Bryant Gumbel, a legendary character in American television, says that his parents’ principles were a major factor in his success. Bryant came from an ethical and academically-minded family in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was born on September 29, 1948.

Family Tree: Rhea Alice Gumbel, Richard Dunbar Gumbel, and Bryant Gumbel
Rhea Alice (formerly LeCesne) and Richard Dunbar Gumbel are the parents of Bryant Gumbel. As a city clerk, his mom meticulously oversaw administrative duties. As a judge, Richard’s father instilled in him a commitment to equity and justice.
Bio Data and Family Information of Bryant Gumbel
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Bryant Charles Gumbel |
Birthdate | September 29, 1948 |
Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana |
Parents | Rhea Alice (mother), Richard Dunbar Gumbel (father) |
Ethnicity | African American, German-Jewish heritage |
Education | De La Salle Institute, Bates College (Degree in Russian History, 1970) |
Siblings | Greg Gumbel (brother), two sisters |
For further details, visit HBO’s official website.
How Bryant Gumbel’s Parents Shaped His Career
The influence of Bryant’s parents on their son’s personality is substantial. He learned the importance of self-control and accountability from Rhea Alice. Bryant inherited Richard’s high moral standards from his time spent serving as a judge. His journalism career was built upon these principles.
Background and Childhood
As a child, Bryant lived in a Catholic home on the South Side of Chicago. During Bryant’s childhood, his family relocated to the north. His brilliance shined through while he was a student at De La Salle Institute. He attended Bates College later on to major in Russian history.
Rhea and Richard Gumbel’s Enduring Legacy
An Exemplar in Justice: Richard Dunbar Gumbel
Judge Richard was devoted to his job. Justice and equality were principles that he fought for. His resolute personality had a profound impact on Bryant’s work ethic and outlook on life.
Rhea Alice: A Home Rock
With grace and strength, Rhea oversaw the home. Bryant learned discipline and administrative skills from her job as municipal clerk. In all that she did, she stressed the need of being responsible and compassionate.
Greg Gumbel with Bryant, His Brother
Greg, Bryant’s older brother, was also famous on a national level. A popular sports commentator, Greg rose to prominence. A lot of the credit for the Gumbel brothers’ tenacity and honesty comes from their parents.
An Innovative Journalism Journey
Bryant Gumbel started working for NBC Sports in 1975. Super Bowls, MLB games, and the Olympics were all hosted by him. For fifteen years, he used his charisma to co-host the Today Show on NBC. Afterwards, he became a CBS news anchor and garnered multiple accolades for his groundbreaking reporting.
Domestic and Personal Aspects
The Bryants had two children together after Bryant wed June Baranco in 1973. Hilary Quinlan was his wife from 2002 onwards, following their 2001 divorce. He has dealt with his own problems, such as health problems. He had surgery to remove a cancerous growth from his chest in 2009.