Introduction
June Baranco is much more than just the former wife of famous TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is a skilled artist and a successful businesswoman who has built her own life with quiet strength and creativity. Known for her beautiful paintings and handmade hats, June chose to live with pride and stay true to herself, even during hard times. Her story matters because it shows how a woman can find her own way, stay real, and create meaningful work without needing the spotlight.
Quick Bio
| Personal Detail | Information |
| Full Name | June Carlyn Baranco |
| Date of Birth | 22 June 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 (handmade hats) |
| Art Memberships |
Salmagundi Club, The Portrait Society of America, Artist Fellowship of New York
|
Early Life and Background
June Baranco was born on 22 June 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, into a family that valued learning, hard work, and honesty. Growing up, she showed a natural talent for creativity, often drawing, painting, and even designing clothes from a young age. Her Southern upbringing had a profound influence on her, blending strong family values with a passion for art and culture. This environment helped shape June into a disciplined and imaginative person, setting the stage 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, showing the creativity and pride 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 provided a strong foundation in art. To get better, she studied at well-known schools like Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California. Under the guidance of renowned artists such as Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, June learned various techniques and experimented with multiple styles, including oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut prints. This broad education shaped her realistic style and allowed her to express deep feelings through her art.
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 instant, resulting in a strong and lasting relationship. They got married in 1973 and began building a life together as Bryant’s TV career grew, making them a well-known couple in the public eye.
Who is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is a well-known American TV journalist and sportscaster, born on 29 September 1948. He became famous as a co-host of NBC’s Today show, where his thoughtful and sometimes challenging interviews earned him respect in broadcast journalism. Later, he became the long-time host of HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, a show known for deep sports reporting. Throughout his career, Bryant has been praised for his professionalism, honesty, and ability to discuss critical social issues.
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 critical role of a supportive wife and caring mother, focusing on creating a stable and loving home for their family. While managing her family duties, she also kept her passion for art alive, balancing her creative interests with the needs of family life.
Challenges Within the Marriage
During her marriage, June Baranco faced serious challenges, including emotional struggles caused by Bryant Gumbel’s unfaithfulness and emotional distance. Despite Bryant’s millionaire status, June was given only a small allowance, which added financial pressure and made her depend on her own savings to stay independent. Through these challenging times, June showed quiet strength and toughness, refusing to lose her pride. These problems deeply affected her sense of self and eventually led her to make the difficult choice to divorce and take back her life.
Divorce and Legal Battle
In 2001, June Baranco filed for divorce from Bryant Gumbel, drawing 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, giving 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, letting her regain her fairness, pride, 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. During their upbringing, she emphasized the importance of strong family values, such as honesty, respect, and resilience, while keeping their lives private and out of the public eye. As a devoted mother, June chose to raise her children quietly, away from media attention, making sure they grew up in a stable and loving home.
Life After Divorce: Art, Healing, and Reinvention
After her divorce, June Baranco went back to her artistic passions with a fresh sense of purpose and focus. She created meaningful works, including a woodcut for Boston’s African Meeting House and an art piece for North General Hospital in Harlem, showing her commitment to community and heritage. Through her art, June shared her personal journey and utilized creativity as a means to heal and create a positive social impact. She also chose to live a private life, avoiding media attention to keep her peace and stay true to herself.
Geaux Chapeaux: June Baranco’s Business Venture
June Baranco’s business journey began in 2011 when she made a hat for her daughter’s wedding, as she found the available options too expensive and unflattering. This experience inspired her to start Geaux Chapeaux, a handmade hat brand that mixes Southern charm with vintage style. Using carefully chosen vintage fabrics and trims, many linked to her Louisiana roots, June makes unique, timeless hats. Her business focuses on quality craft 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 groups like the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York. Through these groups, June quietly guides young artists by leading workshops and giving advice, sharing her knowledge and experience. Her commitment to supporting the art community shows her dedication to growing creativity and helping others succeed, all while keeping a low profile.
Artistic Style and Legacy
June Baranco’s artistic style is deeply rooted in realism, showing both the physical details and emotional depth of her subjects. She works well with different materials, including oil painting, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut prints, allowing her to express a wide range of feelings and stories. Her art often explores themes of heritage, community, and personal experience, reflecting her connection to culture and identity. Through her creativity and strength, June has left a lasting impact, inspiring others to find strength and meaning in their own stories and artistic paths.
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 essential assets, including valuable properties, as part of the settlement. She also earns money through her artwork and her handmade hat business, Geaux Chapeaux. June’s financial success shows the results of her creativity, hard work, and persistence rather than a focus on wealth alone.
Lessons from June Baranco’s Life
June Baranco’s life teaches us the power of quiet strength and the importance of maintaining pride even during difficult times. She shows how important it is to take back your own identity instead of being defined by others, especially when living in the shadow of someone famous. Her story highlights the crucial role that creativity and family can play in healing and personal growth. Above all, June’s journey reminds us to live honestly and with purpose, even in a world that often values attention and show over true meaning.
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Conclusion
June Baranco’s life is a rich story of many roles—an artist, a loving mother, a creative businesswoman, 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, demonstrating how to live authentically. June’s story inspires because it transcends the fame of her past, reminding us that genuine success stems from living honestly and following one’s own path.
FAQs About June Baranco
Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is a visual artist, hat maker, and businesswoman known for her creativity and strength. She is also the former wife of TV journalist Bryant Gumbel. June has built a private life focused on art, family, and personal strength.
When and where was June Baranco born?
June Baranco was born on 22 June 1948 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her Southern upbringing influenced her art style and personal values.
What kind of art does June Baranco create?
June works in realism, using oil paints, pastels, watercolors, and woodcut prints. Her work often carries emotional depth and themes related to community and heritage.
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.
What is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is June Baranco’s handmade hat business, inspired by vintage fashion and her Louisiana roots. The brand features hats made from carefully chosen vintage fabrics and trims.
Did June Baranco remarry after divorcing Bryant Gumbel?
No, June chose to remain single after her divorce, focusing on her art, family, and mentoring young artists while living a private life.
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 work without seeking publicity.
What organizations is June Baranco connected 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 leads workshops.
