Tim Gunn reveals why he turned down a Project Runway cameo—plus Heidi Klum’s fight to keep their iconic duo intact.
Did Tim Gunn Just Get SNUBbed By Project Runway?
The longtime co-host, 71, revealed to PEOPLE that producers rejected his return despite Heidi Klum’s push.
After texting about a potential comeback (“I’d do it in a heartbeat!”), Gunn discovered they’d axed him—offering only a demeaning “cameo” (think: waving from a bus?). His response? “No, thank you. I’m out.”
Why Did Heidi Klum Fight for Her Co-Host?
Klum, who’s returning for Season 21, was “devastated” and vowed to lobby for Gunn.
“I’m fighting for you!” she texted. Gunn, touched but pragmatic, told her: “Just take care of yourself.”
Their Emmy-winning partnership—16 seasons strong—ends here, but he’ll “cheer her on” from the sidelines.
Was the ‘Cameo’ Offer an Insult?
Producers suggested Gunn appear briefly—maybe croquet at a retirement home? He mocked the idea: “As designers go to Mood Fabrics?”
The snub stung initially (“humiliated,” he admits), but he reframed it: “How lucky am I to have 20 phenomenal years?” Still, fans are furious.
How Did Project Runway Evolve Without Them?
After Klum/Gunn left in 2018 for Amazon’s Making the Cut, Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano took over. Now, the reboot shifts to Freeform/Disney+/Hulu.
But losing Gunn’s mentorship? Siriano’s big shoes just got bigger—a challenge even Mood’s fabric stash can’t fix.
Will Fans Boycott the New Season?
Gunn’s exit sparks backlash, with many calling the move “tone-deaf.” His loyalists argue: “No Tim, no watch.”
But Gunn’s zen: “Things happen for a reason.” Whether that reason involves angry viewers? Stay tuned.
Quick Facts About Tim Gunn’s Runway Exit:
- Text Chain Clues: Klum first hinted at a comeback via text months ago.
- No Contract: Gunn was blindsided—producers never sent one.
- Cameo Flop: Mocked retirement home croquet as a pathetic olive branch.
- Legacy Stats: Hosted 16 seasons with Klum; won a 2013 Emmy.
- New Home: Project Runway Season 21 streams on Freeform/Disney+/Hulu.