Iconic sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel passed away at the age of 78
28 december 2024 в 22:28
Icon of world sports broadcasting Greg Gumbel has passed away. The New Orleans-born personality was 78 years old, and passed away on December 27, 2024 after battling cancer. «With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel», - the CBS Sports family said in a statement on social media on the same day. «He left peacefully, surrounded by love after a brave battle with cancer».
They added, «He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication from over 50 outstanding years in the sports broadcasting industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten. The memory of Greg will forever remain in the hearts of his family, close friends, colleagues, and all who loved him».
As the world learns of Gumbel’s death, here are five things to know about the late great Greg Gumbel.
Before Gumbel became famous, he started his career selling medical equipment in Detroit. According to Wikipedia, in 1973, at the age of 27, he discovered an opportunity to audition for a sports commentator position at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. He was a natural talent and got the job, moving to Chicago for it. Greg worked at NBC for seven years, gaining a strong foothold in the business that elevated him to household name status.
Greg’s success paralleled that of his brother Bryant Gumbel. In fact, according to Wikipedia, it was Bryant who first told Greg about the opportunity to audition at WMAQ-TV. Greg continued to work at CBS and NBC channels. According to The New York Times, Greg’s career took off in the 1980s when he became a recognizable face covering the NBA. By 1988, he was also covering the NFL — and the rest is history. Bryant is best known for his work as co-host of the popular NBC Today show for 15 years, which ended in 1997.
CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson praised Greg’s legacy after his death. «A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and revolutionary careers in sports broadcasting of all time», - Berson said in a statement, according to NPR.
Greg Gumbel was also known for covering some of America’s most iconic sports events. According to Us Weekly, in his five decades as a commentator, he covered three Super Bowls, became a recognizable voice in CBS’s March Madness broadcast, and was the prime-time anchor for the 1994 Winter Olympics broadcast on CBS Sports.
According to NPR, in March 2024, Greg missed his coverage of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1997. He cited family health issues as the reason.
Greg married Marcy Kasinski in 1973 — coincidentally, the same year he got his first commentator job in Chicago. Later, they welcomed their daughter Michelle, according to Bleacher Report.
Although Greg ultimately made a name for himself in sports, he initially earned a degree in English. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1967. This was the first of many accolades in an outstanding career spanning five decades. According to NPR, he also received the Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting and won several local Emmy awards over the years
They added, «He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication from over 50 outstanding years in the sports broadcasting industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten. The memory of Greg will forever remain in the hearts of his family, close friends, colleagues, and all who loved him».
As the world learns of Gumbel’s death, here are five things to know about the late great Greg Gumbel.
Before Gumbel became famous, he started his career selling medical equipment in Detroit. According to Wikipedia, in 1973, at the age of 27, he discovered an opportunity to audition for a sports commentator position at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. He was a natural talent and got the job, moving to Chicago for it. Greg worked at NBC for seven years, gaining a strong foothold in the business that elevated him to household name status.
Greg’s success paralleled that of his brother Bryant Gumbel. In fact, according to Wikipedia, it was Bryant who first told Greg about the opportunity to audition at WMAQ-TV. Greg continued to work at CBS and NBC channels. According to The New York Times, Greg’s career took off in the 1980s when he became a recognizable face covering the NBA. By 1988, he was also covering the NFL — and the rest is history. Bryant is best known for his work as co-host of the popular NBC Today show for 15 years, which ended in 1997.
CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson praised Greg’s legacy after his death. «A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and revolutionary careers in sports broadcasting of all time», - Berson said in a statement, according to NPR.
Greg Gumbel was also known for covering some of America’s most iconic sports events. According to Us Weekly, in his five decades as a commentator, he covered three Super Bowls, became a recognizable voice in CBS’s March Madness broadcast, and was the prime-time anchor for the 1994 Winter Olympics broadcast on CBS Sports.
According to NPR, in March 2024, Greg missed his coverage of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1997. He cited family health issues as the reason.
Greg married Marcy Kasinski in 1973 — coincidentally, the same year he got his first commentator job in Chicago. Later, they welcomed their daughter Michelle, according to Bleacher Report.
Although Greg ultimately made a name for himself in sports, he initially earned a degree in English. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1967. This was the first of many accolades in an outstanding career spanning five decades. According to NPR, he also received the Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting and won several local Emmy awards over the years
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
