Loren Ruch, a longtime HGTV executive and co-host of the 2021 HGTV series House Party, died on June 12 at age 55 from acute myeloid leukemia, report Variety and People. According to an internal memo from Channing Dungey, chair of Warner Bros. Television Group, Ruch died "surrounded by his husband and dear friends," following a "courageous battle" against his illness, per E! News. Ruch, HGTV's head of content, had been a key figure at the network since 2008, overseeing popular programs such as HGTV Dream Home, White House Christmas, and A Very Brady Renovation. Before joining HGTV, Ruch worked on Good Day LA and Good Day Live in Los Angeles and was also active in supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
Ruch's impact was felt across the network, with tributes pouring in from HGTV personalities. Bobby Berk, known for his role on Queer Eye, called Ruch a "warm light in a dark world," while Jasmine Roth, host of Help! I Wrecked My House, described Ruch as creative, adventurous, someone who believed in others' potential, and "the real deal." Dungey remembered Ruch as a leader whose influence extended beyond the television industry, with an ability to make colleagues feel valued and motivated. Dungey described Ruch as "the glue that bound teams, departments, and friendships" and "the rare leader who lifted everyone around him," per Variety. Ruch is survived by husband David Salas, his parents, and a brother. (This content was created with the help of AI. Read our AI policy.)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
