First Responders Wheeled Bryant Gumbel Out of His Manhattan Apartment on a Gurney
For decades, the veteran broadcaster has been a commanding presence on television, known for his unflinching reporting and polished on-air demeanor. This week, however, he faced a crisis that marked a stark turn for one of America’s most enduring TV figures.
Beloved sports journalist Bryant Gumbel has been hospitalized following an unexplained medical emergency in New York City, TMZ reported.
Bryant Gumbel attends the 2017 American Museum of Natural History Museum Gala in New York City on November 30 | Source: Getty Images
Sources told the outlet that the TV host was transported Monday night, just after 9 p.m., from his Manhattan apartment. The insiders further revealed that emergency responders placed the 77-year-old on a gurney before rushing him to a nearby hospital.
As of Tuesday afternoon, he remained under medical care. The exact circumstances of what led to the hospitalization have not been made public.
Bryant Gumbel attends "Curb Your Enthusiasm" season 9 premiere at SVA Theater in New York City on September 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
This isn't the first time Gumbel's health has taken center stage. In 2009, he revealed on "Live! with Regis and Kelly" that he had undergone major surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his lung.
"It's nothing to hide from. They opened up my chest, they took out a malignant tumor, they took out part of my lung and they took out some other goodies," he revealed further.
Bryant Gumbel attends the 2009 Alzheimer's Association Rita Hayworth Gala at The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City on October 27 | Source: Getty Images
Even after the surgery, doctors discovered that some cancer cells had spread beyond the initial site, prompting additional treatment. The procedure was ultimately successful, and Gumbel later made a full recovery.
Almost one year later, in 2010, he told People that his prognosis was excellent and that doctors had declared him cancer-free — a moment that restored his optimism about the future.
Bryant Gumbel and his wife Hilary attend the Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on November 30, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Over his long and storied career, Gumbel has endured seven surgeries, two bouts with cancer, and even suffered a facial injury that required 68 stitches, according to AP News. Yet despite it all, the broadcasting legend never missed a single taping in 29 years.
Bryant Gumbel and Matt Lauer attend the 2014 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 8 | Source: Getty Images
Though concern swelled over Gumbel's condition following the Monday night emergency, a family member told TMZ that he is "okay." However, they did not share further details about his current condition.
Gumbel, who grew up in Chicago as the youngest of four siblings — including well-known sports anchor Greg Gumbel — has often spoken lovingly of his late father, Richard Gumbel, a probate judge in Cook County, Illinois.
Bryant Gumbel as seen from a video post dated December 17, 2023 | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning
In a 2023 interview with CBS's "Sunday Morning," Gumbel shared that his sense of self has always been rooted in his identity as his father's son. That bond, he said, shaped the confidence and discipline that propelled his career.
He rose to fame as cohost of NBC's "Today" and later as host of HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel," which later became one of the most awarded sports shows in television history.
Bryant Gumbel is in an interview, as seen from a video post dated December 17, 2023 | Source: YouTube/CBSSundayMorning
Speaking about his evolving approach to sports reporting, Gumbel explained that he gradually shifted his focus from analyzing how athletes affect the game to how the game affects the athletes.
In the same CBS interview, he said his work helped prompt safety improvements in sports, such as the introduction of protective netting at baseball stadiums. His impact on the industry was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th annual Sports Emmys.
Beyond his accolades, Gumbel eventually brought his acclaimed program to a graceful close.
Bryant Gumbel attends the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards at Lincoln Center in New York City on May 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
After 320 broadcasts, Gumbel concluded his time on "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel." During the same 2023 interview, he reflected on the decision to end the show, explaining:
"Nothing happened other than I knew my contract was coming out — was ending, and I had to ask myself, 'Did I want to do another three years? Could I do another three years?' The answer was probably not. My heart wouldn't be in it, and I'm okay with that. I'm at peace with it."
He has since focused on spending more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and possibly playing more golf in retirement. As of now, Gumbel's representatives have not released a public statement about his current hospitalization.