Timothy MacKenzie Gunn, born July 29, 1953, is an American author, academic, and television personality. He taught at Parsons School of Design from 1982 to 2007, chairing fashion design from 2000 to 2007.
He later became chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne. Gunn gained fame as mentor on Project Runway, leading to spin-offs: Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, Under the Gunn, and Project Runway: Junior. He authored five books, voiced Baileywick in Sofia the First, and narrated Mixology.
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Tim Gunn Net Worth
Tim Gunn has a net worth of $18 million and is best known as a mentor on the reality TV series Project Runway. His success led to spin-offs Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style and Under the Gunn, along with several books. He also served on the faculty at Parsons School of Design and was chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne.
Gunn resides in a 1,700-square-foot Upper West Side apartment with antiques and a 500-square-foot terrace featuring an urban garden with shrubs, potted trees, and flowering plants.
Early Life
Tim Gunn was born in Washington, D.C. His father worked for the FBI, eventually becoming a ghostwriter and speechwriter for J. Edgar Hoover.
Gunn earned a BFA in sculpture from the Corcoran College of Art and Design. Raised in a homophobic household, Gunn, who identified as gay, attempted suicide at 17, swallowing over 100 pills, as shared in his It Gets Better Project video. He denied his sexual orientation until his early 20s and came out to his sister at age 29.
Career
Tim Gunn began at Parsons in 1982, became Fashion Design chair in 2000, and was credited with revitalizing the curriculum. He debuted on Project Runway in 2004, known for “Make it work,” and won a Primetime Emmy in 2013.
He hosted Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style and Under the Gunn, mentored on Project Runway: Junior, and appeared on Ugly Betty, Drop Dead Diva, How I Met Your Mother, and Gossip Girl. Gunn joined Liz Claiborne in 2007, co-authored five books, and now co-hosts Making the Cut.
Personal Life
Tim Gunn lives in Manhattan. In 2010, he told People magazine he felt asexual and spoke openly about his celibacy in 2012, calling himself a “happy and fulfilled individual.”
He linked his self-imposed celibacy to the AIDS crisis, when many retreated from intimacy. Gunn opposes animal fur in fashion and, in 2008, narrated a PETA video exposing rabbit fur farming in China, calling it “egregiously irresponsible.” In 2013, he endorsed Christine Quinn for Mayor of New York City during the mayoral election.
Do Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn get along?
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn share a strong bond. Gunn recalled, “She was really upset and kept saying, ‘I’m fighting for you,'” which he described as “lovely” and unexpected.
Conclusion
Tim Gunn’s net worth is a reflection of his enduring influence on fashion and television. His journey from academic to television star underscores the importance of mentorship, creativity, and integrity in achieving success. Gunn’s legacy, characterized by his contributions to fashion education and entertainment, continues to inspire both aspiring designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
FAQs about Tim Gunn Net Worth
1. How did Tim Gunn accumulate his wealth?
Tim Gunn accumulated his wealth through his roles on television, particularly Project Runway, his books on fashion, and his tenure at Parsons School of Design.
2. What is Tim Gunn’s most significant contribution to fashion?
Gunn’s most significant contribution is his mentorship of young designers, emphasizing creativity, work ethic, and resilience in the fashion industry.
3. Has Tim Gunn won any awards for his work?
Yes, Gunn won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2013 for Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program.
4. What does Tim Gunn advocate for in his personal life?
Gunn is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, asexuality, and animal rights, using his platform to raise awareness and support for these causes.
5. How has Tim Gunn influenced the fashion industry beyond Project Runway?
Through his books, public appearances, and academic roles, Gunn has educated and inspired individuals about the principles of style, quality, and taste in fashion, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
