Karlie Kloss’s departure from Project Runway remains unconfirmed, but her exit may be linked to personal circumstances. The show’s 19th season coincided with her pregnancy, which might have posed challenges for her participation. In March 2021, Karlie and her husband, Joshua Kushner, welcomed their son, Levi Joseph, into the world.
Bravo announced a preview for Project Runway season 19 on July 1, 2021, a time when Karlie would have been adjusting to life as a new mom. This timing suggests her decision to step back might have been influenced by her family priorities.
Karlie appeared on only two seasons of Project Runway . Fans speculated if her exit was connected to the infamous “dinner with the Kushners” remark on the show, but it seems unlikely. Addressing the comment on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2020, Karlie expressed humor, calling it an honor to be “one of the first memes of the decade.”

Karlie Kloss (Image via Getty)
Since leaving the show, Karlie has embraced her role as a first-time mother. In May 2021, she shared pregnancy and baby photos on Instagram with the heartfelt caption: “My heart is full.” Later, in September, she posted more personal moments with friends and family, reflecting on “a summer full of loving.”
Beyond motherhood, Karlie has remained active in the public eye. She attended high-profile events such as the MET Gala and shared modeling and event-related photos on Instagram. She also graced the WSJ. Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards, showcasing her continued presence in fashion and media.
Although Karlie is no longer the main host, she was reported to make appearances during the 2021 season. Christian Siriano has taken over hosting duties, supported by judges Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth. Season 19 also features an exciting lineup of guest judges, including Jason Wu, Gigi Hadid, Taraji P. Henson, Billy Porter, and others.
Karlie’s departure appears rooted in her evolving priorities as she balances her professional and personal life. Despite stepping away, her influence on Project Runway and the fashion world remains undeniable.
In 2020, fans of American Housewife were amazed when Julia Butters left her role as Anna-Kat, Katie, and Greg Otto’s youngest daughter. Butters had been a part of the show since its debut in 2016, portraying the quirky character for the first four seasons. Her sudden exit left many viewers wondering why she decided to leave. surprised when Julia Butters left her role as Anna-Kat, Katie, and Greg Otto’s youngest daughter. Butter had been a part of the show since its debut in amazed when Julia Butter le
The official reason behind Julia Butters’ departure was her desire to pursue other opportunities. Deadline reported that the actress wanted to explore different roles outside of the sitcom. In the year leading up to her exit, Butters had received significant attention for her performance in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood , Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film. This breakout role, where she played the young actress Trudi Fraser, helped her gain recognition and was a pivotal moment in her career.
Before landing her iconic role in American Housewife , Butters appeared in smaller roles on shows like Criminal Minds and The Rusted . At just 9 years old, she was cast as Anna-Kat in 2016. Her character, Anna-Kat Otto, was the third and youngest child of Katie and Greg Otto. The show, created by Sarah Dunn, revolved around the Otto family guiding life in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut.

Meg Donnelly and Julia Butters on American Housewife (Image via Getty)
Following Butters’ departure, actress Giselle Eisenberg stepped in to take over the role of Anna-Kat in the show’s fifth and final season. Eisenberg, known for her role as Sophia Hughes in Life In Pieces , was tasked with portraying Anna-Kat in a new light. Eisenberg’s acting career also includes notable roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit , making her a fitting replacement for Butters.
Julia Butters didn’t stay out of the spotlight for long. After leaving American Housewife , she continued to build her career with impressive roles. In Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood , Butters earned a nomination for a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Actor/Actress. She also starred as Reggie Fableman in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film The Fabelmans . Butters’ performance in The Fabelmans earned her a nomination for Best Young Actress at the 2023 Music City Film Critics Association.
In addition to her film roles, Butters has continued to expand her career with appearances in several popular shows. She has been featured in I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson and Adventure Time: Distant Lands . Recently, Butters appeared in Monsters at Work on Disney+, showcasing her continued success in the entertainment industry.
Julia Butters’ departure from American Housewife marked the end of an era for the show, but it also opened the door for new opportunities that allowed her to flourish in her career.