June Baranco is more than a name once linked with Bryant Gumbel, the well-known American television journalist. While many know her only as Bryant Gumbel’s first wife, her life tells a richer story. She is an artist, entrepreneur, and mother who found strength and purpose beyond her marriage. Her path shows how someone can step out of another’s shadow and create a unique identity that inspires.
Quick Bio of June Baranco
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Louisiana, USA (reports vary between Baton Rouge and New Orleans) |
| Age (2025) | 77 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Louisiana State University |
| Profession | Artist, Milliner, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Portraits in oil and pastel, Geaux Chapeaux custom hats |
| Marriage | Married to Bryant Gumbel (1973–2001) |
| Children | Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth |
| Current Status | Living privately, focusing on art and millinery |
| Ex-Husband’s Current Wife | Hilary Quinlan (married in 2002) |
| Connection to Media | Often referenced as Bryant Gumbel’s first wife |
Early Life of June Baranco
June Carlyn Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Louisiana. Sources vary, with some saying Baton Rouge and others pointing to New Orleans as her birthplace. What is sure is that she grew up with a creative mind and a strong interest in the arts. She later studied at Louisiana State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Education became the start of her journey into painting and design.
Career in Art and Design
June Baranco built a name as a portrait artist and a milliner. Her works in oil and pastel show her love for realism, while her custom hats under the brand Geaux Chapeaux became a signature. She also worked in printmaking and drawing. Her talent gained her recognition in groups like the Portrait Society and the Pastel Society, proving her skills. This career shows she was never only the wife of a celebrity.
Marriage to Bryant Gumbel
On December 1, 1973, June Baranco married Bryant Gumbel, who later became the co-host of The Today Show and host of Real Sports on HBO. The marriage lasted almost three decades, and together they had two children: Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth. For many, she became known as Bryant Gumbel’s wife, but her own life story carried much more depth and meaning than that title suggested.
The Struggles Behind the Marriage
Like many long relationships, the marriage between June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel faced challenges. Reports said that problems of infidelity and distance played a role. In 2001, after years of marriage, their union ended in divorce. For the public, the story focused on the famous journalist, but for June Baranco, it was a personal turning point. The separation became both painful and freeing.
Divorce and Its Outcome
The divorce between June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel was finalized in August 2001 in Westchester County, New York. Media outlets described it as bitter and public. Bryant Gumbel accepted adultery as the legal ground for divorce, and reports suggested that June Baranco received significant assets. The event was widely covered, linking her name once more to her husband, but it was also the moment she began truly redefining herself.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, June Baranco chose a life away from heavy media attention. Instead, she focused on her work as an artist and businesswoman. Through Geaux Chapeaux, she created custom hats that showed her unique creativity. At the same time, she continued to paint portraits, proving her skills in oil and pastel. This was her way of building a fresh identity while staying true to her passion for art.
Her Role as a Mother
June Baranco and Bryant Gumbel had two children who were central to her life. Bradley Christopher, born in 1978, and Jillian Beth, born in 1983, grew up during their father’s rise in television. After the divorce, June Baranco played a strong role in keeping family bonds steady. Her children became a reminder that she was more than just a wife or ex-wife. She was also a guiding and loving mother.
Bryant Gumbel’s New Marriage
After his divorce from June Baranco, Bryant Gumbel married Hilary Quinlan on August 24, 2002, in Palm Beach, Florida. Hilary was a former model and researcher. Reports at the time described her as being in her early forties, while Bryant Gumbel himself, born September 29, 1948, was in his fifties. Today, when people ask “Who is Bryant Gumbel married to?”, the answer is Hilary Quinlan. Still, the name June Baranco remains part of his history.
Bryant Gumbel’s Age and Career
As of 2025, Bryant Gumbel is 76 years old, and he remains one of the most respected names in television journalism. Many still search for terms like “Bryant Gumbel wife age” or “Bryant Gumbel’s wife”, which often bring up both Hilary Quinlan and June Baranco. This shows how strongly people still connect his career and personal life to the women beside him.
Why June Baranco Matters
The story of June Baranco is important because it shows the strength of women who choose to step beyond labels. Too often, she is described only as Bryant Gumbel’s first wife, yet her work as an artist, mother, and entrepreneur paints a richer picture. She built a life in art, creating portraits and hats that carried her name. Her legacy is not only tied to her past marriage but also to her creativity and independence.
Redefining Her Identity
When people search for “June Baranco wiki”, they often want simple facts. But her story cannot be reduced to a few lines. She redefined herself after divorce, showing resilience and dignity. Through her art and her role as a mother, she built a life beyond the fame of her ex-husband. That is what makes her story inspiring and worth telling.
Legacy and Inspiration
The life of June Baranco is an example of reinvention. While once tied to a famous name, she proved she could stand on her own. Her paintings and her Geaux Chapeaux brand reflect her creativity. Her ability to find peace and purpose beyond a public breakup shows resilience. In many ways, she became stronger because she chose to focus on her own voice and not just the story of Bryant Gumbel and wife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bryant Gumbel married to?
He is married to Hilary Quinlan since 2002.
Who was Bryant Gumbel’s first wife?
His first wife was June Baranco.
Do Bryant Gumbel and June Baranco have children?
Yes, they have two children: Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth.
How old is Bryant Gumbel?
He was born on September 29, 1948, making him 76 years old in 2025.
What is June Baranco known for?
She is known as an artist, milliner, and entrepreneur, as well as for her marriage to Bryant Gumbel.
Conclusion
June Baranco is more than a name from the past of Bryant Gumbel. She is an artist, mother, and businesswoman who rebuilt her life on her own terms. While the world may remember her as Bryant Gumbel’s ex-wife, she is truly a story of resilience, creativity, and independence. Her journey proves that even in the shadow of fame, one can find light through passion and self-belief.
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