Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tim Gunn’s Net Worth
Tim Gunn, a multifaceted American personality recognized as a fashion consultant, television figure, actor, and voice actor, has accumulated a net worth of $18 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his prominent role as a mentor on the reality television series “Project Runway.” Gunn’s involvement with the show spurred the development of two spin-off programs, namely “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” and “Under the Gunn,” alongside the publication of several books. In addition to his media endeavors, Gunn has held positions at the Parsons School of Design and served as the chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on July 29, 1953, in Washington, D.C., Tim Gunn’s upbringing was marked by a complex family dynamic. His father initially worked as an FBI agent before transitioning into a speechwriter role for J. Edgar Hoover. Gunn’s personal life was further complicated by growing up in a homophobic environment, which led to a suicide attempt at the age of 17. He pursued higher education at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture. Later, he worked as director of admissions at Corcoran, Tim transitioned to Manhattan’s Parsons School of Design in 1982. Gunn’s career at Parsons spanned several roles, including associate dean from 1989 to 2000, and chair of the Fashion Design Department from 2000 to 2007.
Rise to Fame on “Project Runway” and Beyond
Tim Gunn’s widespread recognition began in 2004 with his role as a mentor on the first season of “Project Runway.” The show, hosted by Heidi Klum (until 2017), features fashion design contestants competing against each other. Gunn became known for his catchphrase, “Make it work,” and received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality-Competition Program. The show itself won a Peabody Award in 2008. The success of “Project Runway” directly led to the creation of “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” on Bravo, which was based on his book “A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style.” In this show, Gunn co-hosted with Veronica Webb in the first season and Gretta Monahan in the second season, providing style makeovers based on specific style rules. In 2014, Tim Gunn presented “Under the Gunn,” a reality competition series on Lifetime. The series featured “Project Runway” alumni as they were tasked with coaching, managing, and directing designers.
Further Television Ventures and Media Appearances
Continuing his presence in the realm of reality television, Gunn took on the role of executive producer and host for the spin-off series “Project Runway: Junior” in 2014, showcasing the talents of teen designers. He co-hosted the show with Hannah Jeter and served as a mentor. This position granted him the authority of a “Tim Gunn Save,” which he could use to reinstate an eliminated designer once per season. The panel of judges on the show included fashion designer Christian Siriano, Executive Fashion Director Aya Kanai, and designer Kelly Osbourne. After departing from the original “Project Runway” in 2018, Gunn collaborated with Heidi Klum to launch “Making the Cut,” a fashion competition show that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2020. Judges on the show included Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Joseph Altuzarra, Chiara Ferragni, and Carine Roitfeld.
Beyond reality television, Tim Gunn has made appearances on various shows as himself or as a fictionalized version of himself. In 2007, he portrayed a fashion reporter in two episodes of the ABC series “Ugly Betty.” In 2009, he guest-starred on the legal drama “Drop Dead Diva.” Additional appearances include “How I Met Your Mother,” “Gossip Girl,” “Family Guy,” “Bill Nye Saves the World,” and “BoJack Horseman.” He narrated the short-lived ABC sitcom “Mixology” and co-hosted the health and lifestyle talk show “The Revolution.” From 2013 to 2018, Tim Gunn voiced the character Baileywick on Disney Junior’s animated series “Sofia the First.” These diverse roles have further solidified his status as a recognizable and versatile media figure.
Authorial Works and Literary Contributions
Tim Gunn’s influence extends into the literary world, where he has authored several books on fashion and style. These publications include “Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work,” offering advice and insights on personal and professional success. Other titles include “Shaken, Not Stirred,” providing a collection of anecdotes and reflections. Gunn’s “Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet” is a comprehensive exploration of the history and evolution of clothing items. He also penned “Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating, and Making it Work!,” which offers guidance on mentorship and personal development. These publications contribute to Tim Gunn’s intellectual and professional presence, adding another layer to his multifaceted career.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Tim Gunn’s personal life has been marked by a long period of celibacy, which began in the early 1980s following the discovery of his partner’s infidelity. Describing himself as asexual, Gunn initiated this practice during the height of the AIDS crisis within the gay community. As of recent years, Gunn resides in a 1,700-square-foot apartment located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The apartment features a color palette of warm hues and showcases a collection of antiques, including a vintage armoire, a distinctive rug, and decorative pillows. The property also includes a 500-square-foot terrace, which has been transformed into an urban garden with a selection of shrubs, potted trees, and flowering plants.
