Bryant Gumbel Seen Smiling on NYC Stroll After Hospital Stay
Bryant Gumbel, known for his time as a co-anchor on Today, seems to be recovering after a recent stay in the hospital.
On Saturday, October 25, TMZ released images depicting the 77-year-old Bryant and his spouse, Hilary Gumbel, strolling through the streets of New York City. Bryant, who seemed quite cheerful, was dressed in a bomber jacket and a New York Yankees baseball cap while he and his wife walked their canine companion around NYC.
The same source had earlier disclosed on Monday, October 20, that Gumbel experienced a "medical emergency," leading to his transfer from his residence to a Manhattan hospital. While his family members chose not to reveal the specific reason for his hospital admission, a relative informed TMZ that the esteemed four-time Emmy recipient was in "OK" condition.
Following this, his wife Hilary posted an uplifting photograph on her Instagram Story, showcasing sunlight filtering through tree branches, accompanied by the word: "Gratitude."
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Throughout his life, Bryant has faced significant health challenges, with a prominent instance being an operation in October 2009 to excise a cancerous growth situated close to one of his lungs.
"There's no point in concealing it. My chest was opened, they removed a cancerous tumor, a portion of my lung, and some other elements," Gumbel detailed during a 2009 appearance on Live With Regis and Kelly. "While the majority of the findings were benign, a sufficient number of aggressive cells had spread from the tumor, necessitating treatment, which I completed, and it's now behind me."
Bryant's elder brother, Greg Gumbel — a highly respected sports commentator who spent five decades working for CBS and NBC — passed away last December. CBS Sports confirmed Greg's passing at 78 years old after his struggle with pancreatic cancer.
"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the departure of our cherished husband and father, Greg Gumbel," his family conveyed in a collective statement last December. "He departed serenely, enveloped by immense affection, following a brave fight against cancer."
His relatives noted that Greg "confronted his ailment" by demonstrating "stoicism, grace, and optimism" to those dear to him.
"[Greg] leaves an enduring heritage of affection, motivation, and commitment across more than 50 remarkable years in the sports broadcasting field; and his distinctive voice will always be remembered," they further stated. "Greg's legacy will be perpetually cherished by his family, closest companions, professional associates, and everyone who held him dear."
Jim Nantz, who was Greg's colleague at CBS Sports for many years, referred to the deceased sportscaster as "broadcasting royalty."
"He embodied selflessness as a broadcaster unlike anyone else in the profession. Our professional paths crossed for almost 35 years, and he was the ultimate colleague and companion," Nantz expressed. "Every individual within the CBS Sports community holds a fond or pleasant recollection of Greg. I hold immense affection and admiration for him, and his absence will be deeply felt."
Concurrently, Bryant has forged a distinguished career himself, spanning both news reporting and sports commentary. He served as a co-anchor for NBC’s Today for a decade and a half, subsequently covering the 9/11 terrorist attacks for CBS’s The Early Show in September 2001.
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He both presented and oversaw the production of HBO’s sports news magazine program Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, earning him three Peabody Awards and an impressive 37 Sports Emmy Awards. Real Sports wrapped up its run in December 2023, after 29 seasons broadcast on HBO.
Beyond his television work, Bryant is a father to two adult children, Jillian Beth Gumbel and Bradley Christopher Gumbel, from his initial marriage to June Baranco. Bryant’s first union concluded in 2001, and he married his current wife, Hilary, the subsequent year.
