William Bumpus: 7 Shocking Facts About Gayle King's Ex-Husband, His Current Career, And Grandfatherhood In 2025

In the world of celebrity connections, William Bumpus is often defined by his 11-year marriage and subsequent high-profile divorce from broadcast legend Gayle King, a story that continues to generate curiosity decades later. However, beyond his past as a Connecticut Assistant Attorney General, Mr. Bumpus is an accomplished, Yale-educated attorney who has maintained a highly successful legal career, even as his former wife became one of the most recognizable faces on television. As of late 2025, a new chapter has opened for him, as he embraces the role of a grandfather, with his son, William Bumpus Jr., and daughter-in-law expecting a child in November 2025, providing a fresh, positive focus to his life outside of the courtroom. The enduring interest in William Bumpus stems not just from his connection to the *CBS Mornings* host and her best friend, Oprah Winfrey, but from the dramatic details of their 1993 split, which King has openly discussed. Yet, the current reality of the attorney, now a Partner at a respected law firm, is one of professional achievement and a surprisingly amicable co-parenting relationship with King, a testament to their shared commitment to their two children, Kirby and Will. This article dives deep into the little-known facts of his biography, his current professional life, and the recent family milestones that have brought him back into the public conversation.

William Bumpus: Complete Biography and Profile

William Bumpus is a distinguished American attorney and legal professional whose public profile is inextricably linked to his former marriage to television personality Gayle King.

Full Name: William G. Bumpus

Date of Birth: 1954

Age (as of late 2025): 71 years old

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Place of Birth: Greenwich, London, England, United Kingdom

Nationality: British-American

Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from Yale Law School, New Haven, Connecticut

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Profession: Attorney, Partner at The Levine Litigation Law Firm

Former Role: Connecticut Assistant Attorney General

Spouse: Gayle King (m. 1982; div. 1993)

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Children: Two (Kirby Bumpus, William "Will" Bumpus Jr.)

Grandchildren: One (Expected November 2025, via son William Jr.)

Key Entities: Gayle King, Oprah Winfrey, Kirby Bumpus, William Bumpus Jr., Yale Law School, The Levine Litigation Law Firm, Connecticut Assistant Attorney General, CBS Mornings.

The Infamous Divorce and The Power of a Public Apology

William Bumpus's marriage to Gayle King began in 1982. The couple shared a successful life in Connecticut, where Bumpus was establishing his career as a prosecutor. They had two children together: a daughter, Kirby, and a son, William Jr. (Will). The marriage ended abruptly in 1993 after 11 years. The catalyst for the split was Bumpus's infidelity, which King has described in detail on her show and in interviews, including the moment she caught him in bed with another woman. The scandal was a defining moment in King's life, and she has spoken openly about the pain of the betrayal and the difficulty of the divorce process. For over 20 years, the story of the breakup remained a major point of public discussion about their relationship. In a rare public statement, William Bumpus addressed the issue years later. He issued an apology to King, acknowledging his mistake and expressing regret for the pain he caused her and their family. This apology was a significant step, and King later revealed that she appreciated the gesture, noting that while the infidelity was painful, the two have managed to maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children. Their ability to move past the public scandal and focus on their family's well-being is a key aspect of their modern dynamic.

William Bumpus’s Distinguished Legal Career and Current Role

While his personal life often overshadows his professional achievements, William Bumpus is an accomplished and highly educated attorney. His academic foundation is exceptionally strong, having earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the prestigious Yale Law School. Prior to his current role, Bumpus served as a Connecticut Assistant Attorney General. This position as a prosecutor is a hallmark of a long and dedicated career in public service and law. In a significant update to his professional profile, William Bumpus is currently a Partner with The Levine Litigation Law Firm. This role places him in a high-level position within the private legal sector, focusing on complex litigation matters. His work in the legal field showcases a commitment to justice and professional excellence, separate from the media spotlight that follows his ex-wife and her close relationship with Oprah Winfrey. The focus of his career has consistently been on leveraging his legal expertise, from his early days as a prosecutor to his current partnership in a private firm.

A New Chapter: Grandfatherhood and Recent Family Milestones (2024-2025)

The most current and heartwarming news surrounding the Bumpus family centers on their children, which naturally involves both William Bumpus and Gayle King. His daughter, Kirby Bumpus, has already established her own family, having a career in public health and social impact. The most recent headlines, however, belong to his son, William "Will" Bumpus Jr. Will Jr. is a successful professional in the tech and venture capital space, serving as a Managing Partner at Phoenix Rising and a partner at Concrete Rose Capital, as well as founding the nonprofit reWerk. In June 2024, William Bumpus Jr. married his fiancée, Elise Smith, in a joyous ceremony that was widely publicized by his mother, Gayle King. This wedding was a major family event and a testament to the strong bond between all members of the extended family. Following the wedding, the family announced another major milestone. William Bumpus Jr. and Elise Smith are expecting their first child in November 2025. This exciting news means that William Bumpus will officially become a grandfather in late 2025, adding a new, positive, and deeply personal role to his life. This family expansion highlights the successful co-parenting relationship he and King have maintained, as they both celebrate these major life events together. The recent focus on his children's lives, from Will's 2024 marriage to the upcoming 2025 birth of his grandchild, has shifted the public narrative around William Bumpus from one of past marital scandal to one of a proud father and grandfather.