Where’s Bryant Gumbel been? Former TV anchor’s life post-retirement brings him back into the spotlight amid hospitalization

Bryant Gumbel, one of television's most respected journalists, is back in the headlines — but not for the reasons fans would hope. The former Today anchor and Real Sports host, who quietly stepped away from the spotlight after wrapping his award-winning HBO series in 2023, has been hospitalized in New York following a reported medical emergency.

For decades, Gumbel was a fixture of American television, shaping how viewers experienced both news and sports. His long-running series, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which concluded after 29 years, earned him two Peabody Awards and over 30 Sports Emmy Awards.

However, when the lights dimmed on the series, Gumbel also quietly left public life.

A look into Bryant Gumbel's early career and rise to fame

Bryant Gumbel's career was full of firsts. In 1982, he became the first Black journalist to host a major network's morning program when he joined NBC's Today, where he remained for 15 years.

Before that, he got his start in print reporting and later joined KNBC-TV in 1972 as a sportscaster. NBC Sports brought him on in 1975, cementing his path as a respected voice in sports media.

Over the years, Gumbel hosted everything, from the Primetime Emmys to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and even fronted specials like Pablo Escobar: King of Cocaine and Brain Surgery Live, proving his versatility.

When HBO announced Real Sports was ending, Gumbel was ready to step away.

Speaking with his former Today co-host, Jane Pauley, on CBS News Sunday Morning, he said he wasn't interested in extending his contract for another three years. He revealed at the time:

“My heart wouldn't be in it. I'm OK with that. I'm at peace with it. Only a fool says never. So, I would never say never again, but I'm not actively looking for another chapter, I'm really not.”

Bryant Gumbel’s low-key life after retirement

Gumbel's focus shifted toward family and leisure upon retirement. Married to his second wife, Hilary Quinlan, he has two adult children from his first marriage, and his daughter Jillian has children of her own.

Though private about his personal life, those close to him describe Gumbel as a devoted father and grandfather who enjoys a slower pace, one that now includes plenty of golf.

Still, the TV icon hasn't stepped entirely away from the public eye. He occasionally gives talks on media and race, reportedly earning between $50,000 and $75,000 per engagement, and remains one of the wealthiest former Today hosts with an estimated net worth of $25 million.

Bryant Gumbel hospitalized due to reported "medical emergency"

On Oct. 21, Bryant Gumbel was hospitalized in New York City following what's being described as a "medical emergency."

According to TMZ, the legendary broadcaster was reportedly rushed from his Manhattan residence around 9 p.m. on Oct. 20, and remains under medical care as of Tuesday.

A family member assured the outlet that Gumbel was "okay," but refused to elaborate on his condition.

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