June Baranco: Life, Career, and Her Journey Beyond Bryant Gumbel

When people hear the name June Baranco, many immediately connect her to her famous ex-husband, television journalist Bryant Gumbel. But June is far more than someone who once lived in the shadow of a celebrity. She is a gifted artist, a creative entrepreneur, and a woman who has built a meaningful life defined by resilience, elegance, and independence. Her journey tells the story of quiet strength—how someone can face personal trials, reinvent themselves, and continue to make a lasting impact. This article explores June Baranco’s life, her career in art and business, and the personal values that make her an inspiring figure in her own right.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: June Carlyn Baranco
Date of Birth: June 22, 1948
Age in 2025: 77 Years Old
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Profession: Visual Artist, Milliner, Entrepreneur
Education: Louisiana State University (BFA), Parsons School of Design, Art Students League of New York, Pierce College
Famous For: Former Wife of Journalist Bryant Gumbel, Founder of Geaux Chapeaux
Children: Two – Bradley Christopher Gumbel and Jillian Beth Gumbel
Current Residence: New York City Area
Art Memberships: Salmagundi Club, Portrait Society of America, Artist Fellowship of New York
Business Venture: Geaux Chapeaux, Handcrafted Hat Brand

Early Life And Background

June Baranco was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1948, and her upbringing reflected the strong Southern values of family, honesty, and discipline. From a young age, she displayed a natural talent for creativity, spending hours sketching, painting, and experimenting with design. The cultural richness of Louisiana left a lasting mark on her, shaping her deep appreciation for heritage and tradition. While many may associate her later years with New York, the roots of her artistic identity began in the South, where she learned the importance of blending hard work with creativity. Her early life was not marked by fame but by a quiet dedication to art and family, which later became the foundation for her personal and professional success.

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Education And Artistic Training

June’s journey into the world of art began with her studies at the High School of Art and Design in New York, where she honed her natural talents into real skill. She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Louisiana State University, which gave her a strong academic foundation. Determined to grow further, she studied at several prestigious institutions, including Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California. Under the mentorship of renowned artists like Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks, she developed her realist style and mastered a range of mediums including oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut prints. This extensive training gave her not only technical mastery but also a unique artistic voice, allowing her to capture both physical detail and emotional depth in her work.

Meeting Bryant Gumbel And Their Marriage

It was in the late 1960s that June Baranco met Bryant Gumbel while working as a Delta flight attendant. Their connection was instant, and their relationship grew into marriage in 1973. As Bryant’s career in broadcast journalism took off, June became part of a household often watched by the public. Together they raised two children, Bradley Christopher and Jillian Beth. While Bryant’s fame placed the family in the spotlight, June’s life at the time was centered on creating a loving home and raising their children. She supported her husband’s growing career but continued to keep her passion for art alive, even while focusing on her family responsibilities.

Who Is Bryant Gumbel

For those less familiar, Bryant Gumbel is an American journalist born in 1948 who became one of the most respected figures in television. He rose to prominence as co-host of NBC’s Today Show, where he was known for his insightful interviews and ability to handle both light-hearted and serious subjects with equal skill. Later, he became the host of HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, a show celebrated for its investigative depth and thoughtful approach to the world of sports. His career has made him one of the most recognizable names in television journalism, but behind the public image, his marriage to June carried its own private struggles.

Family Life And Challenges In Marriage

As a wife and mother, June Baranco’s priority was always her children and her family life. Yet, the marriage to Bryant Gumbel was far from easy. Reports of infidelity and emotional distance made the relationship difficult, and while Bryant was earning millions, June was provided with only a modest allowance, leaving her financially limited during the marriage. Despite these struggles, she maintained her dignity and independence, often relying on her savings and inner strength to navigate the challenges. Her resilience during this time reflected her quiet but powerful determination not to be defined by hardship or by the fame of her husband.

Divorce And Rebuilding Her Life

By 2001, the marriage had reached its breaking point, and June filed for divorce. The legal battle was closely followed by the media due to Bryant’s high profile. Despite efforts to shield assets, the court awarded June half of their estate, including valuable properties in Westchester and Manhattan. For June, the divorce marked not only the end of a difficult marriage but also the beginning of a new chapter. She reclaimed her identity, her independence, and her freedom to focus fully on her passions. This turning point allowed her to step away from the shadow of a famous name and rebuild her life on her own terms.

Life After Divorce And Artistic Growth

Once free from the demands of her marriage, June embraced her art with new energy. Her works were displayed in meaningful projects such as a woodcut for Boston’s African Meeting House and an installation for North General Hospital in Harlem. These contributions reflected her connection to heritage, culture, and community. Art became both a personal healing tool and a way for her to leave her own mark on society. At the same time, she chose a life away from the public spotlight, valuing peace and authenticity over media attention. Her journey after divorce highlights the healing power of creativity and the importance of finding one’s own path.

Geaux Chapeaux And Entrepreneurial Success

In 2011, a personal moment led to June’s next creative venture. When her daughter’s wedding required a stylish hat and she found store-bought options either overpriced or uninspiring, June decided to make one herself. This simple act inspired the creation of Geaux Chapeaux, her handcrafted hat business. Drawing on her Louisiana roots, she used vintage fabrics and trims to design unique, elegant hats with a blend of Southern charm and timeless fashion. Geaux Chapeaux became an extension of her artistic vision, combining beauty, tradition, and craftsmanship. It also demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit, proving that she could transform her creativity into a successful business.

Art, Mentorship, And Legacy

June Baranco is more than an artist and businesswoman; she is also a mentor and an active member of the art community. Through organizations like the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York, she has supported and guided younger artists. Her involvement in workshops and mentorship programs shows her commitment to helping others succeed, even as she maintains her preference for privacy. Her artistic style, rooted in realism and cultural heritage, continues to inspire others. Through her art, her mentorship, and her entrepreneurship, June has built a legacy that reflects strength, resilience, and authenticity.

Net Worth And Financial Independence

While June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly known, it is clear that she is financially secure. Following her divorce, she was awarded significant assets, including prime real estate. Beyond that, her art commissions and the growth of her hat business provide steady income. Unlike many who might rely on fame or publicity, June’s financial independence is the result of her creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial skills. She represents an example of how personal strength and artistic talent can be transformed into lasting financial stability, all while living privately and authentically.

Final Thoughts

The life of June Baranco is a reminder that true success is not always about fame or wealth but about living authentically and staying true to oneself. From her childhood in Louisiana to her education in art, from her high-profile marriage to her journey of independence, she has shown strength and grace at every step. Her work as an artist, her entrepreneurial venture with Geaux Chapeaux, and her mentorship within the art community reveal a woman who has built a meaningful life beyond the shadow of a famous spouse. Today, at 77, June Baranco stands as an example of resilience, creativity, and dignity—a story worth celebrating and remembering.

FAQs About June Baranco

Who is June Baranco?
June Baranco is an American visual artist, entrepreneur, and milliner known for her realistic paintings and handcrafted hats. She is also the former wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel.

When was June Baranco born?
She was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and she is 77 years old as of 2025.

What kind of art does she create?
June specializes in realism and works in oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut. Her art often reflects themes of heritage, identity, and emotional depth.

How many children does she have?
She has two children, Bradley Christopher Gumbel and Jillian Beth Gumbel, whom she raised largely outside of the public spotlight.

What is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is June Baranco’s handcrafted hat business, launched in 2011. The brand reflects her Louisiana roots and combines vintage fabrics with elegant designs.

Did June Baranco remarry after Bryant Gumbel?
No, June Baranco chose not to remarry. She instead focused on her art, her business, and her family while maintaining a private life.

Where does June Baranco live now?
She currently resides in the New York City area, where she continues her work in art and entrepreneurship while maintaining a low profile.