June Baranco is often known as the first wife of Bryant Gumbel, the famous TV journalist, but her story goes far beyond that connection. She is a talented artist and a strong woman who has lived a life full of creativity, challenges, and quiet resilience. This article will explore June’s early life and education, her years of marriage to Bryant Gumbel, her struggles and heartbreak, her successful artistic career, and the peaceful life she has built after divorce. Through it all, June has shown grace and strength, making her own unique mark on the world.
Profile Summary June Baranco
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Age (2025) | 77 years old |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christian (Catholic) |
| Height | 5′6″ (167 cm) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Ex-Husband | Bryant Gumbel |
| Children | 2 (Bradley Christopher, Jillian Beth) |
| Profession | Visual Artist, Milliner (hat maker) |
| Known For | Former wife of Bryant Gumbel, artist, and entrepreneur |
| Current Residence | Private (likely New York City area) |
| Social Media | None |
Early Life and Background
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. From a young age, she showed a natural talent and passion for art, often sketching and designing as a way to express herself. To nurture this gift, June pursued formal art education, attending the High School of Art and Design in New York City, followed by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University. She further refined her skills by studying at prestigious schools like Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. These experiences helped shape June into a talented artist and gave her the creative foundation that influenced both her personal life and professional work.
Age, Physical Attributes, and Ethnicity
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, which makes her 77 years old in 2025. She is African-American and has always carried herself with grace and confidence. June is about 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall, with black hair and dark brown eyes. Her appearance reflects her classic style and quiet strength, traits that have defined her both in public and private life.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel and Their Relationship
June Baranco met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s during a summer visit to Chicago, where their connection quickly grew despite coming from different places. While June was still in high school, Bryant was starting his career and facing challenges, but they found a strong bond through mutual friends. Their relationship lasted several years, including a long-distance period when Bryant moved to New York to pursue his dream, and June stayed in Louisiana. After more than a decade of dating, they married in 1973. During the early years of their marriage, June supported Bryant as his career as a sportscaster and TV journalist took off, often stepping back from her own ambitions to focus on their family and home life.
Who is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is a well-known American television journalist and sportscaster famous for his work on shows like NBC’s Today and HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. He became one of the first Black hosts on a major national morning news program, gaining respect for his sharp interviews and insightful reporting. Over his long career, Bryant has been recognized for bringing important stories to viewers and has become a respected figure in American broadcast journalism.
Marriage, Life, and Family
During their marriage, June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel built a life focused on family and support. They welcomed two children together: their son Bradley Christopher in 1978 and daughter Jillian Beth in 1983. June made important sacrifices, including giving up her job as a Delta flight attendant, to dedicate herself fully to raising their children and managing the household. She played a strong and steady role, providing stability and care while Bryant’s career grew and demanded much of his time. June’s commitment helped create a loving and secure home for their family despite the challenges they faced.
Challenges and Struggles in Marriage
June Baranco faced many emotional challenges during her marriage, especially as she discovered Bryant Gumbel’s repeated infidelities, which caused her deep pain and heartbreak. She often felt lonely and emotionally drained, carrying the weight of supporting the family while dealing with betrayal. Despite Bryant’s success and wealth, June struggled financially because she received only a small allowance, making it hard for her to maintain independence. These difficulties took a toll on her personally and put a strain on their marriage, leaving her feeling hurt but determined to stay strong.
Divorce and Legal Battle
After many years of trying to save their marriage, June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel’s relationship ended, and their divorce was finalized in 2001. The legal process was long and difficult, as Bryant tried to protect his assets, but June fought hard to secure what was fair. Despite the emotional and financial challenges, June handled the situation with dignity and resilience. She worked to ensure she received a fair share of their property and settlement, showing strength and grace even during tough times.
Life After Divorce: Art and Entrepreneurship
After her divorce, June Baranco returned to her lifelong passion for art and creativity, focusing on expressing herself through various mediums like oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut illustrations. She worked on meaningful art projects that often highlighted community and heritage, including pieces for hospitals and cultural centers. In addition to her art, June launched a handcrafted hat business called Geaux Chapeaux, inspired by her Louisiana roots and vintage style. This venture allowed her to blend her creativity with entrepreneurship, creating unique hats that celebrate southern charm and elegance.
Personal Traits, Style, and Legacy
June Baranco is known for her grace, quiet strength, and resilience, qualities that helped her overcome personal challenges while staying true to herself. She carries herself with a classic and elegant style that reflects her calm confidence and inner dignity. Beyond being Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife, June has built a meaningful legacy as a talented artist, a mentor to young creatives, and a role model for living with integrity and creativity. Her life shows how strength and kindness can quietly leave a lasting impact.
Current Life and Privacy
Today, June Baranco chooses to live a very private life, staying away from social media and public attention. She values her peace and prefers to focus on what matters most to her, like family and art. Despite keeping a low profile, June remains active in artist communities and enjoys mentoring young artists, sharing her experience and skills quietly. Many respect her decision to protect her privacy while living authentically and peacefully.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Although June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly known, she likely lives comfortably thanks to the significant assets she received from her divorce settlement with Bryant Gumbel. Additionally, her art career and her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux, have contributed to her financial stability. June appears to prioritize a simple, fulfilling life focused on creativity and family rather than chasing wealth or public fame.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s life story is one of quiet resilience, creativity, and dignity. While she is often recognized as Bryant Gumbel’s first wife, she has built her own meaningful legacy as an artist, mentor, and strong woman who faced challenges with grace. Her journey reminds us that true strength comes from living authentically, valuing peace, and creating a life defined by personal values rather than fame. June’s example encourages us to appreciate the power of quiet determination and self-respect.
(FAQs)
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is a visual artist and the former wife of well-known TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. Beyond her marriage, she is recognized for her creativity, resilience, and private life focused on art, family, and personal dignity. She has built her own legacy through her artwork and quiet strength.
2. When and where was June Baranco born?
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. She grew up in a creative environment that nurtured her love for art and design from an early age. Her Southern roots have influenced both her personal style and artistic work.
3. How many children does June Baranco have?
June Baranco has two children, a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel. She focused on raising them with strong family values and privacy, helping them lead stable, private lives away from the media spotlight.
4. What type of art does June Baranco create?
June specializes in realistic art using mediums such as oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut illustrations. Her work often reflects emotional depth and community themes, combining technical skill with heartfelt expression.
5. Did June Baranco remarry after her divorce?
No, June Baranco has chosen to live a private and independent life following her divorce from Bryant Gumbel. She has not remarried and instead focuses on her art, family, and mentoring younger artists, valuing peace and privacy over public attention.
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