William Bumpus is an American attorney who has spent more than four decades working in the legal field. He is best known to the public as the former husband of CBS journalist Gayle King. Though he rarely seeks public attention, his long career in law and public service has made him a well-respected figure in Connecticut’s legal community.
Bio Table
| Full name | William G. Bumpus |
| Year of birth | 1954 (approx. age 71 as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Greenwich, South East London, England |
| Nationality | British-American (dual) |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American heritage) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) |
| Profession | Attorney / Lawyer |
| Notable role | Connecticut Assistant Attorney General (from 1980) |
| Ex-spouse | Gayle King (married 1982, divorced 1993) |
| Children | Kirby Bumpus, William Bumpus Jr. |
| Estimated net worth | $15 million – $20 million (estimated) |
| Social media | None (very private) |
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Early life and family background
William Bumpus grew up in Greenwich, a town located in South East London, England. He was raised by his parents in that area, though details about his mother and father are not publicly available. Some sources mention a father named Claude Bumpus Sr. and siblings including a brother, Claude Bumpus Jr., and two sisters, Teresa and Denise Bumpus.
William spent his early years in London, where he attended local schools and completed his basic education. At some point in his youth and early adult life, he developed a strong interest in law and public service, which would later shape his entire career.
After finishing high school in London, William made the decision to move to the United States. He settled in Connecticut, where he would go on to study, build his career, and start a family.He is a citizen of both the United States and Britain.
Education and early interests
William began his higher education at Central Connecticut State University. This was his first step into the American academic system. He performed well and showed a clear passion for the study of law.
He later transferred to Yale Law School, one of the most respected law schools in the country, located in New Haven, Connecticut. At Yale University, William earned his law degree. By all accounts, he was a dedicated student. After graduating, he was fully prepared to begin practicing law professionally.
Career beginning
Shortly after finishing law school, William joined the Connecticut government as an Assistant Attorney General in 1980. This was a significant role for any newly certified lawyer. He handled legal cases on behalf of the state and gained experience in government law.
After spending about a year in that position, he transitioned into work as a civil attorney. He later returned to government service, this time taking on a role as a Connecticut Assistant State’s Attorney in criminal prosecution. This showed his ability to work across different areas of law.
Career growth and achievements
Over the following decades, William built a steady and respected legal career. He went on to work in family law and child welfare cases, eventually specializing in cases involving the termination of parental rights. In this role, he represents the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) in court, working on neglect and abuse matters.
This area of law requires a great deal of care and responsibility. The fact that William has dedicated a large part of his career to protecting vulnerable children speaks to his commitment to public service.
With over 40 years in the legal profession, William is considered an experienced and accomplished attorney. He may not be a household name in the way that celebrities are, but he has earned a quiet respect within his field.
Personal life
William Bumpus first met journalist Gayle King in 1981. The two began dating and got engaged the same year. They married in 1982 in a small, private ceremony. Together, they have two children.Their daughter, Kirby Bumpus, was born on May 12, 1986. She studied at Stanford University and graduated with a degree in Human Biology and Psychology. She has worked in both healthcare and the food industry, most recently in a social impact role. Their son, William Bumpus Jr., was born on April 28, 1987. He attended Duke University and has since worked in the entertainment industry. In June 2024, he married his partner, Elise Smith.
A notable family connection is that Oprah Winfrey, the well-known television host and Gayle King’s close friend, is the godmother of both Kirby and William Jr. The family also has a grandchild named Luca, born to Kirby and her husband Virgil.
William keeps his personal life very private. He is not active on social media and rarely appears in the media. In his free time, he reportedly enjoys reading, listening to music, and traveling. Miami, Florida is said to be a favorite vacation destination for him.
Challenges
When Gayle King learned that William had cheated on her, their marriage ended. The couple separated, and their divorce was finalized in 1993 after being married for about 11 years. It was a painful chapter in both of their lives.
Many years later, in 2016, William publicly admitted to the affair and apologized to Gayle for his actions. Gayle King spoke openly about this moment in an interview. Despite the difficult past, the two have maintained a civil relationship for the sake of their children. Gayle has said that she has moved on and wishes William well.
Net worth and lifestyle
William’s wealth comes mainly from his long legal career. Estimates of his net worth vary between sources, ranging from around $15 million to over $20 million. These figures are not officially confirmed, as William has never publicly shared his financial details.
He lives in Connecticut and is known for maintaining a quiet, low-profile lifestyle. He does not appear to spend lavishly in public or seek media coverage. His focus seems to remain on his work and his family.
Conclusion
William Bumpus is a man who has built his life around the legal profession. From his early days in London to decades of service in Connecticut’s courts, he has dedicated himself to his work as a lawyer and public servant.He became widely recognized mainly because of his marriage to Gayle King, but his own career has its own merit. He has worked in civil law, criminal prosecution, and child welfare areas that directly affect people’s lives.
Though he prefers to stay away from the public eye, his contributions to the legal field are real and meaningful.Today, William Bumpus continues his legal work, maintains a close bond with his children, and lives a quiet life in Connecticut. His story is one of professionalism, personal challenges, and quiet perseverance.
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FAQs
Who is William Bumpus?
William Bumpus is an American attorney based in Connecticut. He worked as an Assistant Attorney General and has over 40 years of experience in law. He is publicly known as the former husband of journalist Gayle King.
Where was William Bumpus born?
He was born in Greenwich, South East London, England, in 1954. He later moved to the United States and settled in Connecticut, where he has lived and worked for most of his adult life.
Where did William Bumpus go to school?
He attended Central Connecticut State University for his undergraduate studies and then earned his law degree from Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut.
Why did William Bumpus and Gayle King divorce?
Their marriage ended because Gayle discovered William was unfaithful. They separated around 1990 and the divorce became official in 1993. William admitted to the affair and apologized publicly in 2016.
Does William Bumpus have children?
Yes. He has two children with Gayle King: a daughter named Kirby Bumpus and a son named William Bumpus Jr. Both have pursued their own successful careers. Oprah Winfrey is the godmother of both children.
What is William Bumpus’s estimated net worth?
Based on various estimates, his net worth is believed to be somewhere between $15 million and $20 million. This comes from his long career as an attorney. He has never confirmed this figure himself.
