Exploring the Life of Former Today Co-Host Bryant Gumbel Away from the Spotlight
Former Today cohost and sports journalist Bryant Gumbel has maintained a low profile largely out of the public eye since retiring from television in 2023.
Gumbel’s final television endeavor was his sports talk show, Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel, which concluded on HBO after a remarkable 29-year run in December 2023. Following the show’s announcement of its end, Gumbel, now 77, revealed his intention to step back from television altogether.
“Nothing happened, except I knew my contract was up for renewal, and I had to consider whether I wanted to commit to another three years. Could I do another three years?” Gumbel told CBS News at the time. “And the answer was, probably not. My heart wouldn’t be in it. I’m okay with that. I’ve come to terms with it.”
Since then, Gumbel has made occasional appearances at public events, the most recent being the New York premiere of the Apple TV+ film Echo Valley in June, where he walked the red carpet with his wife, Hilary Gumbel, whom he has been married to since 2002. (Bryant was previously married to June Baranco from 1973 until 2001. They share two children: Bradley, 47, and Jillian, 41.)
Bryant and Hilary also attended the world premiere of Apple’s Fountain of Youth film in New York in May. Additionally, Bryant honored fellow Today cohost Al Roker with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 News & Documentary Emmy Awards in June. (Bryant was a host on Today from 1982 to 1977.)
“I’m very proud, yet humble, to receive the @theemmys.tv Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to me by a dear friend, Bryant Gumbel,” Roker, 71, shared via Instagram at the time. “Having my brother, @christopher_roker, along with his wife, @hardyroker and @nickroker155 made it even more meaningful. Congratulations also to @debrobertsabc for being inducted into the Silver Circle. Thanks, @adamsharpct for a wonderful night.”
Bryant made news on Tuesday, October 21, when TMZ reported that the former talk show host had been hospitalized following a “medical emergency.” He was taken from his Manhattan apartment building to a local hospital shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday, October 20.
As of Tuesday, Bryant was still hospitalized, with a family member informing the outlet that he is “okay.” However, no additional details regarding the health status of the sports commentator were disclosed.
Bryant has faced health challenges in the past, having revealed in 2009 that he underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumor along with a portion of his lung.
“It’s nothing to hide from,” he stated on Live With Regis and Kelly at that time. “They opened up my chest, removed a malignant tumor along with part of my lung and some other tissue. The pathology on most of it was benign, but some aggressive cells had escaped, necessitating treatment, which I completed.”
The following year, Bryant told People, “I’m still doing well. Doctors tell me I’m free and clear, so I’m hopeful for better days ahead.”
Bryant’s hospitalization comes less than a year after the passing of his brother, fellow sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel, who passed away at the age of 78 in December 2024.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” shared Greg’s wife, Marcy Gumbel, and daughter Michelle in a statement at that time. “He passed away peacefully, surrounded by much love, after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg faced his illness with the uniqueness, grace, and positivity that characterized him.”
The statement further expressed, “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry. His iconic voice will never be forgotten. Greg’s memory will always be cherished by his family, closest friends, colleagues, and all who loved him.”
