Is Tim Gunn Still Alive? Is Tim Gunn Alive or Dead? Where is Tim Gunn Now?
by Janani
Updated Jul 27, 2023
Who is Tim Gunn?
Timothy MacKenzie Gunn is a prominent American author, academic, and television personality born on July 29, 1953. For many years, he was a valued member of the faculty at Parsons School of Design, where he taught from 1982 to 2007.
During his tenure at the school, he held the prestigious position of chair of fashion design from August 2000 to March 2007. After leaving Parsons, he embarked on a new journey by joining Liz Claiborne, which is now known as Kate Spade & Company, as its chief creative officer.
However, it was through the reality television program "Project Runway" that Timothy Gunn truly rose to fame. Over the course of 16 seasons, he became widely recognized as the on-air mentor, offering guidance and support to aspiring designers on the show. His warm and insightful approach to mentoring endeared him to viewers and contestants alike, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the fashion industry.
As a testament to his influence, Gunn's popularity on "Project Runway" led to the creation of two spin-off shows: "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" on Bravo and "Under the Gunn" on Lifetime. Additionally, Timothy Gunn's impact extended beyond television, as he authored five books on fashion and style, showcasing his expertise and passion for the subject.
Not only did Timothy Gunn play a crucial role in guiding seasoned designers on "Project Runway," but he also took on the role of mentor for young talent on "Project Runway: Junior," where he nurtured and encouraged the next generation of fashion creatives.
With his expertise, mentorship, and multifaceted talents, Gunn continues to inspire and shape the world of fashion for aspiring designers and enthusiasts alike.
Beyond his television and literary accomplishments, Gunn exhibited his versatility as a voice actor. He lent his voice to the character Baileywick, the castle steward in the Disney Junior television show "Sofia the First," adding another dimension to his illustrious career.
Is Tim Gunn Still Alive?
Yes, Tim Gunn is still alive. It is common for celebrities and public figures to be subject to death rumors or hoaxes. In such a way, rumors about Tim Gunn quickly spread through social media and other online platforms. It's important to verify any information before believing or sharing it, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like death.
As of now, Tim Gunn does not have any health issues too. Timothy MacKenzie Gunn's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From his academic contributions at Parsons School of Design to his iconic presence on "Project Runway" and its spin-offs, he has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.
Is Tim Gunn Alive or Dead?
Tim Gunn is alive. The death rumors about Tim Gunn are not true. Struggling with his feelings, he concealed his true self until his early 20s. The weight of his secret and the hostility he faced at home led him to a dark place, and at the age of 17, he attempted suicide by ingesting over 100 pills.
However, as time passed, Gunn found hope and strength through his personal journey. He gradually embraced his identity and, in a courageous act, came out to his sister at the age of 29.
Later on, he decided to share his experiences with others by creating a video for the It Gets Better Project, providing support and encouragement to those facing similar struggles. Gunn's story serves as a testament to resilience and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.
Tim Gunn Age
Tim Gunn was born Timothy MacKenzie Gunn on July 29, 1953, in Washington, D.C., U.S. Tim Gunn is 69 years old currently. Born in Washington, D.C., Gunn's upbringing was influenced by his father's career in the FBI, initially working as an agent before becoming a ghostwriter and speechwriter for J. Edgar Hoover.
Following his passion for the arts, Gunn pursued his education at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, where he earned a BFA in sculpture. Throughout his youth, Gunn grappled with his sexual identity in an environment that harbored intense homophobia, where being gay was regarded as predatory.
Tim Gunn Career
Tim Gunn's illustrious career in the world of fashion and media began with his tenure at Corcoran, where he served as the director of admissions. His journey took a significant turn in 1982 when he joined the Parsons School of Design.
Over the years, he took on various roles at Parsons, including serving as an associate dean from 1989 to 2000. In August 2000, he assumed the prestigious position of Fashion Design Department chair, where he played a crucial role in modernizing and revitalizing the curriculum to meet the demands of the 21st century.
In 2004, Gunn's career reached new heights when he became a key figure on the popular reality TV show, "Project Runway." He became known for his catchphrase "Make it work," which resonated with contestants and audiences alike. His contributions to the show were recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award in 2013 for Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program.
Building on his success, Gunn embarked on new ventures, including hosting his own reality show called "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," which premiered on Bravo in September 2007 and ran for two seasons. Additionally, in January 2014, he hosted a single 13-episode season of "Under the Gunn" on Lifetime. Throughout his career, Gunn has also been actively involved in mentoring young talent, including serving as the executive producer and mentor on "Project Runway: Junior."
Outside of "Project Runway," Gunn made several cameo appearances in various TV shows and even played a fictionalized version of himself on "Ugly Betty" and "Drop Dead Diva." His influence extended to the literary world, where he authored multiple books on fashion and style.
In recognition of his contributions, Gunn received honors and awards, such as the official "Timothy M. Gunn Day" in Palm Springs, California, and an honorary doctorate from the Corcoran College of Art and Design.
Gunn's media appearances were not limited to television and books; he also participated in diverse projects like the reality chamber opera "Tim Gunn's Podcast" and the fashion-themed comic book miniseries "Models Inc." published by Marvel Comics.
In 2018, Gunn and Heidi Klum left "Project Runway" to host a new fashion competition show titled "Making the Cut" on Amazon Video, further solidifying their status as influential figures in the industry. The show continued its success with its third season released in 2022.
Apart from his career in fashion and media, Gunn appeared in the documentary film "Do I Sound Gay?" and had a role in Kate McKinnon's audio drama "Heads Will Roll."
Throughout his journey, Tim Gunn has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, inspiring countless individuals and shaping the industry's future. His combination of expertise, mentorship, and engaging personality has made him a beloved and respected figure in both the fashion and entertainment realms.
Where is Tim Gunn Now?
Tim Gunn currently resides in Manhattan, where he has been open about his personal journey and identity. In a 2010 interview, he reflected on his self-discovery, revealing that he identifies as a "kind of gender" and has always been aware of his unique orientation.
Gunn's celibacy is unapologetically embraced, and he sees it as not defining his individuality. Aside from his personal experiences, Gunn is a vocal advocate against the use of animal fur in fashion. He partnered with PETA in 2008 to narrate a video exposing the cruelty of rabbit fur farming in China, condemning the mistreatment of animals for their fur.
Furthermore, Tim Gunn actively engages in political matters and endorsed Christine Quinn's mayoral campaign in the 2013 New York City mayoral election. This demonstrates his commitment to supporting political candidates whose values align with his own.
Tim Gunn's life in Manhattan has been characterized by his candid exploration of personal identity, his unwavering stance against animal fur in fashion, and his active involvement in endorsing political candidates who share his values. He consistently advocates for compassion, inclusivity, and responsible decision-making in various aspects of life.
Is Tim Gunn Still Alive? - FAQ
Yes, Tim Gunn is still alive.
Timothy MacKenzie Gunn is a well-known American author, academic, and television personality. He gained fame as an on-air mentor on the reality television program "Project Runway," where he offered guidance and support to aspiring designers.
Timothy Gunn was a valued faculty member at Parsons School of Design for many years. He taught at the school from 1982 to 2007 and held the prestigious position of chair of fashion design from August 2000 to March 2007.
After leaving Parsons, Timothy Gunn joined Liz Claiborne, now known as Kate Spade & Company, as its chief creative officer, embarking on a new journey in the fashion industry.
His role as an on-air mentor on "Project Runway" made him widely recognized and beloved in the fashion industry. It also led to the creation of two spin-off shows: "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" on Bravo and "Under the Gunn" on Lifetime.