Hilary Quinlan is a philanthropist, author, and former model whose life reflects elegance, resilience, and purpose. Best known as the wife of journalist Bryant Gumbel, she has built her own identity through a diverse career that began in modeling, shifted into financial research at Goldman Sachs, and later found its deepest meaning in humanitarian work with UNICEF USA. She co-authored the bestselling cookbook Unichef: Top Chefs Unite, with proceeds supporting global children’s programs, and has earned recognition for her dedication to advocacy, including the Audrey Hepburn UNICEF International Award. Choosing privacy over publicity, Hilary continues to inspire with a legacy defined by quiet influence, compassion, and meaningful contributions to the world.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hilary Quinlan |
| Birth Year | 1963 |
| Age | 60 years (as of 2023) |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree – Western Washington University |
| Profession | Former Model, Financial Researcher, Author, Philanthropist |
| Notable Work | Co-author of Unichef: Top Chefs Unite (with UNICEF) |
| Humanitarian Role | Board Member, UNICEF USA (since 2012) |
| Awards | Audrey Hepburn UNICEF International Award |
| Spouse | Bryant Gumbel (m. August 24, 2002 – present) |
| Children | None (Stepmother to Bryant Gumbel’s children, Jillian and Bradley) |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | ~54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde/Golden |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $1 – $5 Million (independent) |
| Husband’s Net Worth | ~ $25 Million (Bryant Gumbel) |
| Social Media | Not active |
Early Life and Education
Hilary Quinlan was born in the United States in 1963, but like much of her personal life, the details of her childhood remain private, which matches her lifelong preference for discretion and privacy. What is known, however, is that she grew up in a family that emphasized education, integrity, and kindness, values that clearly shaped her personality and later guided her career.
She pursued higher education at Western Washington University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree that gave her a strong foundation for her diverse professional journey. While many of her early years remain away from the public eye, the image that emerges is of a thoughtful and determined young woman who was willing to work hard, embrace challenges, and prepare herself for a future that would include multiple industries and a global humanitarian mission.
Age and Looks
Hilary Quinlan was born in 1963, which makes her 60 years old as of 2023, and she is often admired for her natural elegance and graceful presence. She stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs around 54 kilograms (119 pounds), and is known for her dark brown eyes and blonde-golden hair. Even though she first gained attention as a model, she has maintained a timeless and polished appearance over the years, carrying herself with poise and confidence that reflect her balanced lifestyle and disciplined approach to health and well-being.
Career as a Model
Before stepping into other fields, Hilary Quinlan first made a name for herself in the modeling industry. She worked with well-known brands, most notably Clairol, where her elegance and professionalism made her stand out. Modeling gave her public recognition and opportunities, but it was never her only goal. She eventually moved away from the runway, showing her desire to pursue a career that would challenge her mind and allow her to make a deeper impact.
Career in Finance
After her modeling career, Hilary Quinlan entered the corporate world and worked at Goldman Sachs, one of the most respected investment banks in the world. She served as a researcher, where her responsibilities included analyzing market data, preparing reports, and contributing to financial strategies. Her ability to successfully move from modeling into high-level finance showed her versatility and intelligence, and it proved that she could thrive in both creative and analytical fields.
Author and Books
Hilary Quinlan is also an author. She co-wrote the cookbook Unichef: Top Chefs Unite, which was published in collaboration with UNICEF. The book featured recipes from world-renowned chefs, and its sales were used to support UNICEF’s programs for children. The success of the book made it more than just a collection of recipes—it became a tool for raising awareness and funds for children’s welfare, combining Hilary’s creativity with her commitment to philanthropy.
Work with UNICEF
One of the most important aspects of Hilary Quinlan’s career has been her work with UNICEF USA. She joined the board of directors in 2012 and has played a significant role in helping the organization grow its outreach and fundraising efforts. She introduced new ways of engaging celebrities and ambassadors to promote UNICEF’s mission, which helped bring in more support for education, healthcare, and emergency programs for children around the world. Her dedication to the cause earned her the Audrey Hepburn UNICEF International Award, recognizing her as a global advocate for children’s rights.
Personal Life and Marriage to Bryant Gumbel
Hilary Quinlan has been married to Bryant Gumbel, the respected American journalist and sportscaster, since August 24, 2002, when the couple held a small and private ceremony at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, with only about 25 guests present. Their relationship began in the early 2000s after Gumbel’s divorce, and from the start, it was clear that they valued privacy and simplicity over publicity and glamour.
Although they do not have children together, Hilary is stepmother to Gumbel’s two adult children, Jillian and Bradley, and she is described as having a warm and supportive relationship with them. Despite Bryant’s high-profile career, Hilary has chosen to stay out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her own work and maintaining a quiet, balanced life built on respect, love, and mutual support.
Who Is Bryant Gumbel?
Bryant Gumbel is an American television journalist and sportscaster best known for his long career in broadcasting, where he became one of the most respected figures in news and sports reporting. Born on September 29, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he rose to fame as the co-host of NBC’s Today show, a position he held for 15 years, and later gained further recognition as the host of HBO’s award-winning program Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Known for his smooth delivery, professionalism, and ability to tackle both serious stories and lighter features, he has earned multiple Emmy Awards and a reputation as one of the most accomplished journalists on American television.
Children and Family Life
Hilary Quinlan and Bryant Gumbel do not have biological children together. However, Hilary is a stepmother to Bryant’s two adult children from his first marriage, Bradley and Jillian. She has a warm and respectful relationship with them, and she is considered a positive influence in their lives. While Hilary and Bryant do not often speak publicly about family life, it is clear that their bond is strong and that they value keeping their private moments away from media attention.
Public Image and Privacy
Despite her background in modeling and her marriage to a high-profile journalist, Hilary Quinlan has chosen to live a life that is largely private and away from unnecessary media attention. She does not maintain a presence on social media, she rarely gives interviews, and she only makes public appearances when they are tied to charity work or meaningful causes. In a world where constant visibility is often confused with importance, Hilary’s choice to step back from the spotlight has made her an even more respected figure. People admire her ability to stay authentic, grounded, and focused on what truly matters, which is making a difference in people’s lives rather than chasing headlines.
Legacy and Influence
Hilary Quinlan’s story is one of quiet impact and meaningful contributions. From modeling to finance, from authoring a successful cookbook to her leadership in UNICEF, she has shown that it is possible to reinvent oneself while keeping personal values intact. She has never chased fame or attention, preferring instead to let her work speak for itself. Her life demonstrates that influence does not always require the spotlight and that a true legacy is built on compassion, dedication, and authenticity.
Net Worth and Independence
Hilary Quinlan’s financial independence is another part of her story that speaks to her strength and determination. Although she is married to Bryant Gumbel, who has an estimated net worth of around $25 million, Hilary has built her own career and income through modeling, finance, writing, and philanthropy. Her personal net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, a figure that highlights her independence and her ability to succeed on her own terms. She has never relied solely on her marriage for identity or financial security, and her independence is a message to women everywhere that it is possible to build both a successful partnership and a strong personal career.
Conclusion
Hilary Quinlan’s life is a true example of grace, versatility, and purpose, showing how someone can make a meaningful impact without constantly seeking the spotlight. From her early career as a model to her work in finance, from co-authoring a successful cookbook with UNICEF to serving on its board and supporting children’s rights, she has built a legacy of independence and compassion.
Her marriage to Bryant Gumbel adds to her public recognition, but her own achievements and dedication to humanitarian work prove that she stands strong in her own right. By choosing privacy, authenticity, and purpose over fame, Hilary Quinlan has become a role model for living with dignity, balance, and quiet but powerful influence.
FAQs About Hilary Quinlan
1. Who is Hilary Quinlan?
Hilary Quinlan is a philanthropist, author, and former model. She is also known as the wife of television journalist Bryant Gumbel, but she has built her own independent career in finance, writing, and humanitarian work.
2. What is Hilary Quinlan known for?
She is best known for her work with UNICEF USA, co-authoring the cookbook UNICEF: Top Chefs Unite, her earlier career as a model, and her professional role as a researcher at Goldman Sachs.
3. When did Hilary Quinlan marry Bryant Gumbel?
Hilary Quinlan married Bryant Gumbel on August 24, 2002, in an intimate wedding ceremony at The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.
4. Does Hilary Quinlan have children?
Hilary does not have biological children, but she is a stepmother to Bryant Gumbel’s two adult children, Bradley and Jillian, from his first marriage.
5. Is Hilary Quinlan active on social media?
No, Hilary Quinlan chooses to live a private life and is not active on social media platforms. She prefers to focus on her philanthropic work and personal life away from public attention.
