Tim Gunn Net Worth

What is Tim Gunn’s Net Worth? A Look at His Career and Fortune

Tim Gunn, the beloved fashion consultant, television personality, actor, and voice actor, has captivated audiences with his wisdom, wit, and unwavering support for aspiring designers. His estimated net worth of $18 million reflects his successful career in the fashion and entertainment industries. But how did he amass this fortune? This article delves into Tim Gunn’s journey, exploring his early life, career milestones, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the iconic catchphrase, “Make it work.”

Early Life and Education

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1953, Tim Gunn’s formative years were shaped by his family’s background. His father, initially an FBI agent, later transitioned to a role as a speechwriter for J. Edgar Hoover. Gunn’s childhood also revealed early signs of his identity, as he realized he wasn’t straight. Growing up in a homophobic household, he faced internal struggles, including a suicide attempt at 17. He remained closeted until his early twenties, finally coming out to his sister at 29.

Gunn pursued higher education at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture. This academic foundation would prove instrumental in his later career, providing him with a deep understanding of design principles and aesthetics.

Parsons School of Design

After graduating from Corcoran and serving as the director of admissions there, Gunn began his long and influential association with the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan in 1982. His tenure at Parsons spanned several decades, during which he rose through the ranks, becoming associate dean from 1989 to 2000. In 2000, he was appointed as the chair of the Fashion Design Department, a position he held until 2007. This leadership role allowed him to shape the curriculum, mentor aspiring designers, and establish Parsons as a leading institution in fashion education.

“Project Runway”: The Show That Launched Gunn’s Fame

Tim Gunn’s breakthrough into mainstream recognition came in 2004 with the debut of “Project Runway.” As a mentor, he quickly became a fan favorite, offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive criticism to the aspiring designers competing on the show. His catchphrase, “Make it work,” became a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing his pragmatic approach to problem-solving and his commitment to excellence. The show, hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum until 2017, provided a platform for Gunn to showcase his expertise and connect with a broad audience.

The program’s success led to multiple Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Host for a Reality-Competition Program, and the show itself won a Peabody Award in 2008, further solidifying its impact on the fashion industry and popular culture. The show features contestants who compete against each other to create the best clothes. A panel evaluates their designs and eliminates a contestant each week; the finalists are tasked with creating collections for New York Fashion Week.

“Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style”

Capitalizing on his popularity, Tim Gunn expanded his presence in the media with “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style,” a Bravo reality television series. This show, based on his self-help book “A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style,” provided makeovers and style advice to guests. During the first season, Gunn cohosted with model Veronica Webb, and in the second, with Gretta Monahan, further showcasing his fashion expertise and ability to connect with a wide audience.

“Under the Gunn”

In 2014, Gunn took on a new role as the presenter of “Under the Gunn,” a reality competition series on Lifetime. The show, which ran for 13 episodes, followed “Project Runway” alumni as they mentored and directed new designers. Filmed at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, the series featured Marie Claire senior fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, designer Rachel Roy, and celebrity stylist Jen Rade as judges. Guest judges included Heidi Klum, Zoey Deutch, Neil Patrick Harris, Sara Hyland, and Georgina Chapman, and expanded Gunn’s influence within the fashion world.

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

“Project Runway: Junior” and “Making the Cut”

In 2014, Gunn added another dimension to his career by becoming the executive producer and host of “Project Runway: Junior,” a spin-off that focused on teen designers. Gunn cohosted the show with Hannah Jeter and also mentored the young contestants in the workroom. As the mentor, Gunn had a “Tim Gunn Save,” which allowed him to rescue an eliminated designer once per season. The show’s judges included fashion designer Christian Siriano, Executive Fashion Director Aya Kanai, and designer Kelly Osbourne.

After leaving the original “Project Runway” in 2018, Gunn and Heidi Klum reunited for “Making the Cut,” a fashion competition show that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2020. The judges included Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Joseph Altuzarra, Chiara Ferragni, and Carine Roitfeld, demonstrating Gunn’s continued prominence in the fashion industry and his ability to adapt to evolving platforms.

Further Television Career

Tim Gunn’s presence extends beyond the realm of fashion competition shows. He has made numerous guest appearances on various television programs, often playing himself or a fictionalized version of himself. In 2007, he appeared on ABC’s “Ugly Betty” as a fashion reporter, and in 2009, he guested on the legal drama “Drop Dead Diva.” He has also appeared as himself on shows such as “How I Met Your Mother,” “Gossip Girl,” “Family Guy,” “Bill Nye Saves the World,” and “BoJack Horseman,” highlighting his appeal to diverse audiences.

Gunn also narrated the short-lived ABC sitcom “Mixology” and cohosted the short-lived health and lifestyle talk show “The Revolution.” From 2013 to 2018, he voiced the character Baileywick on Disney Junior’s animated children’s television show “Sofia the First,” showcasing his versatility and appeal to a younger audience.

Tim Gunn as an Author

In addition to his television work, Tim Gunn has authored several books that offer insights into his fashion philosophy and life lessons. These include “Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work”; “Shaken, Not Stirred”; “Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet”; and “Tim Gunn: The Natty Professor: A Master Class on Mentoring, Motivating, and Making it Work!” Through these publications, Gunn shares his expertise, offering guidance on style, taste, and personal development.

Personal Life and Lifestyle

Tim Gunn has chosen a private personal life. He has not been in a relationship since the early 1980s, after discovering his boyfriend of six years had been unfaithful. Describing himself as asexual, Gunn has embraced a celibate lifestyle since that time, with the AIDS crisis being an important consideration in his decision. Gunn’s decision also allows him to fully dedicate himself to his career and other endeavors.

Gunn resides in a 1,700-square-foot apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The apartment’s interior features warm colors, antiques, and other vintage elements. Outside, a 500-square-foot terrace offers an urban garden with shrubs, potted trees, and flowers, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.