The Gumbel Brothers: A Legacy in American Broadcasting
The question of whether Greg and Bryant Gumbel are related has intrigued many fans of American television. The answer is a definitive yes—they were biological brothers who both carved out remarkable careers in broadcasting, each leaving an indelible mark on sports journalism and television news.
Family Background and Early Life
Greg and Bryant Gumbel were born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Richard Dunbar Gumbel Jr., a Cook County probate judge, and Rhea Alice LeCesne, a city clerk. The family later moved to Chicago's South Side, settling in the Hyde Park neighborhood, where the brothers grew up alongside their two sisters, Rhonda Gumbel-Thomas and Renee Gumbel-Farrahi.
Their upbringing was rooted in discipline and education, with their father working two jobs to put himself through Georgetown University Law Center. The brothers served as altar boys at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and developed a lifelong rivalry in Chicago sports—Greg was a die-hard White Sox fan, while Bryant rooted for the Cubs.
Greg Gumbel: A Pioneer in Sports Broadcasting
Greg Gumbel, the older brother, was born on May 3, 1946, and passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 78 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a renowned sports broadcaster, best known for his 50-year career with CBS Sports. Greg made history as the first African-American to call play-by-play for a major U.S. sports championship, Super Bowl XXXV, in 2001.
His career highlights include hosting The NFL Today and serving as the face of CBS's college basketball coverage for over 25 years, famously hosting Selection Sunday. Greg also anchored prime-time coverage for multiple Olympic Games. He is survived by his wife, Marcy, and their daughter, Michelle.
Bryant Gumbel: A Stalwart in Television Journalism
Bryant Gumbel, born on September 29, 1948, is a retired television journalist and sportscaster. He is most notably known for his 15-year tenure as co-host of NBC's The Today Show and for hosting HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel from 1995 to 2023. Bryant officially retired from broadcasting in December 2023.
Like his brother, he attended St. Thomas the Apostle Grammar School and graduated from the De La Salle Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian History from Bates College. In his personal life, Bryant has been married to Hilary Gumbel since 2002 and has two children from a previous marriage.
Professional Perspectives and Legacy
In a 1990 interview with the Chicago Tribune, Greg Gumbel reflected on the differences in professional perspective between himself and his brother, despite their shared upbringing. He noted that both had calm, reasoned approaches, but where Bryant might attribute success to his own abilities, Greg tended to see it as a result of audience appreciation.
Upon Greg's passing, Bryant released a statement praising his brother's impact, calling him a role model and pioneer who broke barriers for Black broadcasters. He highlighted Greg's smooth and trustworthy demeanor, whether in play-by-play, studio hosting, or interviewing athletes.
Conclusion
The story of Greg and Bryant Gumbel extends beyond mere familial ties. Together, they shaped sports broadcasting across different networks and generations, setting high standards for credibility and professionalism in television journalism. Their combined influence remains firmly embedded in the history of American broadcasting, serving as an inspiration for future generations in the industry.
