Introduction: Why June Baranco’s Story Matters
When people hear the name June Baranco, many first think of her as the former wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel. But her life story goes far beyond being linked to a famous figure. June is an accomplished visual artist, a successful entrepreneur, and a woman of quiet resilience. She has lived with grace through both joyful and challenging times, always staying true to herself. Her journey shows how creativity, independence, and dignity can help someone shape a meaningful life even in the shadow of fame.
Quick Bio Information
Full Name: June Carlyn Baranco
Date Of Birth: June 22, 1948
Place Of Birth: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Age: 77 Years Old (As Of 2025)
Education: Louisiana State University (BFA), Parsons School Of Design, Art Students League Of New York, Pierce College
Profession: Visual Artist And Milliner (Hat Maker)
Former Spouse: Bryant Gumbel (Married 1973–Divorced 2001)
Children: Two – Bradley Christopher Gumbel And Jillian Beth Gumbel
Current Residence: New York City Area
Business: Founder Of Geaux Chapeaux (Handcrafted Hats)
Affiliations: Salmagundi Club, Portrait Society Of America, Artist Fellowship Of New York
Early Life And Southern Roots
June Baranco was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Growing up in the American South, she was surrounded by strong values of family, honesty, and discipline. From a young age, she expressed herself through drawing, painting, and design. Her childhood environment encouraged both creativity and responsibility, helping her develop a balance between imagination and practicality. The culture of Louisiana also played a lasting role in shaping her love for tradition, community, and artistic expression.
People Also Read: Discover ZMagazine.co.uk – Fresh Stories on Fashion, Entertainment, and More
Education And Artistic Training
Art was never just a hobby for June; it was her true calling. She attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City, where she began to shape her natural talent into real skill. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University. Determined to refine her craft, she studied at the Parsons School of Design, the Art Students League of New York, and Pierce College in California. Along the way, she trained with well-known artists such as Daniel Greene and Nelson Shanks. These experiences gave her a strong foundation in realism and the confidence to explore many mediums, including oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut prints.
Meeting Bryant Gumbel And Their Life Together
In the late 1960s, while working as a Delta Airlines flight attendant, June met a young journalist named Bryant Gumbel. Their connection quickly grew, and they married in 1973. As Bryant’s career in broadcast journalism took off, June supported him while also raising their two children. Together, they seemed like a power couple in the public eye. Yet, behind the scenes, June was balancing the responsibilities of family life with her own desire to create and pursue art.
Who Is Bryant Gumbel?
To understand June’s story, it helps to know a bit about Bryant Gumbel. Born in 1948, Bryant became one of the most recognized journalists in America. He was a co-host of NBC’s Today show and later hosted HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, a program respected for its investigative sports journalism. His sharp interview style and professional reputation brought him fame, but it also placed his family under constant public attention.
Marriage, Family Life, And Motherhood
During their marriage, June embraced her role as a supportive wife and dedicated mother. She focused on creating a loving and stable home for their children, Bradley and Jillian. She valued privacy and worked to raise her family away from the pressures of media attention. At the same time, she held onto her artistic passions, finding ways to keep creativity alive even while balancing family responsibilities.
Challenges And The Divorce
Despite the picture of success, June’s marriage faced many struggles. Reports of Bryant’s infidelities and emotional distance created strain. Financial challenges also emerged, as June received only a modest allowance despite Bryant’s millionaire status. After years of difficulty, June filed for divorce in 2001. The case drew public attention, especially when it was revealed that Bryant attempted to shield assets. In the end, the court ruled in June’s favor, granting her half of their estate, including a mansion in Westchester and a valuable apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The divorce was not only a legal victory but also a personal turning point. June reclaimed her independence and dignity, choosing to move forward on her own terms.
Life After Divorce And Healing Through Art
After the divorce, June focused deeply on her art. She created powerful works, including a woodcut piece for Boston’s African Meeting House and an installation for North General Hospital in Harlem. Her art reflected not only her skill but also her healing process and commitment to community. By channeling her emotions into her work, she built a new chapter of life that was both creative and meaningful. She also kept her personal life private, finding peace in simplicity and artistic purpose rather than public recognition.
Entrepreneurial Journey With Geaux Chapeaux
June’s creativity also extended into entrepreneurship. In 2011, she designed a hat for her daughter’s wedding, which sparked the idea for her own brand, Geaux Chapeaux. This business specializes in handcrafted hats made from vintage fabrics and trims, often inspired by her Louisiana heritage. The hats carry a sense of Southern charm blended with timeless elegance. For June, Geaux Chapeaux became more than a business; it was a way to combine her artistry with entrepreneurship, creating wearable pieces of art that celebrate tradition and individuality.
Artistic Style, Legacy, And Community Involvement
June Baranco’s artwork is rooted in realism, capturing both detail and emotion. Her themes often center on heritage, culture, and resilience. She has worked across oil painting, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut, showing her versatility as an artist. Beyond her own work, she contributes to the broader artistic community as a member of organizations like the Salmagundi Club, the Portrait Society of America, and the Artist Fellowship of New York. She mentors young artists, offering guidance and encouragement. This quiet dedication ensures her legacy is not only in her art but also in the lives of those she inspires.
Net Worth And Financial Overview
While June Baranco’s exact net worth is not publicly known, it is clear that she secured financial independence after her divorce. The settlement included valuable properties and assets, and she has since built additional income through her artwork and hat business. More importantly, her financial story reflects her resilience and ability to create stability on her own terms, rather than just focusing on wealth itself.
Lessons From Her Life
June Baranco’s life teaches us important lessons about strength, authenticity, and creativity. She shows that it is possible to rise above personal struggles with grace and dignity. Her story emphasizes the value of staying true to one’s passions, even when life takes unexpected turns. Through art, family, and entrepreneurship, June has shown that success is not just about recognition but about living authentically and leaving a meaningful legacy.
Conclusion
The story of June Baranco is one of resilience, artistry, and self-discovery. From her roots in Louisiana to her life in New York, she has faced challenges and triumphs with quiet strength. Though many know her because of her marriage to Bryant Gumbel, her identity goes far beyond that relationship. She is an artist, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a mentor. Her life reminds us that true success is found not in fame but in living authentically, pursuing passions, and creating lasting meaning.
FAQs About June Baranco
Who Is June Baranco?
June Baranco is a visual artist, entrepreneur, and former wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel. She is known for her paintings, handcrafted hats, and contributions to the art community.
When And Where Was June Baranco Born?
She was born on June 22, 1948, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she grew up surrounded by Southern culture and values.
What Kind Of Art Does June Baranco Create?
Her style is rooted in realism. She works with oil, pastel, watercolor, and woodcut, often exploring themes of heritage, community, and resilience.
How Many Children Does June Baranco Have?
She has two children with Bryant Gumbel: a son named Bradley Christopher and a daughter named Jillian Beth.
What Is Geaux Chapeaux?
Geaux Chapeaux is June Baranco’s handcrafted hat business, founded in 2011. The brand focuses on vintage-inspired hats made with fabrics connected to her Louisiana roots.
Did June Baranco Remarry After Divorcing Bryant Gumbel?
No, she chose not to remarry after her divorce. Instead, she focused on her art, her business, and her family.
Where Does June Baranco Live Now?
As of 2025, June lives a private life in the New York City area, continuing her artistic work and community involvement while avoiding the public spotlight.
