Bianna Golodryga Biography 2026: CNN Anchor & Senior Global Affairs Analyst’s Career, Age, Height, Husband, Family & Achievements

Bianna Golodryga is a respected Soviet-born American journalist, anchor, and Senior Global Affairs Analyst at CNN. The 47-year-old co-anchors One World with Zain Asher and Bianna Golodryga on CNN International and brings deep expertise in international affairs, business, and geopolitics. With a career spanning CNBC, ABC’s Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Yahoo News, and now CNN, Golodryga is known for her insightful reporting, fluent Russian, and compelling storytelling shaped by her immigrant journey from Moldova to the United States.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Bianna Golodryga was born on June 15, 1978, in the Căușeni District of the Moldavian SSR, Soviet Union (now Moldova), to a Moldovan Jewish family. At 18 months old, her family fled as political refugees with just $150, initially settling in Galveston, Texas, before moving to Houston. Her parents worked multiple jobs to build a new life; her mother Zhanna later became chief digital and administrative officer for Phillips 66, and father Vitaly is a mechanical engineer.

Golodryga attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, initially pursuing acting before shifting to journalism. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000 with a B.A. in Russian/East European and Eurasian studies and a minor in economics. Fluent in Russian, she interned and began her career in finance and news.

Career Journey

Early Career (2000–2007)

Golodryga started as a licensed trader in financial services before joining CNBC in 2001 as a bureau producer covering the New York Stock Exchange, later becoming an on-air correspondent.

ABC News & Good Morning America (2007–2014)

She joined ABC News in 2007 as a correspondent, covering the economy and business. In 2010, she was named co-anchor of the weekend edition of Good Morning America, a role she held until 2014. She contributed to major stories and filled in across ABC platforms.

Yahoo News & CBS (2014–2019)

From 2014–2017, Golodryga was News and Finance Anchor at Yahoo News, leading coverage alongside katie couric. In 2017, she joined CBS as a correspondent and co-hosted CBS This Morning from 2018–2019, covering major events like President George H.W. Bush’s funeral and conducting high-profile interviews.

CNN (2019–Present)

In 2019, Golodryga joined CNN full-time as Senior Global Affairs Analyst. She co-anchors One World with Zain Asher and Bianna Golodryga on CNN International, focusing on international news, Russia-Ukraine coverage, and global affairs. In 2025–2026, she continues leading CNN’s geopolitical reporting and co-authored the children’s book Don’t Feed the Lion with Yonit Levi about antisemitism.

She has guest-hosted on MSNBC and contributed to HuffPost, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Personal Life

Bianna Golodryga married economist Peter Orszag (former OMB Director under President Obama, now Lazard CEO) on September 25, 2010. The couple lives in New York City with their two children: son Jake Spencer Orszag and a daughter.

Golodryga is proud of her Jewish immigrant background and has spoken openly about how it informs her reporting, especially on issues like antisemitism and refugees. She mentors young journalists and values family time.

Dating History
Married to Peter Orszag since 2010; no prior public relationships highlighted.

Controversies

No major controversies. Golodryga is widely respected for her professionalism. In 2016, she confronted a congressman on air about Russia comments, highlighting her refugee perspective. She has addressed antisemitism thoughtfully in interviews and her book.

Awards & Achievements

• Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program (Good Morning America)
• Variety New York Woman of Impact (2020)
• Recognized by Indiana Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists (earlier local work)
• Keystone Policy Center Leadership Award
• University of Texas at Austin Pro Bene Meritis Award
• Co-author of children’s book Don’t Feed the Lion (2025) on antisemitism

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5’5″ (1.65 m)
• Weight: Approximately 121 lbs (55 kg)
• Professional on-air presence with poised demeanor

Interesting Facts

• Immigrated from the Soviet Union at 18 months with $150; family settled in Houston.
• Fluent in Russian; covers Russia-related stories extensively.
• Co-authored a children’s book on antisemitism with Israeli anchor Yonit Levi.
• Began career planning for finance before pivoting to journalism.

Did You Know?

Bianna Golodryga conducted the first U.S. interview with Anzor Tsarnaev, father of the Boston Marathon bombers, calling it her most emotional moment on air.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @biannagolodryga
• Personal website: biannagolodryga.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Bianna Golodryga?
Bianna Golodryga is 47 years old (born June 15, 1978).

Is Bianna Golodryga married?
Yes, she has been married to Peter Orszag since 2010; they have two children.

What is Bianna Golodryga’s current role at CNN?
Senior Global Affairs Analyst and co-anchor of One World with Zain Asher and Bianna Golodryga.

Where was Bianna Golodryga born?
Born in Căușeni District, Moldova (then Soviet Union); raised in Houston, Texas.

What languages does Bianna Golodryga speak?
Fluent in English and Russian.

Conclusion

From a Soviet refugee arriving in Texas with little to a leading CNN anchor and global affairs expert, Bianna Golodryga’s story is one of resilience, talent, and impact. In 2026, she continues delivering critical international news while advocating through her work and writing.

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