June Baranco is much more than just the former wife of famous TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is a talented artist and a successful entrepreneur who has built her own life with quiet strength and creativity. Known for her beautiful paintings and handcrafted hats, June chose to live with dignity and stay true to herself, even through difficult times. Her story matters because it shows how a woman can find her own path, stay authentic, and create meaningful work without needing the spotlight.
Quick Bio
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | June 22, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Education | BFA from Louisiana State University; studied at Parsons School of Design, Art Students League of New York, Pierce College |
| Profession | Visual artist (oil, pastel, watercolor, woodcut), milliner (hat maker) |
| Spouse | Bryant Gumbel (married 1973, divorced 2001) |
| Children | Two – Bradley Christopher Gumbel, Jillian Beth Gumbel |
| Current Residence | New York City area |
| Public Presence | Private; no social media or publicity |
| Business | Founder of Geaux Chapeaux (handcrafted hats) |
| Art Memberships | Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, Artist Fellowship of New York |
Early Life and Background
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, into a family that valued education, hard work, and honesty. Growing up, she showed a natural talent for creativity, often sketching, painting, and even designing clothes from a young age. Her Southern upbringing deeply influenced her, blending strong family values with a love for art and culture. This environment helped shape June into a disciplined and imaginative person, laying the foundation for her future as an artist and creative soul.
Current Age And Physical Appearance
As of June 2025, June Baranco is 77 years old. While she keeps her personal life private and rarely appears in public, photos from her younger years show her as a graceful and stylish woman with a calm and confident presence. Known for her elegant and classic look, June carries herself with quiet strength, reflecting the creativity and dignity that define her personality.
Education and Artistic Training
June Baranco began her formal art education at New York’s High School of Art and Design, where she first developed her creative skills. She then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University, which helped her build a strong foundation in art. To further improve, she studied at prestigious schools like Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California. Under the guidance of well-known artists such as Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, June mastered different techniques and explored various mediums, including oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut prints. This broad education shaped her realistic style and allowed her to express deep emotions through her artwork.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel
June Baranco met Bryant Gumbel in the late 1960s when she was working as a Delta flight attendant and Bryant was starting his career as a journalist. Their connection was immediate, leading to a strong relationship. They got married in 1973 and began building a life together as Bryant’s career in television grew, making them a well-known couple in the public eye.
Who is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is a prominent American television journalist and sportscaster, born on September 29, 1948. He gained national recognition as a co-host of NBC’s Today show, where his insightful and sometimes hard-hitting interviews made him a respected figure in broadcast journalism. Later, he became the longtime host of HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, a show known for in-depth sports reporting. Throughout his career, Bryant has been praised for his professionalism, integrity, and ability to tackle important social issues through his work.
Marriage to Bryant Gumbel and Family Life
June Baranco married Bryant Gumbel in 1973, and together they raised two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth. During Bryant’s rising fame as a well-known TV journalist, June played the important role of a supportive wife and caring mother, focusing on creating a stable and loving home for their family. While managing her family responsibilities, she also kept her passion for art alive, balancing her creative interests with the demands of family life.
Challenges Within the Marriage
During her marriage, June Baranco faced significant challenges, including emotional struggles caused by Bryant Gumbel’s infidelities and emotional distance. Despite Bryant’s millionaire status, June was given only a modest allowance, which added financial strain and made her rely on her own savings to maintain independence. Through these hardships, June showed quiet strength and resilience, refusing to lose her dignity. These difficulties deeply affected her sense of self and eventually led her to make the difficult decision to divorce and reclaim her life.
Divorce and Legal Battle
In 2001, June Baranco filed for divorce from Bryant Gumbel, attracting public attention because of his fame. The legal battle was tough, especially as Bryant tried to move assets to avoid sharing them. However, the court ruled in June’s favor, awarding her half of their estate, including a Westchester mansion and an Upper East Side apartment in New York. This divorce became a turning point for June, allowing her to reclaim her fairness, dignity, and personal strength after years of sacrifice.
June Baranco’s Children and Family Values
June Baranco is the proud mother of two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth. Throughout their upbringing, she focused on providing them with strong family values, such as honesty, respect, and resilience, while keeping their lives private and protected from the public spotlight. As a dedicated mother, June chose to raise her children quietly, away from media attention, ensuring they grew up in a stable and loving environment.
Life After Divorce: Art, Healing, and Reinvention
After her divorce, June Baranco returned to her artistic passions with a renewed sense of purpose and focus. She created meaningful works, including a woodcut for Boston’s African Meeting House and an art installation for North General Hospital in Harlem, showing her commitment to community and heritage. Through her art, June expressed her personal journey and used creativity as a way to heal and make a positive social impact. She also chose to live a private life, avoiding media attention to protect her peace and stay true to herself.
Geaux Chapeaux: June Baranco’s Entrepreneurial Venture
June Baranco’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2011 when she made a hat for her daughter’s wedding after finding the available options too expensive and lacking in style. This experience inspired her to start Geaux Chapeaux, a handcrafted hat brand that combines Southern charm with vintage elegance. Using carefully selected vintage fabrics and trims, many connected to her Louisiana heritage, June creates unique, timeless hats. Her business focuses on quality craftsmanship and creativity, blending art with tradition to offer hats that are both beautiful and meaningful.
Private Life, Mentorship, and Artistic Community Involvement
June Baranco values her privacy and chooses to stay away from social media and public attention. She is an active member of respected art organizations like the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York. Through these groups, June quietly mentors young artists by leading workshops and offering guidance, sharing her knowledge and experience. Her commitment to supporting the art community shows her dedication to nurturing creativity and helping others grow, all while keeping a low profile.
Artistic Style and Legacy
June Baranco’s artistic style is deeply rooted in realism, capturing both the physical details and emotional depth of her subjects. She works skillfully with various mediums, including oil painting, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut prints, allowing her to express a wide range of feelings and stories. Her artwork often explores themes of heritage, community, and personal experience, reflecting her connection to culture and identity. Through her creativity and resilience, June has left a lasting impact, inspiring others to find strength and meaning in their own stories and artistic journeys.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly known, as she keeps her financial details private. After her divorce from Bryant Gumbel, she received significant assets, including valuable properties, as part of the settlement. She also earns income through her artwork and her handcrafted hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. June’s financial success reflects the results of her creativity, hard work, and perseverance rather than a focus on wealth alone.
Lessons from June Baranco’s Life
June Baranco’s life teaches us the power of quiet resilience and maintaining dignity even during difficult times. She shows how important it is to reclaim your own identity instead of being defined by others, especially when living in the shadow of someone famous. Her story highlights how creativity and family can play a vital role in healing and personal empowerment. Above all, June’s journey reminds us to live authentically and with purpose, even in a world that often values attention and spectacle over true meaning.
Conclusion
June Baranco’s life is a rich story of many roles—an artist, a loving mother, a creative entrepreneur, and a woman of great strength. From her beginnings in Baton Rouge to building a new life in New York, she faced challenges with courage and grace. Her legacy is one of honesty, creativity, and personal empowerment, showing how to live true to oneself. June’s story inspires because it goes beyond the fame of her past, reminding us that real success comes from living authentically and following your own path.
FAQs About June Baranco
1. Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is a visual artist, milliner, and entrepreneur known for her creativity and resilience. She is also the former wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. June has built a private life focused on art, family, and personal strength.
2. When and where was June Baranco born?
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her Southern upbringing influenced her artistic style and personal values.
3. What kind of art does June Baranco create?
June specializes in realism, using oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut techniques. Her work often carries emotional depth and themes related to community and heritage.
4. How many children does June Baranco have?
She has two children: a son named Bradley Christopher Gumbel and a daughter named Jillian Beth Gumbel. June raised them mostly out of the public eye to ensure a stable family life.
5. What is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is June Baranco’s handcrafted hat business, inspired by vintage fashion and her Louisiana roots. The brand features hats made from carefully selected vintage fabrics and trims.
6. Did June Baranco remarry after divorcing Bryant Gumbel?
No, June chose to remain single after her divorce, focusing instead on her art, family, and mentoring young artists while living a private life.
7. Where does June Baranco live now?
June Baranco currently lives a private life in the New York City area, focusing on her art and community involvement without seeking publicity.
8. What organizations is June Baranco affiliated with?
She is an active member of the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York. Through these groups, she mentors young artists and participates in workshops.
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