William Bumpus is a British-American lawyer who became well known as the ex-husband of famous TV journalist Gayle King. While many people know him because of his past marriage, William has his own interesting story. He built a strong legal career that spans more than 35 years. He worked as an Assistant Attorney General in Connecticut, taught law at a university, and even served as a police officer early in his life. From his childhood in London to his quiet life in the United States today, his journey is full of hard work, personal challenges, and growth. Let us take a closer look at the complete life story of William Bumpus.
Bio Table of William Bumpus
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William G. Bumpus |
| Birth Year | 1954 |
| Birthplace | Greenwich, South East London, England |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African and British heritage) |
| Education | Central Connecticut State University (B.S. in Marketing, Magna Cum Laude, 1984); Yale Law School (Juris Doctor, 1988) |
| Profession | Attorney and Law Professor |
| Current Role | Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm |
| Specialty | Family Law, Child Protection Cases, Collaborative Divorce |
| Ex-Wife | Gayle King (married 1982, divorced 1993) |
| Children | Kirby Bumpus (born 1986) and William Bumpus Jr. (born 1987) |
| Grandchildren | Luca (Kirby’s son, born 2021) |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $1 million to $3 million |
| Known For | Being the ex-husband of Gayle King and his long career in law |
Early Life and Education
William G. Bumpus was born in 1954 in Greenwich, South East London, England. He grew up in London with his family. Not much is known about his parents or siblings because he has always kept his personal life very private. As a young man, he decided to move to the United States to build a better future for himself.
After arriving in the U.S., William settled in Connecticut. He joined Central Connecticut State University, where he studied marketing. He did very well in school and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. After that, he went to Yale Law School, one of the most respected law schools in the world. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1988. His strong education gave him the base he needed for a long and successful career in law.
Career as a Lawyer and Professor
Before becoming a lawyer, William actually started his working life as a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri. In that role, he handled crime scene investigations and enforced city laws. This experience gave him a real understanding of the justice system from the ground level. After completing his law degree, he moved into the legal world full time.
William served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Child Protection Unit of the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office. In this role, he focused on cases that involved children who faced abuse and neglect. He also worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Hartford, where he handled criminal cases. Beyond his legal work, William served as an Adjunct Professor and Associate Dean at Central Connecticut State University. He taught courses on management, ethics, and business law. Today, he works as a Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm, where he focuses on family law and collaborative divorce cases.
Marriage to Gayle King
William Bumpus and Gayle King met in the early 1980s in Connecticut. At that time, Gayle was starting her career as a TV news reporter, and William was building his own path in law. They connected quickly and started dating. After about a year together, the couple got married on October 16, 1982, in a private ceremony.
For the first several years, their marriage seemed stable. They supported each other while raising their two children. Gayle’s career started to grow, and she became more and more famous in the media world. William continued his quiet work in law. From the outside, they looked like a happy couple. But behind closed doors, things were not as perfect as they appeared to the public.
Divorce and Public Apology
The marriage came to a painful end after Gayle discovered William with another woman on June 24, 1990. She has spoken about this moment several times over the years. In a 2016 interview with Vanity Fair, Gayle recalled the exact date and time of the incident with sharp detail. The discovery broke their trust, and despite trying marital counseling, they could not save the relationship. Their divorce became final in 1993 after 11 years of marriage.
For many years, the details stayed mostly private. But in 2016, after Gayle’s comments in Vanity Fair made headlines again, William released a public statement through his representative. He admitted his mistake and said he had been “haunted” by his choice. He called Gayle a “great wife, an excellent mother, and a fantastic co-parent.” He also praised how she handled the situation with grace. His apology showed growth and accountability, even though it came many years after the divorce.
Children and Family Life
William and Gayle have two children together. Their daughter, Kirby Bumpus, was born in May 1986. Kirby attended Stanford University, where she earned a degree in Human Biology and Psychology. She later built a career in public health and social impact work. In December 2020, Kirby married Virgil Miller in a private ceremony held at Oprah Winfrey’s home. In 2021, she gave birth to a son named Luca, making both William and Gayle proud grandparents.
Their son, William Bumpus Jr., was born in April 1987. He went to Duke University and later earned an MBA from Stanford. Today, he works as a business leader and investor. He has been involved with companies like Phoenix Rising and Concrete Rose Capital. Both children are well-educated and successful in their careers. Oprah Winfrey, Gayle’s best friend, is the godmother of both Kirby and William Jr. Despite the divorce, William and Gayle managed to raise their children together as a strong team.
Where Is William Bumpus Now?
In 2026, William Bumpus continues to work as a lawyer and live a quiet life in Connecticut. He stays away from the spotlight and rarely appears in interviews or on social media. His focus remains on his legal career, his family, and his role as a grandfather. He still practices family law and helps families going through difficult times in court.
William has shown that personal mistakes do not have to define a person forever. He built a strong career, raised successful children, and earned respect in his field. While his name will always be connected to Gayle King, he has created his own identity through years of hard work and dedication to the law.
Conclusion
William Bumpus is much more than just the ex-husband of Gayle King. He is a Yale-educated lawyer, a former police officer, a university professor, and a dedicated father. His life story shows that people can grow from their mistakes and build something meaningful. Even after a public divorce, William and Gayle found a way to co-parent their children with respect. Today, William lives quietly, focuses on his work, and enjoys time with his family. His story is a real example of personal growth and quiet strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is William Bumpus?
William Bumpus is a British-American lawyer and the ex-husband of famous TV journalist Gayle King. He has worked in the legal field for more than 35 years, focusing on family law and child protection cases.
2. Why did William Bumpus and Gayle King divorce?
They divorced in 1993 after Gayle discovered William with another woman in 1990. William later publicly apologized for his mistake in 2016 and called it a “life-altering choice.”
3. How many children does William Bumpus have?
William has two children with Gayle King. Their daughter Kirby Bumpus was born in 1986, and their son William Bumpus Jr. was born in 1987. He is also a grandfather to Kirby’s son, Luca.
4. What is William Bumpus’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $3 million, earned through his long career as a lawyer and law professor.
5. Where is William Bumpus today?
As of 2026, William lives in Connecticut and works as a Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm. He focuses on family law cases and enjoys a quiet, private life with his family.
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