Bryant Gumbel Biography: Age, Wife, Career | Sportscaster

Bryant Gumbel Biography: A Legendary Journalist and Sportscaster

Age

Bryant Gumbel was born on September 29, 1948, which makes him 76 years old. His zodiac sign is Libra.

He is of German-Jewish and African-American ethnicity. Gumbel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, so his nationality is American.

Parents, Upbringing, and Siblings

Bryant was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Rhea Alice LeCesne, a city clerk, and Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge.

He grew up with a strong emphasis on education and public service, which influenced his interest in journalism.

Let’s dive into the life of Bryant Gumbel, focusing on his parents, upbringing, and siblings.

Parents

Bryant Gumbel was born on September 29, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His parents were Rhea Alice (née LeCesne), a city clerk, and Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge.

His father, Richard, was a remarkable figure who had served as a probate judge in Cook County, Illinois.

He was known for his dedication and hard work, having put himself through law school at Georgetown University while working two jobs. Richard’s resilience and commitment left a lasting impression on Bryant.

Upbringing

Bryant grew up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago after his family moved north when he was a child. He was raised Catholic and attended De La Salle Institute in Chicago, where he graduated before moving on to Bates College in Maine.

At Bates, he earned a degree in Russian history in 1970. His upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education and perseverance, values instilled by his parents.

Siblings

Bryant has two younger sisters, Rhonda and Renee, and an older brother, Greg Gumbel, who is also a well-known sportscaster.

Greg has had a successful career in sports broadcasting, and the two brothers have often been compared for their contributions to the field.

The Gumbel family’s legacy in broadcasting is quite impressive, with both Bryant and Greg making significant impacts in their respective roles.

Bryant Gumbel’s journey from New Orleans to becoming a prominent figure in television journalism is a testament to his family’s values and his own determination.

Wife

Bryant Gumbel’s wife is Hilary Quinlan. She was born in 1963, making her 61 years old. Hilary is a former fashion model, author, and board director of UNICEF, USA.

She and Bryant got engaged in 2001 and married a year later in an intimate ceremony at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

Hilary has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and previously worked at Goldman Sachs before transitioning into modeling and authorship. Despite her accomplishments, she prefers to keep her personal life private.

Height, Weight

Career and Background

Bryant Gumbel began his broadcasting career in 1972 as a sports anchor at KNBC in Los Angeles.

In 1982, he became the first African-American co-host of Today, where he made history through his coverage of major events, including seven Olympic Games, political conventions, and significant national stories.

Later, Gumbel joined CBS and produced acclaimed news specials. Since 1995, he has hosted HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which has received multiple Emmy Awards and critical acclaim for its in-depth coverage of sports-related issues.

Here’s a comprehensive look at his career:

Early Career

Bryant began his television career in October 1972 as a sportscaster for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.

In addition, his talent and charisma quickly caught the attention of NBC Sports, and in 1975, he was hired as the co-host of the National Football League pre-game show GrandStand with Jack Buck.

NBC Sports

During his time at NBC Sports, Bryant hosted numerous sporting events, including Major League Baseball, college basketball, and the National Football League.

He also hosted the prime-time coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the PGA Tour in 1990.

The Today Show

In 1982, Bryant was named the principal anchor of NBC’s flagship morning show, The Today Show.

He held this position for 15 years, becoming the third longest-serving co-host in the show’s history. During his tenure, he earned several Emmys and built a large fanbase.

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel

In 1995, Bryant began hosting HBO’s investigative sports series, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. The show has been praised as “TV’s best sports program” by the Los Angeles Times and won a Peabody Award in 2012. Over the years, it has earned more than 30 Sports Emmy Awards.

CBS and The Early Show

After leaving The Today Show in 1997, Bryant moved to CBS, where he hosted various shows before becoming the co-host of the network’s morning show, The Early Show, on November 1, 1999.

He was the first to announce the September 11 attacks to CBS viewers on the morning of September 11, 2001.

Notable Achivements

Bryant Gumbel has covered numerous significant sports events and stories throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable and memorable sports coverages:

1. NFL Super Bowls

   • Hosted NFL pre-game show GrandStand and served as play-by-play announcer for four Super Bowls.

2. 1988 Summer Olympics

   • Hosted NBC’s prime-time coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.

3. 1979 NCAA Championship Game

   • Covered the famous 1979 NCAA Championship Game between Magic Johnson’s Michigan State and Larry Bird’s Indiana State.
4. Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel

Since 1995, Bryant has hosted HBO’s investigative sports series Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. The show has produced many impactful segments, including:

• • “Psychedelics in Sports” (2020): This segment explored the use of psychedelic mushrooms by athletes to treat long-term effects of head injuries.

• • “Risky Business” (2019): This segment delved into the life of cameramen shooting extreme sports and the challenges they face.

• • “The NHL’s Denial of CTE” (2018): This segment criticized the NHL for its refusal to acknowledge a link between hockey and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

1. • “Kirstie Ennis” (2022): This segment featured the inspiring story of Marine sergeant Kirstie Ennis, who overcame a helicopter crash and amputation to become a mountaineer.

2. September 11 Attacks

   • First to announce the September 11 attacks to CBS viewers on the morning of September 11, 2001, while co-hosting The Early Show.

Awards and Recognition

Bryant’s contributions to sports journalism have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his illustrious career.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Emmy Awards: Bryant has won four Sports Emmy Awards for his work on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. These awards recognize excellence in sports journalism and broadcasting.

• Peabody Award: The show Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel won a Peabody Award in 2012, which is one of the most prestigious awards in television journalism.

• NAACP Image Awards: Bryant has received three NAACP Image Awards, including the President’s Award, which honors individuals who promote social justice through their professional work.

• Martin Luther King Award: He was honored with the Martin Luther King Award from the Congress of Racial Equality, recognizing his contributions to civil rights and social justice.

• Frederick D. Patterson Award: This award, given by the United Negro College Fund, is one of the highest honors for contributions to education and social justice.

• Edward R. Murrow Award: Bryant has also received the Edward R. Murrow Award for his outstanding achievements in electronic journalism.

• Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: In 2024, Bryant was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame for his over half-century-long career and his significant contributions to sports journalism.

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Bryant was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sports Emmys in 2023, recognizing his enduring impact on sports broadcasting.

Bryant Gumbel has worked with many notable colleagues throughout his career. Here are a few of his close colleagues:

• Jane Pauley: Bryant co-hosted NBC’s Today Show with Jane Pauley. They had a strong professional relationship and often engaged in insightful discussions on the show.

• Jack Buck: Bryant co-hosted the NFL pre-game show GrandStand with Jack Buck. Their chemistry and sports knowledge made the show a hit among football fans.

• Janelle Wang: Bryant has worked with Janelle Wang on various projects.

• Greg Gumbel: Bryant’s older brother, Greg, is also a well-known sportscaster. They have often been compared for their contributions to sports broadcasting.

• Katie Couric: Bryant had a famously tense relationship with Katie Couric during their time on the Today Show. Their dynamic was often a topic of media speculation.

• Matt Lauer: Bryant and Matt Lauer were close friends and colleagues on the Today Show. Bryant defended Lauer when he faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

• Raj Mathai: Bryant works with Raj Mathai at NBC Bay Area, where they anchor the news together.

Bryant Gumbel’s career is marked by his ability to form strong professional relationships with his colleagues, even if some of those relationships were complex.

Net Worth and Salary

Bryant Gumbel’s net worth and salary reflect his successful career in television journalism and sports broadcasting:

Net Worth

Bryant Gumbel’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long and distinguished career, including his work on shows like The Today Show and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

Salary

While working on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel at HBO, Bryant earned a salary of $6 million per year. This high salary is indicative of his status as a top-tier television journalist and sportscaster.

Other Financial Aspects

• Houses: Bryant owns properties, including a house in Jupiter, Florida, valued at $3.2 million.
• Cars: He owns a BMW i3, among other vehicles.

Bryant Gumbel’s financial success is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the impact he has made in the field of sports journalism.

Is Bryant Gumbel Married?

Yes, Bryant Gumbel is married. He is currently married to Hilary Quinlan, a former fashion model, author, and board director of UNICEF, USA.

They got engaged in 2001 and married a year later in 2002 at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Bryant was previously married to June Baranco, with whom he has two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian.

How Old Is Bryant Gumbel?

Bryant Gumbel was born on September 29, 1948, which makes him 76 years old as of now.

Where Is Bryant Gumbel?

Bryant Gumbel is currently residing in Jupiter, Florida. He owns a house there valued at $3.2 million.

While he has slowed down considerably from his earlier prolific career, he continues to host Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel on HBO and remains active in the field of sports journalism.

Bryant Gumbel is not very active on social media. While he does have a presence on platforms like Facebook  for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, he does not frequently post or engage with followers.