To millions of fans worldwide, Drew Scott is the affable host who turns fixer-uppers into dream homes, one reveal at a time. But behind the effortless charm and the glittering success of HGTV’s “Property Brothers” lies a story few know—a journey marked by hardship, resilience, and unexpected triumph.

Early Dreams, Harsh Realities

Born in Vancouver on April 28, 1978, Drew Scott and his identical twin brother, Jonathan, grew up in a household that balanced creativity with discipline. Their father, Jim Scott, once a Hollywood actor and stuntman, encouraged imagination and reinvention, while their mother, Joanne, instilled a strong work ethic and respect for education.

At just eight years old, the twins began their first business—making and selling nylon hangers door-to-door. That early taste of entrepreneurship would set the stage for their future, teaching them the value of perseverance and hard work.

Drew’s ambitions, however, stretched beyond business. Tall and athletic, he dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. Those hopes were dashed by injuries, forcing him to pivot toward entertainment—a world that had always fascinated him thanks to his father’s background.

The Cost of Chasing Fame

Drew’s first foray into show business was modest. He landed small roles on shows like “Smallville” and “Breaker High,” and even worked as a body double for Tom Welling. But the work was sporadic, and the paychecks were never enough to build a stable life.

By his early twenties, Drew was juggling acting auditions with university studies at the University of Calgary. He and Jonathan also started dabbling in real estate, buying and renovating rundown homes to rent to students. While real estate provided their first steady income, Drew’s heart remained set on acting.

But the pursuit of fame came at a steep price. Moving to Vancouver to chase opportunities in the booming film industry, Drew poured money into acting classes, headshots, and living expenses. The breakthrough role never arrived, and soon he found himself buried under more than $100,000 in debt—a crushing blow for someone so ambitious.

Jonathan, meanwhile, faced his own disaster. Determined to become the next David Copperfield, he invested everything in props and a custom-built trailer for his magic act, only to have a dishonest partner steal nearly all of it. Devastated, Jonathan filed for bankruptcy.

For the twins who would one day be worth millions, these were dark times. But instead of giving up, they returned to what had always worked for them: real estate.

Reinvention and the Rise of “Property Brothers”

Armed with hard-won experience from their college ventures, Drew and Jonathan began flipping homes again. This time, desperation fueled their determination. Drew earned his realtor’s license, determined to manage every aspect of their business.

Slowly, project by project, they clawed their way out of financial ruin. Real estate didn’t just save them from debt—it gave Drew a renewed sense of purpose after years of disappointment in acting.

By his late twenties, Drew had built a foundation strong enough to support another attempt at entertainment. This second chance would open the door to fame beyond anything he had imagined.

Television networks were hunting for fresh ideas in reality programming. Drew pitched himself for a project called “My Dream Home,” initially intended to pair him with a female co-host. But he knew only one person could truly balance the concept: Jonathan.

With Drew handling business negotiations and Jonathan leading construction and design, the formula came to life. In 2011, HGTV launched “Property Brothers,” and the show quickly became a hit. Families found fixer-uppers, Drew secured the purchase, and Jonathan transformed them into dream homes. Their chemistry, humor, and teamwork turned the show into more than just a renovation program—it became a story of family, hope, and transformation.

Within a few seasons, “Property Brothers” was airing in over 150 countries. Spin-offs followed, including “Brother vs. Brother,” “Property Brothers: Forever Home,” and “Celebrity IOU,” which paired the brothers with stars like Brad Pitt and Melissa McCarthy. By 2019, Drew and Jonathan had built an empire, complete with their own production company and lifestyle brand.

The Hidden Cost of Success

But the spotlight came with a price. Filming multiple shows meant constant travel, long hours, and relentless deadlines. The brothers juggled roles as hosts, producers, and businessmen. For Drew, the pressure became suffocating.

Fans began to notice his absence from some episodes, sparking rumors that something was wrong. On screen, he smiled and charmed, but behind the scenes, his health was deteriorating.

In 2019, Drew quietly began battling an unexplained illness. Fatigue lingered no matter how much he rested. Digestive issues and pain made long days on set nearly impossible. Even mild exercise left him drained, and heat triggered violent reactions. For a man known for his energy, it was terrifying.

Desperate for answers, Drew sought help from multiple doctors. After months of uncertainty, he was finally diagnosed with mercury poisoning and chronic fatigue syndrome—a frightening but clarifying moment. He stepped back from filming, focusing on recovery through medical therapies and lifestyle changes.

The road to health was long and uncertain, but Drew refused to let illness define him. He began sharing his struggle with fans, posting updates and speaking candidly about the importance of self-care and recognizing burnout. In doing so, he inspired countless viewers facing their own invisible battles.

Love, Infertility, and Building a Family

While Drew rebuilt his health, another battle was unfolding in his personal life. He had found love with Linda Fan, a creative and ambitious woman he met in Los Angeles. Their relationship was steady and full of mutual respect. After eight years together, they married in a beautiful ceremony in Italy in 2018.

From the start, Drew and Linda dreamed of becoming parents. But month after month, their attempts to conceive ended in disappointment. Linda’s struggle with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition, further complicated their chances.

They turned to medical intervention, enduring rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and eventually IVF. The process took years, testing their patience and resilience. For Drew, already recovering from his own health issues, watching Linda endure painful procedures was heartbreaking.

Finally, in late 2021, Drew and Linda announced they were expecting their first child. In May 2022, their son Parker James Scott was born, followed by daughter Piper Ray in 2024. For Drew, fatherhood became the most profound chapter of his life—a testament to perseverance and hope.

Lawsuits, Loss, and the Price of Fame

By the mid-2020s, the Scott brothers were global icons with an HGTV empire valued in the millions. But fame brought new challenges.

In 2021, a Las Vegas couple filed a lawsuit against the production company behind “Property Brothers,” alleging issues with a $200,000 renovation. Though Drew and Jonathan weren’t personally named, headlines linked them to the controversy—a painful reminder of how quickly public opinion can shift.

Meanwhile, Jonathan faced private heartbreak, from a devastating divorce to the loss of his beloved dogs, Stewie and Gracie. Drew stood by him, just as Jonathan had supported Drew during his illness.

Tragedy also struck their circle of friends. In 2022, after filming with actor Leslie Jordan for “Celebrity IOU,” the brothers were stunned by his sudden passing. Drew described Jordan as someone with a big heart who touched everyone he met.

Through lawsuits, grief, and health scares, Drew Scott learned that fame does not shield anyone from hardship. The glossy homes and smiling reveals on HGTV hid years of debt, illness, heartbreak, and loss.

Perseverance and Inspiration

Despite it all, Drew Scott continues to rise each morning and face the cameras—not because life is perfect, but because he knows perseverance is the only way forward. His journey is one of triumph shadowed by tragedy, a reminder that success often comes at a cost unseen by viewers.

Drew’s story inspires others to keep going, no matter the struggle. Behind every reveal is a life rebuilt—not just a home, but a heart.