William Bumpus is a 72-year-old British-American attorney best known as the ex-husband of CBS journalist Gayle King. He earned his law degree from Yale, built a 40+ year legal career in Connecticut, and has remained single since their 1993 divorce. His estimated 2026 net worth ranges between $3–$10 million.
Who Is William Bumpus? Quick Bio Summary
William Bumpus is not a celebrity by choice. He is a career attorney who spent over four decades protecting children in Connecticut courts. Yet millions know his name — because he was once married to one of America's most recognisable journalists, Gayle King.
His story is more than "Gayle King's ex-husband." It is the story of a London-born lawyer who rebuilt his reputation after a very public scandal. And in 2026, he remains a respected figure in family law.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William G. Bumpus |
| Date of Birth | 1954 (exact date not public) |
| Age (2026) | 72 years old |
| Birthplace | Greenwich, South East London, England |
| Nationality | British-American (dual) |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-British heritage) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 85 kg (187 lbs) |
| Profession | Attorney / Lawyer |
| Net Worth (2026) | $3–$10 million (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (currently single) |
| Ex-Wife | Gayle King (married 1982–1993) |
| Children | Kirby Bumpus, William Bumpus Jr. |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Yale Law School (J.D.) |
William Bumpus Early Life and Background
William was born in 1954 in Greenwich, South East London, England. He grew up in a working-class area of London before emigrating to the United States. Not much is publicly known about his parents or siblings, as he has always guarded his private life closely.
After finishing his schooling in London, William made the move to Connecticut, USA. That decision would shape everything — his education, his career, and ultimately his famous marriage.
He enrolled at Central Connecticut State University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He then pursued law at the elite Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut — one of the most prestigious law schools in the world.
Education: From London to Yale
William's academic path was impressive by any standard. He went from a London secondary school to one of America's top three law institutions.
- Undergraduate: Central Connecticut State University
- Law Degree (J.D.): Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut
- Graduated: Around 1979–1980
- Academic reputation: Reportedly one of the top students in his Yale cohort
Yale Law School's alumni include U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, and top corporate attorneys. William's acceptance there signals he was academically exceptional from an early age.
William Bumpus Career: 40+ Years in Connecticut Law
William began his legal career immediately after graduating from Yale in 1980. Over the next four decades, he worked through several significant roles in Connecticut's legal system.
Career Timeline
- 1980 — Assistant Attorney General of Connecticut — His first role after graduating from Yale Law School.
- 1981–1985 (approx.) — Civil Attorney — Left the AG's office to practice civil law privately.
- Late 1980s onward — Connecticut Assistant Attorney Criminal Prosecutor — Returned to government work, focusing on criminal prosecution.
- Promoted — DCF Attorney — Became the attorney representing the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in court.
- Specialisation — Termination of Parental Rights — His niche area of expertise, dealing with child abuse and neglect cases.
William's work in child welfare is arguably his most impactful legacy. He has spent decades fighting for vulnerable children in Connecticut courts. That career rarely makes headlines — but it matters far more than most people realise.
His annual salary as a senior attorney is estimated at around $140,000–$570,000, depending on the source and year. His decades of experience place him at the senior end of that range.
William Bumpus Net Worth 2026
William Bumpus has an estimated 2026 net worth of $3–$10 million. The wide range reflects conflicting sources and his intensely private financial life.
Here is what we know:
- He has practised law for over 40 years without interruption.
- Senior attorneys in Connecticut typically earn $140,000–$200,000+ annually in government roles.
- Some sources cite higher estimates up to $20 million, though these appear to overstate his public-sector earnings.
- His ex-wife Gayle King's net worth is estimated at $40 million (2026), driven by her $11 million/year CBS salary.
The most credible range, based on his career trajectory and public-sector employment, sits at $3–$10 million.
Comparison Note: William earned his wealth through law. Gayle built hers through media. Two very different paths — both successful.
William Bumpus and Gayle King: Marriage, Infidelity, and Divorce
This is the part most people search for. And it is a story with a complicated truth at its centre.
How They Met
William and Gayle met in the early 1980s. They began dating in 1981 and married just one year later in 1982. The wedding was a private ceremony held in Connecticut.
Gayle was already building her journalism career. William was establishing himself as a young attorney. On paper, they looked like a power couple in the making.
The Marriage (1982–1993)
- They were married for 11 years
- Together, they had two children: Kirby Bumpus (born 1986) and William Bumpus Jr. (born April 28, 1987)
- Oprah Winfrey — Gayle's legendary best friend — served as godmother to both children
- The family lived in Connecticut
The Divorce: What Really Happened?
Here is where the story gets complicated — and where most articles get it wrong.
Many sources initially reported that Gayle filed for divorce because she caught William cheating. That is partially true. But the timeline and blame have been contested.
In June 1990, news broke that Gayle had filed for divorce. The divorce was finalised in 1993 after three years of legal proceedings. Gayle won full custody of both children.
In 2016, William publicly admitted the infidelity and apologised — over 20 years after the divorce. He acknowledged that he had been caught with another woman and that this was the primary reason the marriage ended.
Gayle, for her part, later revealed in a 2006 XM Radio interview that she had discovered William in bed with another woman. She described it as one of the most painful moments of her life.
Despite all of this, William and Gayle have maintained a civil co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children.
William Bumpus Children: Kirby and William Jr.
William's two children have both built impressive lives of their own. If you want to understand William's legacy, look at what he and Gayle raised together.
Kirby Bumpus
- Born: May 12, 1986
- Education: Stanford University — BA in Human Biology and Psychology (2008)
- Career: Former administrator during the Obama presidency; health educator and mentor
- Marriage: Married Virgil in December 2020
- Grandson: Has a son named Luca — making William Bumpus a grandfather
- Godmother: Oprah Winfrey
You can read more about celebrity family connections in our profile of Karina Banda: Age, Height, Wiki, Bio, Net Worth & Husband.
William Bumpus Jr.
- Born: April 28, 1987, in Connecticut
- Education: Duke University (graduated 2009)
- Career: Previously worked at the US Department of Health and Human Services; moved into entertainment industry; worked in social impact and inclusion at Sweetgreen
- Relationship status: Private — no confirmed partner as of 2026
- Godmother: Oprah Winfrey
Both children grew up with two high-achieving parents and the informal "aunty" of Oprah Winfrey in their corner. That is a remarkable foundation.
William Bumpus 2026 Relationship Status: Is He Married?
As of 2026, William Bumpus is single. He has not remarried since his 1993 divorce from Gayle King.
After the divorce, he was reportedly in a relationship with a woman named Jane Neu (also spelled "Jane New" in some sources). However, that relationship does not appear to have led to marriage, and no current partner has been confirmed.
William has consistently maintained a very private personal life. He does not appear to have any verified social media accounts. He does not give interviews. He is, by all appearances, a man who prefers life outside the spotlight.
His ex-wife Gayle King, by contrast, has remained one of the most visible figures in American media. She has been linked to various public figures over the years but has also chosen to remain unmarried.
For similar stories of private figures connected to public personalities, see our profile of Jennifer Earles: Age, Height, Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, and Relationship.
William Bumpus Physical Appearance
William Bumpus has a commanding physical presence — fitting for someone who has spent decades in courtrooms.
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (approximately 1.85 m)
- Weight: 85 kg (187 lbs)
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Dark brown
- Body measurements: Estimated 42-32-37 inches
- Shoe size: 12 (US)
- Build: Athletic / above-average stature
At 72, William maintains a relatively low public profile, so recent photographs are rare. His most widely circulated images are from the 1980s and 1990s alongside Gayle King.
William Bumpus Social Media Presence
William Bumpus has no confirmed public social media accounts. He does not appear to be active on:
- Twitter/X
- LinkedIn (publicly)
This is consistent with someone who has spent his career in sensitive child welfare law. Privacy is not just a preference for William — it is likely a professional necessity.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1954, Greenwich, London |
| Age in 2026 | 72 years old |
| Height | 6'1" (1.85 m) |
| Net Worth | $3–$10 million (estimated) |
| Career | Attorney, Yale Law graduate |
| Speciality | Child Welfare / Termination of Parental Rights |
| Ex-Wife | Gayle King (CBS journalist) |
| Married | 1982 |
| Divorced | 1993 |
| Children | Kirby Bumpus, William Bumpus Jr. |
| Grandchildren | Luca (via Kirby) |
| Current Status | Single |
| Social Media | None confirmed |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is William Bumpus in 2026?
William Bumpus was born in 1954. In 2026, he is 72 years old. His exact birth date has never been made public.
What is William Bumpus's net worth in 2026?
His estimated 2026 net worth is between $3 million and $10 million. He built this through more than 40 years as a licensed attorney in Connecticut, including senior government roles representing the Department of Children and Families.
Why did William Bumpus and Gayle King divorce?
The divorce was caused by William's infidelity. Gayle caught him with another woman — a fact he publicly acknowledged and apologised for in 2016, over 20 years after the divorce was finalised in 1993.
Is William Bumpus married in 2026?
No. As of 2026, William Bumpus is not married. He has remained single since his divorce from Gayle King. He was reportedly in a relationship with a woman named Jane Neu post-divorce, but no current partner has been confirmed.
Where did William Bumpus go to school?
William attended Central Connecticut State University for his undergraduate degree. He then earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the prestigious Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut.
Does William Bumpus have children?
Yes. He has two children with Gayle King:
- Kirby Bumpus (born 1986) — Stanford graduate, now married with a son named Luca
- William Bumpus Jr. (born 1987) — Duke University graduate, works in entertainment and social impact
What does William Bumpus do now?
As of 2026, William continues to work as a practising attorney in Connecticut. He specialises in the Termination of Parental Rights and represents the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in cases involving child abuse and neglect.
How tall is William Bumpus?
William Bumpus stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall (approximately 1.85 metres). He weighs around 85 kg (187 lbs).
Why William Bumpus Matters Beyond the Headlines
It is easy to reduce William Bumpus to a footnote in Gayle King's life story. The tabloids have done exactly that for 30+ years.
But William's actual story is more interesting. He is a man who made a serious mistake, faced public humiliation, and quietly rebuilt his life through dedicated public service. He has spent decades protecting abused and neglected children in a Connecticut courtroom — work that rarely earns headlines but genuinely changes lives.
For comparison, read our coverage of other public figures navigating fame and personal reinvention — like Bianca Butti: Age, Height, Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, and Relationship or Kanel Joseph: Age, Height, Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, and Relationship.
The spotlight followed William because of who he married. But the life he built outside it is entirely his own.
References
Lewis Calvert
Lewis Calvert is a UK-based writer and editor with over six years of experience in entertainment and biographical storytelling. As the founder of BriefLedger, he specialises in crafting well-researched, engaging biographies across film, TV, and public figures, bringing a clear and authoritative British voice to every piece. Follow on linkedin