Bryant Gumbel's Life After Retirement: A Quiet Chapter
Bryant Gumbel, the acclaimed American television journalist and sportscaster, concluded his illustrious five-decade career in December 2023 with the final episode of HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Since then, he has largely retreated from public life, embracing a quieter existence centered on family and personal pursuits.
Retirement and Personal Focus
In a December 2023 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Gumbel reflected on his decision to retire, stating that his heart was no longer in continuing the show. He expressed peace with ending the 29-season run, which earned 37 Sports Emmys and two Peabody Awards. Now 77 years old, Gumbel resides in New York City with his wife, Hilary Gumbel, and spends his time playing golf and enjoying long-overdue rest.
Health Scare and Recovery
In October 2025, Gumbel was hospitalized in New York City following an undisclosed medical emergency. According to sources cited by People magazine, he was reported to be okay and expected to recover. Following the incident, he was seen dining with his wife and friends, including Al Roker, indicating a positive recovery trajectory. This event follows a previous health challenge in 2009, when Gumbel underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor and part of his lung, from which he later confirmed he was free and clear.
Family and Personal Life
Bryant Gumbel is married to Hilary Gumbel (née Quinlan), an Emmy-winning producer and philanthropist, since August 2002. He was previously married to June Baranco from 1973 until their divorce in 2001, with whom he shares two adult children: Bradley Christopher, born in 1978, and Jillian Beth, born in 1984. Gumbel's family includes his late brother, Greg Gumbel, a pioneering sportscaster who passed away in December 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Career Highlights and Net Worth
Gumbel's career began in print journalism before transitioning to television, where he made history as the first Black co-anchor of NBC's Today show from 1982 to 1997. He also hosted CBS's The Early Show and was the first to announce the September 11 attacks on that network. His net worth is estimated at $25 million, accumulated over decades of high-profile broadcasting roles.
Educational Background and Early Life
Born on September 29, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Gumbel grew up in Chicago after his family moved there during his infancy. He attended De La Salle Institute and graduated from Bates College in 1970 with a degree in Russian history. An athlete in college, he played baseball and football until a wrist injury ended his sports aspirations.
Legacy and Current Status
Bryant Gumbel's retirement marks the end of an era in broadcast journalism, with his contributions spanning news, sports, and investigative reporting. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, his legacy as a trailblazer and respected broadcaster endures. He remains alive and well, focusing on a peaceful retirement in New York City.
