“Today” has been home to several hosts over the course of its long run on NBC. One of the most revered is Bryant Gumbel, who joined the long-running series in 1982 and left in 1997. Now, it has been reported that the beloved host was recently rushed to the hospital.
Sources told TMZ that this happened on the night of October 20. Gumbel was picked up by an ambulance from his Manhattan apartment complex at around 9 pm. They took him to a nearby hospital, and he remains in their care.
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
The report also states that the first responders carried him away on a gurney. Details regarding what happened to the beloved 77-year-old “Today” host. However, TMZ has heard from a family member who stated that he’s doing “okay.”
Bryant Gumbel Left ‘Today’ For a Fresh Start
For many, being a cohost on “Today” is a dream come true. Of course, this was also the case for Gumbel for 15 years as he hosted alongside Jane Pauley, Deborah Norville, and Katie Couric. However, by 1997, he was ready for a more challenging role.
This led him to sign with CBS the same year he exited “Today.” He hosted multiple shows while on the NBC competitor, including “Public Eye with Bryant Gumbel” and “The Early Show.” Of course, many will recall him from his time on “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” which started while he was on “Today” in 1995. The series lasted until 2023 on HBO.
After “Real Sports” ended, Gumbel essentially retired, stating he was not in the market for new projects. Regarding his personal life, he has been married to Hilary Gumbel since 2002. He was previously married to June Baranco from 1973 until 2001.
He Opened up About His Retirement in 2023
Gumbel was interviewed by CBS in 2023 and discussed his plans and retirement. Notably, the conversation was with Pauley, his longtime “Today” cohost. Regarding “Real Sports” ending, Gumbel said, “I’m OK with that. I’m at peace with it.”
Regarding his future and if he would ever take on new projects, Gumbel said, “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.”
From there, Gumbel was asked about what he would have done in his fantasy life. Specifically, Pauley asked if he would have played in a band or perhaps been a golfer.
He stated, “No. You know what? This is going to sound very Pollyannaish: I’ve kind of lived my fantasy life. I really have. ⦠And if you had told me when I was in high school in Chicago, what I would do with my life, I would’ve said, I’ll sign up for that in a heartbeat. That’s my fantasy life, and I’m okay with it.”
We wish Mr. Gumbel a speedy recovery!
The post Former ‘Today’ Host Bryant Gumbel Hospitalized appeared first on EntertainmentNow.