relationship is strictly platonic. David Visentin has been happily married to his wife Krista since 2006, while Hilary Farr’s marital history dates back before her time on HGTV. She was married to Gordon Farr from 1982 until their divorce in 2008.

When Hilary decided to part ways with “Love It or List It,” she shared how the show had profoundly impacted her life during a challenging period. Speaking with Vulture, she revealed, “The show came along in 2008 when I was still in the middle of a horrendous divorce. It was a godsend because it meant I could pay the lawyers and because it was a diversion, which I needed.” Beyond this personal insight, little is known about her marriage, but some details about her ex-husband have come to light.

Gordon Farr, Hilary Farr’s ex-husband, has a notable background in television production and writing, best known for his work on “The Love Boat.” A Canadian native, Gordon collaborated with his then-wife Lynne Farr on the show’s initial three seasons. In an interview with The National Post, Gordon asserted that the concept of the show was originally his idea. “It was my show. I had been flogging it everywhere, but [producer] Aaron Spelling got the idea from someone at Columbia I had pitched it to,” Gordon explained. “I had pitched it everywhere — all the networks were witnesses. ABC was scheduled to carry it, so our lawyers wanted to depose Fred Silverman, head of ABC.”

The legal dispute ended with a settlement, and Gordon became a producer and writer for the series, also directing several episodes. He enthusiastically recalled to Entertainment Weekly, “I got a chance to direct Helen Hayes, Sir John Mills, and Ethel Merman in the same show. Jesus Christ!” Gordon’s other credits include “Sandler and Young’s Kraft Music Hall,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “We Got It Made.” Given Hilary’s background in acting, it’s plausible that the duo first met through their Hollywood careers.

Together, Hilary and Gordon Farr have a son named Joshua Farr, born in March 1983. Joshua grew up in both Los Angeles and Toronto. During an appearance on “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” Hilary provided a glimpse into their Toronto home, where her family relocated in 1996. Referencing the lively kitchen area, Hilary recounted, “This is where my son was growing up. It was full of hairy, smelly teenage boys raiding the fridge, and making a horrible mess, and being noisy, which was fine. I would just close the doors and hang out in my space.”

Though Joshua has not pursued a Hollywood career like his parents, he occasionally appears on Hilary’s social media. For instance, on Father’s Day in 2020, Hilary shared an Instagram post celebrating Joshua, who is now a father of three. “My favourite father,” she captioned. “This child of mine amazes me. He has never lost the little boy within and is filled with wonder, joy, fun, endless love and respect for his children and his beautiful wife. I’m so proud of him.”