Craig Melvin and Bryant Gumbel stand out in journalism, with Gumbel having more years under his belt. Even with this gap in experience, both have made names for themselves as journalists people look up to.
Melvin is currently in the news due to his recent appointment as the new anchor for NBC’s Today Show, set to begin on January 13, 2025. He started out in local news, climbing the ladder through different jobs, including big roles at MSNBC and other TV outlets.
Gumbel, on the other hand, is famous for his long 15-year run as co-host of NBC’s Today Show starting back in 1982. People celebrate him for his reporting that made a difference, and he’s won several Emmy Awards over his stellar career.
Axel Foley was a success! 👏🏾 Happy Halloween from all of us at @TODAYshow 🎃 pic.twitter.com/oteFDFs3Nr
— Craig Melvin (@craigmelvin) October 31, 2024Both Melvin and Gumbel became well-known because of their work on Today. But their connection goes beyond just working on the same show.
People watching the show have noticed that Melvin looks up to Gumbel. This has made many ask, “Are Craig Melvin and Bryant Gumbel related?” So, do the duo have any family ties that we know about, or do they just work in the same field? Keep reading to find out if these two have any family connections.
Craig Melvin and Bryant Gumbel’s Family Tree Doesn’t Branch
Craig Melvin and Bryant Gumbel don’t have any family connections, even though some people might think they do. Their different family histories show they have very different backgrounds and life stories.
Melvin was born on May 20, 1979, in Columbia, South Carolina. He comes from an African American family. His dad, Lawrence Melvin, struggled with drinking problems when Craig was young but later got back in touch with the family. On the contrary, his mom, Betty Jo Melvin, stayed strong and took care of the family.
Today’s host also has a younger brother named Ryan and an older half-brother, Rev. Lawrence Meadows. Unfortunately, the latter passed away from colon cancer in 2020 when he was 43 years old.
On the flip side, Gumbel entered the world on September 29, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He comes from a Louisiana Creole family. His dad, Charles Gumbel, served as a well-regarded judge, while his mom Rhea worked as a city clerk.
Unlike Melvin, Bryant grew up in a stable environment. Also, he shares the limelight with his older brother, Greg Gumbel, a famous sportscaster. Furthermore, his last name points to his great-great-grandfather’s German-Jewish background, even though his family practiced Catholicism.
Craig Melvin Inspired by Bryant Gumbel and Shares on Following in His Footsteps
Craig Melvin and Bryant Gumbel aren’t related by blood, but they share a strong work connection that inspires Melvin. He looks up to Gumbel, seeing him as someone who helped shape his career goals.
Dateline: Secrets Uncovered’s former host has talked about how Gumbel has had a big impact on his professional path. While chatting with a young guest, Melvin talked about how the award-winning journalist shaped his path to broadcasting.
Looking back on his early years, Melvin said:
So, when I was about your age, I grew up watching a fellow named Bryant Gumbel. He used to host a show with a woman named Katie Couric. And before I would leave for school every morning… I would find out what’s happening in the world.
Melvin pointed out that seeing Gumbel on TV sparked his dream and further mentioned,
So, I grew up watching the show. And then, when I got older, I thought, maybe I could do that too.
Gumbel, who broke new ground in TV journalism, became a role model for Melvin without knowing it. The father of two looked up to his work ethic and way of telling stories.
Though they’re not family, they share a love for bringing important news to people, which links them. So, Gumbel’s work pushed Melvin to follow a similar road and make his mark in journalism.
Melvin and His Co-Host Savannah Guthrie Recreated Bryant and Katie’s Morning Outfits
Craig Melvin looks up to Bryant Gumbel, and he shows his respect in a special way. For instance, to mark 25 years of TODAY’s Studio 1A, Melvin and his co-host Savannah Guthrie dressed up like Gumbel and Katie Couric from back in the day.
Melvin was excited to share this moment on Facebook, putting up pictures from the big day. In his post, he wrote:
Watched Bryant and Katie 25 years ago every morning. Pinched myself this morning on Today Show as we celebrated 25 years in 1A #blessed. We tried to recreate that morning…outfits and all!
People flooded his post with messages of congratulations praising his journey. One said:
So proud of you that you are now there. I have watched you and followed your career ever since your first days at WIS. Also thrilled that you haven’t forgotten where you came from. Love the love you always give to the Palmetto State.
Another wrote,
Craig, you are one of the greatest blessings ever bestowed upon the Today Show. It is an even better show because of you. As a Columbia girl who watches every morning, I am proud to say you are one of us!
Similarly, the next one reads,
I’ve always been a fan of The Today Show, but now I love it even more because Craig Melvin is on there. I always said you reminded me of when Bryant Gumbel was the host! Always loved your personality since WIS.
