Ginger Zee Biography, Age, Husband & Career | ABC News

Ginger Zee Biography: From Storm Chaser to ABC News Chief Meteorologist

Ginger Zee is an American television personality and chief meteorologist for ABC News. Here are some key highlights of her life and career:

Early Life and Education

• Family: Ginger was named after the character “Ginger” from the TV show Gilligan’s Island by her Dutch father. Her family moved to Michigan when she was very young.

• Education: She graduated from Rockford High School in Rockford, Michigan, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from Valparaiso University. She also studied mathematics and Spanish.

Career

• Early Career: Ginger began her career at various media outlets, including WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan, WYIN-TV in Merrillville, Indiana, and WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

• NBC: She worked at WMAQ in Chicago from 2006-2011, where she occasionally filled in as a guest meteorologist on NBC’s The Today Show.

• ABC News: Ginger joined ABC News in 2011 as the weekend meteorologist for Good Morning America. In 2013, she was promoted to Chief Meteorologist for Good Morning America and weather editor for ABC News.

• Digital Series: She hosts an ABC News original digital series called Food Forecast.

Notable Achievements

• Storm Chasing: Ginger is known for her passion for storm chasing, which she has done since college. She has covered numerous major weather events, including Hurricane Sandy, the Colorado floods, and tornadoes in Oklahoma.

• Adventure: Her love of adventure has taken her to various parts of the world, including para-hawking in Nepal, flying a drone into a volcano in Iceland, and diving with sharks in the Bahamas.

• Awards: Ginger has received several awards for her work, including the CBM Seal for Meteorology and multiple Emmy Awards.

Personal Interest

• Hobbies: In addition to her professional work, Ginger enjoys adventure sports, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Ginger Zee’s career is marked by her dedication to meteorology, her adventurous spirit, and her commitment to delivering accurate weather forecasts to viewers.

Age:

Ginger Zee, born Ginger Renée Zuidgeest, on January 13, 1981, Ginger Zee is 43 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Capricorn. Ginger is of Dutch descent and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Ginger was born to Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft and Robert Zuidgeest. She has a stepfather named Carl Craft and two half-sisters, Adrianna and Elaina Craft.

Her paternal grandparents, Adriaan Cornelis “Adrian” Zuidgeest and Hillegonda “Hilda” Zuidgeest, immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands. She has two younger brothers, Sean Jeffrey Zuidgeest and Walter “Wally” Zuidgeest.

Husband:

Ginger Zee is married to Benjamin Aaron Colonomos, known as Ben Aaron,  a television personality known for his work on shows like “Crazy Talk” and “Pickler & Ben.”

The couple tied the knot on June 7, 2014, and they have two sons together: Adrian Benjamin Colonomos, born in December 2015, and Miles Macklin Colonomos, born in February 2018.  The family resides in Rockland County, New York.

Height:

Ginger Zee stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs around 56 kg (123 lbs). Her body measurements are 34-25-34 inches.

Career and Background:

Ginger Zee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Valparaiso University. Before joining ABC News, she worked at various television stations, including WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan, WYIN-TV in Merrillville, Indiana, and WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Her big break came when she joined NBC’s WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where she gained significant recognition as a weekend meteorologist.

In 2011, she joined ABC News as their weekend meteorologist and eventually became the Chief Meteorologist in December 2013.

Throughout her career, Ginger has covered numerous significant weather events, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter storms, earning her acclaim for her on-the-ground reporting.

Career Highlights

Zee’s career in meteorology began to take shape during her college years when she worked as a weathercaster for the university’s television station.

Her talent and passion quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to opportunities at various local news stations. In 2011, she joined ABC News as a weekend meteorologist, and her career trajectory continued to soar.

Her dedication, expertise, and engaging on-air presence led to her promotion to chief meteorologist, where she now provides weather forecasts and coverage for major news programs such as Good Morning America and World News Tonight.  

Zee has gained widespread recognition for her on-the-ground reporting during severe weather events. She has covered numerous hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, providing viewers with essential information and insights.

Her ability to communicate complex meteorological concepts in a clear and understandable manner has made her a trusted source of weather information.

Beyond the Forecast

In addition to her meteorological duties, Zee has authored books, including Natural Causes: The Truth About Our Changing Climate and Why in the World: Answering Your Biggest Questions About Planet Earth.

She has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, using her platform to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Net Worth and Salary:

Ginger Zee has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Her salary as ABC News’ Chief Meteorologist is reported to be around $500,000 annually.

Is Ginger Zee Married:

Yes, Zee is married to Ben Aaron, and they have two children. She is active on social media, where she shares updates about her work and personal life.

How Old Is Ginger Zee:

Ginger Zee is 43 years old, having been born on January 13, 1981.

Are Ginger Zee and Sara Haines related?

No, Ginger Zee and Sara Haines are not related. Despite rumors and their close working relationship at ABC News, they do not share any family connections through blood or marriage. Ginger Zee’s siblings are Sean Jeffrey Zuidgeest, Elaina Craft, and Adrianna Craft.

Where Is Ginger Zee or Is she still working at ABC News?:

Ginger Zee is still actively working at ABC News as the Chief Meteorologist. She continues to appear regularly on “Good Morning America” and other ABC News programs, providing weather forecasts and covering major weather events across the country.

Here are some interesting facts about Ginger Zee:

• Named After a TV Character: Ginger Zee was named after the character Ginger Grant from the TV show “Gilligan’s Island” by her Dutch father, who learned English by watching the show.

• Narcolepsy Diagnosis: She was diagnosed with narcolepsy at the age of 21. Despite this, she has managed to build a successful career in meteorology.

• Battle with Anorexia: Ginger Zee has openly discussed her struggle with anorexia during her childhood, which she battled until she was 14 years old.

• Homecoming Queen: She was crowned homecoming queen during her senior year at Rockford High School in Michigan.

• Dancing with the Stars: Ginger competed in season 22 of “Dancing with the Stars” and made it to the finals.
• Memoir Author: She authored a memoir titled “Natural Disaster: I Cover Them. I Am One.” in 2017, where she shares her personal and professional journey.

• Adventurous Spirit: Known for her adventurous spirit, she has participated in activities like para-hawking in Nepal and diving with sharks in the Bahamas.

• Guest Host on The Today Show: Before joining ABC, she once guest-hosted the weather segment on “The Today Show,” fulfilling a personal goal.

Ginger is active on social media, where she shares updates about her work, family, and personal adventures. You can follow her on Twitter @ginger_Zee and on her Instagram @ginger_zee.