Who Is William Bumpus? The Untold Story of Gayle King’s Ex-Husband
William Bumpus is widely known for his marriage to Gayle King, the prominent TV personality and best friend to Oprah Winfrey. While Gayle King has long been in the public eye, William Bumpus, her ex-husband, has remained relatively private. Though he was once thrust into the limelight due to his high-profile marriage, much of his life is kept out of the public domain. This article will explore William Bumpus’ early life, education, career, relationship with Gayle King, and life post-divorce, as well as other details about his personal interests and current life.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | William Bumpus |
| Born | April 28, 1987 |
| Age | 37 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Spouse | Gayle King (m. 1982; div. 1993) |
| Children | Two children: William Bumpus Jr. and Kirby Bumpus |
| Education | University of Massachusetts, Law Degree |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be private, but possibly significant due to law career |
| Known For | Marriage to Gayle King, Ex-husband of TV personality Gayle King |
| Career Highlights | Lawyer, career kept private, role as a father |
| Current Life | Lives a quiet life away from the public eye |
Early Life and Education
William Bumpus was born in the United States in 1987. He grew up in a relatively private environment, and as such, information about his childhood and early years remains quite scarce. Bumpus’ early life before his marriage to Gayle King is not widely known, likely due to his preference for privacy.
Bumpus pursued higher education at the University of Massachusetts, where he studied law. His academic achievements set the stage for his career as a lawyer. His education and later work would establish him as an individual in his own right, separate from his relationship with Gayle King.
Age, Height and Weight
Born on April 28, 1987, this individual is currently 37 years old, marking a significant point in their personal and professional journey. Standing at a height of 5 feet 8 inches, they possess an average stature that is often seen as ideal in various contexts. While their exact weight is not publicly available, their overall appearance suggests a well-maintained and healthy physique. Given the combination of their age and physical attributes, it’s clear that they continue to prioritize wellness and balance in their life, though specific details regarding their weight remain private.
Family Life and Legacy
While William Bumpus’ family life is kept largely private, it’s known that he was married to Gayle King for several years, and they have two children together. Despite the eventual breakdown of their marriage, Bumpus’ role as a father has remained a key part of his legacy. His two children, daughter Kirby Bumpus and son William Bumpus Jr., have occasionally made public appearances but largely maintain a quiet life.
William’s legacy is most often linked to his marriage to Gayle King, as he had not gained significant fame in other spheres, such as his career. Nevertheless, his family connections and his role as a father have remained central to his life story.
Personal Life and Interests
William Bumpus is a man of private interests. While Gayle King has become a household name in the media, William has lived a relatively secluded life, especially after his divorce. His work as a lawyer, though not widely publicized, suggests that he was dedicated to his professional life, but he has kept any details about hobbies or personal pursuits under wraps.
He has never been one for the spotlight, and much of his post-divorce life has been spent away from the cameras. He is not known to engage in any public social media activities, maintaining his desire for privacy.
How William Bumpus Met Gayle King
William Bumpus met Gayle King when they were both relatively young and at the beginning of their careers. They had a shared interest in the professional world, which brought them together. King, who was a rising star in the world of broadcasting, and Bumpus, who was studying law at the time, met at a gathering. Their relationship developed quickly, and they eventually married in the early 1980s.
At the time, Gayle King’s career was beginning to take off, which would lead her to become a well-known media figure. Bumpus and King’s marriage seemed promising in the beginning, with the couple frequently appearing in public together. However, as their careers evolved, their marriage began to face significant challenges.
Who is Gayle King?
Gayle King, born on December 28, 1954, is a celebrated journalist, TV personality, and the co-anchor of CBS This Morning. She is best known for her candid interviews with influential figures, including celebrities and political leaders. Gayle King is also known for her deep friendship with Oprah Winfrey, which has been a constant in both their lives.
King’s career in journalism began in the 1970s, and she eventually rose to fame with her work as a news anchor and interviewer. Over the years, she has earned numerous accolades, including Emmy nominations and recognition for her in-depth and insightful interviews.
Her professional accomplishments have firmly established her as a respected figure in the media industry. Despite her immense success, she remains known for her down-to-earth personality and authentic character. Her relationship with William Bumpus is a significant chapter in her life, but it is only one aspect of her multifaceted career and legacy.
Relationship and Marriage Life
Gayle King and William Bumpus married in 1982, and their union lasted for over a decade. Despite the intense media scrutiny of Gayle King’s career, Bumpus largely remained out of the spotlight during their marriage. However, their relationship faced numerous challenges, and after about 11 years of marriage, the couple decided to divorce in 1993.
The divorce was the result of various personal issues, including infidelity. Gayle King has been open about the struggles within her marriage to William Bumpus, acknowledging the difficulties they faced, including his infidelity. Although their marriage ended in divorce, the two have remained cordial, and King has spoken kindly of Bumpus in various interviews. Despite the end of their relationship, Gayle King and William Bumpus continue to share a mutual respect for each other.
Do They Have Kids?
Yes, William Bumpus and Gayle King have two children together, a son named William Bumpus Jr. and a daughter named Kirby Bumpus. Their children have largely stayed out of the public eye, but both have pursued successful careers.
William Bumpus Jr., their son, has made some public appearances with his mother, and Kirby Bumpus, their daughter, has been involved in social work and activism. Both children appear to be successful and have a close relationship with their mother, Gayle King, who has often shared moments of pride and affection for them publicly.
Life After Divorce
After his divorce from Gayle King, William Bumpus led a relatively low-profile life, choosing to stay away from the public eye. He continued his work in the legal field, though details about his professional endeavors after the split are not widely known. It appears that Bumpus’ primary focus has been on maintaining a private and peaceful life, far removed from the media circus that surrounded his marriage to Gayle King.
Gayle King, on the other hand, continued to rise in prominence as a journalist and media personality, achieving much success after the divorce. While her career continued to thrive, Bumpus remained largely absent from the limelight, and both have focused on their separate paths.
Current Life and Challenges
Now in his late 60s, William Bumpus continues to live a quiet life. There are very few public updates on his personal life, but it is clear that he has chosen to remain out of the media’s spotlight. His life after divorce has not been marked by major public events or controversies, and he appears to have maintained a low-key lifestyle focused on family and personal interests.
Though Gayle King remains a high-profile media personality, Bumpus has continued to maintain his privacy, staying away from the public challenges that often accompany the lives of celebrity ex-husbands.
The Role of Gayle King in Her Success
Gayle King’s success in the media world is a result of her dedication, work ethic, and ability to foster meaningful relationships with her interview subjects. While her marriage to William Bumpus certainly had an impact on her personal life, it did not define her career.
Gayle has often credited her perseverance and support from close friends like Oprah Winfrey for much of her success. The role that Gayle’s relationship with Bumpus played in her career is minimal, as their divorce was amicable, and both parties continued their separate paths.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Gayle King’s estimated net worth is between $40 million and $80 million, thanks to her successful career in journalism and television. William Bumpus, as a lawyer, likely amassed a comfortable fortune throughout his career, but estimates about his net worth remain unclear. Since he has not pursued a career in the public sphere, his financial status remains relatively private.
As a couple, they likely enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle during their marriage, but their financial lives have diverged significantly since the divorce.
Future Plans and Projects
It’s unclear what future plans William Bumpus may have, as he has remained out of the public eye for many years. Given his preference for privacy, it is likely that he will continue to focus on his personal life and his family in the coming years. Gayle King, on the other hand, continues to be an influential figure in the media industry, with potential future projects that may involve her journalism career or other media endeavors.
Conclusion
William Bumpus, once known for his marriage to Gayle King, has remained largely private since their divorce. Though his name will forever be linked to the famous TV personality, his life has unfolded quietly away from the media spotlight. His legacy will likely be defined by his career in law and his role as a father, while Gayle King’s legacy will remain centered on her journalism career.
Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities of public relationships, the importance of privacy, and the different ways people choose to navigate life after the spotlight fades.
FAQs
How old is William Bumpus?
William Bumpus was born in 1987, making him 37 years old as of 2025.
How did William Bumpus meet Gayle King?
William met Gayle King when they were both starting their careers, and they married in 1982.
Do William Bumpus and Gayle King have children?
Yes, they have two children, William Bumpus Jr. and Kirby Bumpus.
What is William Bumpus’ career?
William Bumpus is a lawyer by profession, though he has kept his career private after his divorce.
What is William Bumpus’ net worth?
While there is no exact estimate, William Bumpus is likely worth a significant amount from his career in law. His ex-wife, Gayle King, has an estimated net worth of $40-$80 million.
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