Bryant Gumbel on wrapping up HBO's "Real Sports"

After 29 seasons, the final episode of his sports journalism show premieres this week on HBO. Gumbel talks with "Sunday Morning" host (and one-time "Today" show co-host) Jane Pauley about his career path from sports to morning news, and his nickname, "Never Stumble Gumbel"; his most important role model; and why the 320th edition of "Real Sports" is his last.
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[@stylesva3469]

I’m happy for Bryant because at 75 he looks like he knows who he is and is at peace with both his successes and his failures.

[@bear25727]

How is he 75? Wow, he looks like he’s 55!

[@Metacognition88]

I’m pretty sure he knew he was Bryant Gumbel, since he was little.

[@stylesva3469]

@@Metacognition88 Yeah, but life is a journey and who we are at 20, 30 or 40 isn't who you are at 65 or 70....it's called growth - get it.😊😊

[@patriciafeuti1370]

What a nice piece how nice to see the two of you together again.

[@miam.geiger2532]

Man, he sure has mellowed. What a great piece. His philosophy on how he decided to make his mark was fascinating. I remember he said he loved Prince..Little Red Corvette I believe he said was his favorite song…from his Today Show days. He has done his father proud with his incredible journalistic career. Here’s to more Prince & golf, Mr. Gumble.

[@johnmcgready2074]

Im deeply going to miss Real Sports on HBO. THE BEST sports news show to ever air on TV. Hands down.

[@fredricklee]

I agree and it was not afraid to report on areas of sports that many of the major sports networks would touch.

[@ConsummateGamer]

I will ALWAYS love these 2 together. I'm so lucky that I got to grow up with these two teaching me about the world. Forever grateful.

[@scottreiburnNYC]

Ditto. Well said!

[@jtgh922]

I always like to joke that before I knew my ABCs, I knew Bryant & Jane!

[@deirdrechilds2288]

That hug at the end really got me 😢. I am a big sports fan, and thanks to Real Sports I am also a knowledgeable sports fan.

[@ericsamuelson5656]

The Bryant Gumbel & Jane Pauley era on the Today Show were golden and I watched them as a child in the 80s

[@lovemikijackson]

GO PRINCE 💜💜💜💜💛💜💜💜🦋🦋🦋GO PURPLE 🕊✌🏾🕊

[@123JWJWJW]

The best duo ever in morning television.

[@horseygurl143]

They were with me through college!

[@RamBo-we9ii]

I have watched Real Sports my entire life and it is (with CBS Sunday Morning) the best news storytelling you can watch on television. Congratulations to Mr. Gumble. I also want to acknowledge the editing team for including Bernard Goldberg in the clips highlighting the great journalism done on the show. The show suffered when he left and he was a huge part of many of the big stories it broke. Mr. Goldberg's report from Sochi in 2016 titled "The Lord of The Rings" was the best reporting I have ever seen in my life. He faced down Putin's secret police, was detained by the Russian government, and still did a standup as soon as he was released. This show is one of the last GREAT news programs. All we have left is 60 Minutes & Sunday Morning.

[@ARIZJOE]

Bryant has had ups and downs. Yes, he's been prickly. However, when he confronted Oliver North for lying to Congress, I said, "This is a good man." My favorite moment was when Dave Letterman stuck a bullhorn out his window, as Bryant was doing the "Today Show" alfresco at 30 Rock Plaza. _"This is Lawrence Grossman, President of NBC News, and I'm not wearing pants. I'm not wearing pants."_ Bryant was not amused.

[@josephsimmons4847]

Great piece! Loved his eyes which showed his true self, cautious, guarded, and slightly annoyed. I remember Mr. Gumbel on the Today Show always in command, exceptional preparation, and very disciplined on the air. He was so insightful and confrontational in his interviews, but always balanced and fair. Ms. Pauley was so correct about his attire, which was always immaculate and stated.

[@lovemikijackson]

💖🌱👣💜💜💜🙌🏿🦋❗WILL NOT EVER DIE.

[@DanaOwens626]

Bryant Gumbel is the GOAT. His level of authenticity, commitment to excellence in journalism and memorable interviews will not soon be forgotten. Thank you sir.

[@bellaendale7174]

Seeing the picture of Jane and Bryant had me in tears before i even heard the interview. Thanks for the walk down memory lane and for the updates. Congrats to you both 🎉

[@pattifeatheringill7600]

Jane and Bryant, y'all were my link to the outside world as a 1st-time mom longing for interaction with the outside world. I remember the visit to NOLA. The audience with the Pope and Bryant's sweet excitement! I remember The Monkey's on the set when Jane was pregnant! So hilarious! Y'all were the absolute best team of the Today Show anchors! Thank you for helping me keep my sanity. Thank you for the gift you both gave to us all!

[@thisis.michelletorres444]

Him saying he was never going to be the good-looking guy, when he always was!❤

[@janicelaurin7263]

Thanks for profiling him. Always loved Bryant on TV with Jane. Great reporter. Glad he is taking some well deserved time off to spend time with his family.

[@seanm6215]

Bryant totally had a much better relationship with Jane then Katie.

[@rhyancoleman6462]

And if Bryant Gumbel hadn't left TODAY they wouldn't have gone through the hell they went through after the Matt Lauer trouble. We know about the memo but that was peanuts compared to that.

[@civlyzed]

Than

[@a.b.s_productions]

Bryant Gumbel is one of the reasons I wanted to be a newscaster when I was a little kid back in the 90’s. Never been in front of the camera but worked behind the camera as a videographer for news and have interviewed probably over a thousand people for news reporters and on camera. Also met Bryant Gumbel at the Today Show’s 50th anniversary and dude was very nice. Keep on doing the damn thing Mr. Gumbel.

[@brendaturner5015]

Thank you,I love her saying Black person and I love you for that❤❤❤❤

[@pjbassman2253]

Brought tears to my eyes. I remember them both fondly on Today.

[@lovemikijackson]

WORKING WITH THEM SO AMAZING. HELLO. NOT WHERE YA BEEN AS SUCH... WHERE YOU GOING😮❤❤❤❤❤ WE SO MUCH RESPECT LOVE AND JOY🎉🎉🎉🎉🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💪🏿🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🖤👏🏾🖤👏🏾👍🏽❗IN GLORY AMEN

[@Mr.Skylight]

RS has been a staple in my (minimalist) TV diet. Great stories thoughtfully reported…

[@marcathens2951]

Wow id never have recognized him ...

[@joshfactor1]

legend has it to this day he still cracks up whenever he sees someone wearing a puffy shirt

[@jbt6007]

My mother loved Bryant Gumble so much during the years he was on the Today Show. I just got teary eyed with nostalgia watching this segment thinking about her drinking her coffee and gushing over Bryant Gumble. Seems still a truly thoughtful, lovely man.

[@KathySolorzano-qe4di]

Never be apologetic for having " Faith in Yourself!"..a trait Far tooo many lack...Sadly..

[@pamelamays4186]

Good to see them together again.

[@tobechukwuolumba7337]

Bryant Gumbel is the best journalist I have ever seen when it comes to news and sports. I have watched "Today" with Gumbel and Katie Couric while I was born, and then watch "Real Sports" on HBO in my teens. I mean, he is one big professional.

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

i rarely had HBO i guess but surely would have loved watching BG's sports show. i never thought he was anything he shouldn't have been on a show as flush with cash as the "today" show. i preferred him to any male anchor before or after him and had a huge crush on jane pauley as a 15 year old. i recall bryant weeping about ali losing to frazier in 1971 which was moving and even tom brokaw knows prince was a great recording artist (probably).

[@lbazemore585]

Thank you Mr. Gumble ! You set a standard that few approach!

[@buckeyewill2166]

Stupid of him to criticize Willard Scott

[@bryanbanks9995]

Bryant Gumbel always had a great smile that complimented his classy way of dressing.

[@CharlesIrvingHollywoodRealtor]

Remember those mornings glued to the TV, captivated by the smooth duo of Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley anchoring the TODAY Show? Well, dust off your leg warmers and neon headbands, because CBS News is serving up a nostalgia bomb with Gumbel and Pauley back together again! So set your reminders, grab your coffee (or maybe a mimosa, it's the weekend!), and get ready to witness history in the making (again!). **Here's to Bryant and Jane, the ultimate news anchors, and to CBS News for giving us this glorious gift! Let's raise a virtual toast (or a real one, I won't judge) to good news, great journalism, and the power of a legendary reunion! ** #GumbelAndPauleyAreBack #CBSNews #NostalgiaNation #80sVibes #NewsWithAView P.S. If you have any favorite Gumbel and Pauley moments, share them in the comments! Let's reminisce together!

[@Jerryklocke]

I really miss watching them both on TV. It’s so good to see them together again.

[@cocoaorange1]

This does brings back memories.

[@michaelnelson1128]

The most iconic morning news duo of all time

[@richardjohnson9543]

That Today Show cast of 40 years ago is one of my childhood memories. If I wasn't in school, I was watching them. Seeing Bryant and Jane together again after all these years is wonderful. RIP Willard

[@rhyancoleman6462]

And John Palmer

[@michaelbellingham719]

BUT I had an earlier version with Barbara Walters, then Tom Brokaw. I watched every morning before I left for school. "I always wanted them to bring the chimp back, Mr. Muggs.

[@moso299]

As I recall, it took a while for Today to recover from the loss of Barbara Walters, and GMA actually became the top morning show for a while, until the Gumbel-Pauley team started to click to regain the top spot again. There was a definite chemistry that made the show comfortable (until the execs tried to introduce change, which backfired).

[@willardlockejr2965]

The execs should have learned rule no. 1., don't ruin a good thing. They did, and it backfired big time.

[@rhyancoleman6462]

If they had just leave well enough alone they probably wouldn't have hired Matt Lauer.

[@DCGuy1997]

Jane wrote once that when Bryant was named her co-anchor she didn't put up a fight to get top billing, even tho she was the senior anchor, because she thought the statement it would make with Bryant as the main focus was more important. They were the winning team of the 80's. Miss the calmness and thoughtfulness of their era.

[@EnronnSierra]

While watching this, I thought of him as the original Carlton Banks. What a coincidence, the show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air aired on NBC, Carlton Banks father Phillip was a Judge too.

[@helenfrimerman4281]

I am going to miss real sports, it was the best shoe on TV, and great journalism

[@ccdogpark]

You can say that again.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Why did so many men stop shaving? Some with thick beards look good. Others, well...don't.

[@bambooblue74]

Miss seeing these two together!

[@fuzzzzy12]

Bryant Gumbel is a National Treasure

[@VEGANSAM]

His HBO show Real Sports was exceptionally good...as good as 60 Minutes...& I'm very sorry it's coming to an end.

[@kennethwilliams7697]

Whatever you may think of about Bryant Gumbel, he was and is the consumate professional. i've watched him over the years and he's always been prepared and he's always done one heck of a job. Enjoy your retirement and your family Bryant, you've earned it!

[@pmurphy140]

Imagine a world where a black man gets paid for his intellect and not his athleticism, that was Bryant Gumbel. From sports to news he was always outstanding. He will be sorely missed.

[@MM-cy1tc]

She did a great job. He is a difficult interview. Not so likable.

[@vincentrobinson3078]

I thought Gumbel was a real sharp dresser back in the early 80’s. Back in those days, there was this men’s store I’d go to, to pick out my ties and pocket squares and collar clips to mimic Gumbel’s style of dress.

[@Afrocentricpoet]

Id love to see them do a monthly podcast on politics, sports an what ever else they want to chat about.

[@gemgirl2000]

I’m gonna miss this show.

[@nancydorn2524]

Real Sports is one of the best shows ever on tv.

[@boogitybear2283]

Bryant Gumbel was the one covering the 9/11 Coverage on CBS. Hard to believe it’s been 22 years since that horrific day.

[@rhyancoleman6462]

I wonder how he would've covered it if he was still on TODAY.

[@sgayles11]

Did Bryant think he wasn’t good looking? He is and was gorgeous. ☀️

[@cameroncook3863]

Most people get wiser with age ya . But man youth is where and was where it's at!!!! Well done Mr Gumbell 👍

[@stp1649]

is he ill he looks it hope not

[@stephaniestanley8041]

I wouldn't have recognized him

[@hrs1414]

Man, this is the guy that made me want to be a sports journo. Him, bob costas and dan lebatard

[@pah1921il]

Best damn morning show host ever.

[@gregorywalker8746]

Nice interview. Congrats to Bryant for leaving on his terms. He personified professionalism, journalistic integrity, keen intellect and unwavering self confidence. When you see all of the Black personalities and reporters on the major morning news shows, give props to Mr. Gumble for leading the way!

[@nvkulk]

Makes Wayne Brady look like Malcom x

[@mrmartywaring]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@kimilaadubois8105]

😂😂😂

[@doodlebug1820]

love this, loved Real Sports, best wishes.

[@rhyancoleman6462]

If Bryant Gumbel hadn't left TODAY they wouldn't have gone through the hell they went through after the Matt Lauer trouble. We know about the memo but that was peanuts compared to that.

[@ritasanchez651]

Big fan of these two! Bryant was so professional and a great sports and newscaster. Nothing but admiration here 👏🏼 he has lived his best life ❤

[@claudetteholloway1126]

This was a great pair...

[@LisaLGruman]

I LOVE Bryant!!!

[@horseygurl143]

Me, too!!!

[@jamesflores7493]

Congratulations on a wonderful career Mr Gumble

[@BrandonPenson]

LOVE this!!! With Jane Pauley hosting CBS Sunday Morning, I hope she'd do THIS story herself. It was good seeing her and Bryant reunite and catch up SO many decades after the TODAY Show! ☀ ☕

[@barbararey-constantin5679]

HIs dad sounds like my father, the best role model ever.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Chicago’s own Bryant Gumbel; a legend!

[@JimRockfordFiles]

Good to see him again, its been years. Don’t watch HBO. Keep on keeping on.

[@highoffthaglass4787]

I used 2 Dream about being on this show when I was a Kid. Being interviewed by Jane n Bryant. Loved this show so much back n the day! Watched it everyday before school n loved snow n sick days. So I could watch whole show! Mr. Gumbel made me PROUD 2 be BLACK! Love these 2 so much. -O

[@CrystalTwinStar]

In response to what he said about not being the good looking guy...I disagree. I think he was...and is very handsome. And I loved watching him Very good newscaster

[@dholmes5393]

He was a humbling man who was on the face of the news from my culture. Blessed to see he was surrounded by colleagues that liked him and had a long career. I’m happy to see that he is happy with what he has done and looking forward to the blessing of enjoying his latter years with his family in peace. Much love to you sir, you have contributed much. Be blessed 👍🏽👏🏼

[@mailinglist2451]

Gumble interviewed Sir McCartney a couple of decades ago. Gumble was an @$$ but Sir Paul tolerated and answered. When Conan asked a similar question, McCartney got offended.

[@chrisamon80]

You're not going anywhere, Bryant Gumbel. Not with HBO. Forget it. Stay with CBS, NBC, and ABC Sports.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Looking very nice!😊

[@hedonepicurea4327]

2:17 I still don't know why people who should've supported him didn't. He looks great for 75. Probably being open worded and confident.

[@3h2o61]

Not good looking??

[@wgriffin3460]

Like most Americans, I believe that Bryant Gumbel should be on all global currency, unlike most Americans, I'm not afraid to admit it.

[@NezterBedford]

Shame how he treated Todd Bridges on camera in interview. He certainly was and still is annoying. His strangely odd features, voice and person is a punishment upon him. Very boring feller he is. No swag. Bryant didn't have any empathy on Todd Bridges as he went through is tribulations if life. Though many are familiar with him still he won't be talked about much in future. Along with other sellouts he didn't do anything for black people and the culture.

[@michaelbellingham719]

byant still adorable

[@RS-dm4yo]

Mr. Gumbel, you are the best looking man in the room! Thanks for being you. I've always appreciated that. ❤

[@AlejandroRamos-kn5cd]

Way better Way better Than Craig Melvin

[@edgardoberlioz2168]

Good interview

[@wallyirallac9433]

I worked as a soundman and remember gumbel as a big db. Not friendly and argumentative with the director. Studio was on 57th street in NYC. TV is better now that this tool is gone.

[@hedonepicurea4327]

I always liked the guy. Never knew why people didn't like him. I always liked his afro. I couldn't grow one as a kid so, he was cool to watch.

[@vrj40]

"I was never going to be the good looking guy", WHAT? Gumbel was always gorgeous!

[@RickCT2000]

Bryant was so good. You forget how good.

[@unwoken]

A class act from the very beginning.

[@kevinharris3993]

Sadly, our journalist today are nowhere near what these two gave. Both are still brutally honest and were from an era where truth really did matter.

[@nelliesmith9730]

He looks better with age

[@aguerra1381]

Fearless intervewer.

[@KrisHoppz]

Well done sir ❤ and boy was he handsome. Beautiful career and perseverance.

[@realbrown3723]

Great interview to see Jane and Bryant all these years later after being iconic informative figures.

[@SmokeyTreats]

Grew up with Jane & Tom, then Bryant. Loved them all! Wish Jane hadn't called him by his last name though, kinda impolite.

[@threecatsandalady64]

It’s so good to see the two of you.

[@nancydorn2524]

I always enjoyed Bryant.

[@deemichelle]

Both were great to watch, professional, and personable.

[@wgbtide87]

Netting in baseball was because of cell phones not this show. Please.

[@sweetpidi]

Awwww to see these two reminds me of my mornings getting ready for school.

[@benjudilla1574]

Why not interview MATT LAUER….lol