When people hear the name Bryant Gumbel, they immediately think of one of the most recognized television journalists in America. But behind his public life lies a personal story often less discussed — his long marriage to June Baranco, a woman who built her own life outside the spotlight. While Bryant Gumbel became a household name on programs like The Today Show and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, June Baranco’s story is equally significant, reflecting resilience, personal choices, and life after being connected to one of the most influential broadcasters of his generation.
This article dives deep into who June Baranco is, her background, her marriage and divorce from Bryant Gumbel, her personal achievements, and where she is now. If you’ve ever searched “Who is June Baranco, Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife?” — this guide provides the most detailed and updated information available.
Quick Information About June Baranco
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Baranco |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Bryant Gumbel |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 77 years old |
| Birthplace | Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Bryant Gumbel) |
| Marriage Date | December 1, 1973 |
| Divorce Finalized | August 21, 2001 |
| Children | Two (Bradford and Jillian) |
| Profession | Artist & Designer (known for creative pursuits) |
| Current Residence | Reportedly in Louisiana |
| Connection to Media | Through marriage to Bryant Gumbel |
Early Life and Background of June Baranco
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Louisiana, into a close-knit family with strong cultural roots. Unlike Bryant Gumbel, who grew up in New Orleans and was destined for the media spotlight, June’s upbringing was centered on creativity, tradition, and community. She developed early interests in art, design, and lifestyle pursuits, which later shaped her professional journey. While many only associate her name with her marriage to Bryant Gumbel, her identity was never just limited to being a “celebrity spouse.”
Meeting Bryant Gumbel: A Love Story in the Early 1970s
The paths of June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel crossed in the early 1970s. At the time, Bryant was just beginning to make his way in journalism, while June was pursuing her own passions. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to a wedding on December 1, 1973. The marriage came before Bryant’s meteoric rise in broadcast journalism, meaning June was there through the most transformative years of his career. She played the role of a supportive wife during his early days at NBC and later when he became a household name.
Life as Bryant Gumbel’s Wife
Being married to a rising media personality wasn’t always easy. As Bryant’s career grew — from The Today Show anchor desk to HBO’s Real Sports — June managed much of the household and family responsibilities. The couple welcomed two children, Bradford and Jillian Gumbel, raising them with strong family values despite the pressures of fame.
During this period, June developed a reputation among friends and associates for her elegance, artistic eye, and resilience. She often managed family life away from the limelight, allowing Bryant to focus on his demanding career.
Challenges in the Marriage
As years passed, reports of marital strain began to emerge. Bryant Gumbel’s demanding career schedule and alleged personal choices contributed to tension in the marriage. According to public court documents and media reports, their relationship became rocky in the 1990s, leading to eventual separation. June Baranco reportedly endured difficult times but maintained grace and dignity throughout the process, avoiding the kind of media scandals often associated with celebrity divorces.
Divorce and Public Attention
The marriage officially ended on August 21, 2001, after nearly 28 years together. Their divorce attracted significant media coverage due to Bryant Gumbel’s high-profile status. June Baranco, however, kept a low profile during and after the proceedings, preferring privacy over publicity. The settlement was widely reported in entertainment news, but June refrained from granting interviews or sharing her side of the story in public.
Life After Divorce: Where Is June Baranco Now?
Following the divorce, June Baranco stepped away from the spotlight. Sources suggest she pursued personal passions, particularly in art, creative design, and lifestyle projects. Unlike many former celebrity spouses who chase fame, June chose a quieter life.
She is believed to reside in Louisiana, where she maintains ties with family and community. Despite not being active on social media, her story continues to interest readers who want to know about Bryant Gumbel’s personal life and first marriage.
Relationship with Children
One of June’s strongest legacies is her role as a mother. With two children, Bradford and Jillian, she dedicated much of her energy to raising them. Both have largely stayed out of the media eye, reflecting June’s influence in valuing privacy. Still, her children are said to maintain close ties with both parents, even after the divorce. June’s focus on family has defined much of her life story.
Professional Interests and Career Path
While June is not as publicly documented in terms of career as Bryant Gumbel, she has been associated with artistic and creative work. Some sources point to her involvement in design and art projects, which align with her lifelong passion. This side of her life often gets overlooked but highlights that June Baranco is more than just “Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife.”
Legacy and Public Perception
Public perception of June Baranco is largely shaped by her long marriage to Bryant Gumbel. Yet, those who have followed her story closely recognize her as a woman of strength, elegance, and independence. Her decision to remain private and not leverage her ex-husband’s fame for personal gain speaks volumes about her character. She represents a generation of women who supported powerful men yet maintained their own identities.
Bryant Gumbel’s Career in Contrast
While June pursued a quiet life, Bryant Gumbel’s career soared. He became one of the most respected television hosts in America, particularly known for his groundbreaking work on HBO’s Real Sports. His success often overshadowed June’s story, but the two remain permanently linked in public memory because of their nearly three-decade-long marriage.
Where June Baranco Stands Today
Today, June Baranco remains a figure of curiosity, especially for those researching the personal history of Bryant Gumbel. She has chosen to live away from fame, focusing on personal happiness and privacy. As of 2025, she is 77 years old and continues to embody a story of resilience, reinvention, and dignity.
Final Thoughts
The story of June Baranco is more than just a footnote in Bryant Gumbel’s biography. She represents strength, patience, and individuality. From her early life in Louisiana to nearly three decades as Bryant Gumbel’s wife, and finally to carving her own path after divorce, June’s life is a journey worth knowing. While Bryant Gumbel’s legacy is cemented in broadcasting, June Baranco’s legacy lies in her quiet strength, her devotion to family, and her choice to live authentically outside the glare of the media spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is the ex-wife of American television journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is also known for her artistic and creative pursuits, as well as being the mother of their two children.
2. When were June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel married?
They married on December 1, 1973, during the early stages of Bryant Gumbel’s career in broadcast journalism.
3. How long were Bryant Gumbel and June Baranco married?
They were married for nearly 28 years before finalizing their divorce in 2001.
4. Do June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel have children?
Yes, they share two children — Bradford and Jillian Gumbel. Both have largely chosen lives away from the media spotlight.
5. Why did June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel divorce?
Their divorce stemmed from marital challenges, including career pressures and personal differences. Media reports highlighted alleged issues of infidelity, though June herself never publicly spoke about them.
6. Where is June Baranco now?
She is believed to live a private life in Louisiana, focusing on family and personal pursuits. She avoids media attention and maintains a quiet lifestyle.
7. What is June Baranco’s profession?
While not widely documented, June is known to have interests in art and creative design, reflecting her personal passions outside of her role as Bryant Gumbel’s wife.
8. How old is June Baranco in 2025?
Born on June 22, 1948, June Baranco is 77 years old in 2025.
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