NBC’s flagship morning show Today has flaunted some of the top celebrities as hosts of the program. At one point, legendary broadcasters Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel co-anchored the program. And although their chemistry may have seemed flawless at times, Couric says it was not always peaches and cream.
Couric appeared on Bill Maher’s Club Room podcast on April 14 and recalled a time when Gumbel was being difficult about her maternity leave.
“He got mad at me because I was doing something on maternity leave,” Couric recalled. “And he was giving me endless s— for taking like a month or two off. I was having my first baby.”
“He was like, ‘Why don’t you just drop it in the field and come back to work right away or something?'”
Katie Couric Dials Back Bryant Gumbel Comments
The broadcaster did ultimately dial back on her comments noting that the legendary sports analyst was just joshing her. However, she did note that even though he was “goofing off,” the comments still carried a “sexist,” tone.
“No, he was kidding,” Couric added. “He was goofing on me but giving me a lot of s— but it was emblematic of an incredibly sexist attitude.”
Couric doesn’t seem to be holding a grudge about the exchange though. During the podcast, she raved about the “seamless broadcaster.”
“He is a guy’s guy. A guy’s guy, you got that right. He is,” Couric said of Gumbel. “He was prickly but I mean, what a talent. He’s such a seamless broadcaster, eloquent. When that countdown would happen, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, he would just hit it perfectly.”
The 67-year-old Couric now has two daughters, Ellie, 32, and Carrie, 28, whom she shares with late husband Jay Monahan.
She recently became a first-time grandmother via her oldest daughter Ellie. The newborn, John Albert Dorbrosky, will be nicknamed Jay to pay homage to Couric’s late husband.
“John Albert Dobrosky was born on his due date, Saturday, March 23rd at 8:23 am, just shy of seven pounds. He will be called Jay in honor of his maternal grandfather,” Couric wrote in an Instagram post.
“Albert is after Mark’s paternal grandfather. Mom and Dad (Ellie and Mark) are over the moon 🌕 (it was a full moon) I am thrilled to have my first grandchild, Carrie can’t wait to be a cool Aunt and Molner is enjoying handing out cigars.”