Ginger Zee Biography 2026: Age, Height, Husband Ben Aaron, ABC News Meteorologist, Good Morning America, Dancing with the Stars & Facts
Ginger Zee is an American meteorologist and television personality best known as the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and a regular on Good Morning America. She has spent two decades forecasting weather for millions of Americans, won third place on Dancing with the Stars, and remains one of the most recognisable faces in broadcast meteorology in 2026.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Ginger Renée Colonomos (née Zuidgeest) |
| Nick Name | Ginger Zee |
| Profession | Broadcast meteorologist, television personality |
| Birth Date | January 13, 1981 |
| Age | 45 years 9 months old |
| Birth Place | Orange, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | ABC News Chief Meteorologist, Good Morning America, Dancing with the Stars Season 22 |
| Ethnicity | Dutch (paternal) and American |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | B.S. Meteorology, Mathematics & Spanish; AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ben Aaron (m. June 7, 2014) |
| Children | 2 sons: Adrian Benjamin Aaron (b. Dec 2015) and Miles Macklin Aaron (b. Feb 2018) |
| Family | Mother Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft; father Robert Zuidgeest; stepfather Carl Craft; half-sisters Adrianna & Elaina Craft |
| Hobbies | Meteorology, waterspouts, running, family time |
| Current Work | Chief Meteorologist, ABC News; weather editor for ABC News; Good Morning America weather anchor |
| Years Active | 2004–present |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Related Names: Sam Champion, Ben Aaron, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America, ABC News, AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, Al Roker, Today Show (related career goal).
Early Life & Education
Ginger Zee was born Ginger Renée Zuidgeest on January 13, 1981, in Orange, California. Her family moved to Michigan before she turned one. Her father, Robert Zuidgeest, named her after the character “Ginger” from Gilligan’s Island because of his Dutch heritage and love of the show. She has a stepfather, Carl Craft, and two half-sisters, Adrianna and Elaina.
Her fascination with weather began at age eight when she saw a waterspout over Lake Michigan. “I really thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen,” she later recalled. After graduating from Rockford High School in Rockford, Michigan in 1999, she went on to Valparaiso University, earning a Bachelor of Science in meteorology, mathematics and Spanish. Her goal upon graduation was to be a meteorologist on The Today Show by age 30 — a milestone she ultimately surpassed on ABC.
Career Journey
Early Broadcast Work (2004–2011)
After college, Zee worked at a series of local stations that shaped her craft: WEYI-TV in Clio, Michigan; WYIN-TV in Merrillville, Indiana; WLAV-FM and WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and as an intern under chief meteorologist James Spann at WBMA-LD (ABC 33/40) in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2006 she joined WMAQ-TV (NBC Chicago), where she worked until 2011 and once filled in for a weekend edition of The Today Show — fulfilling a childhood goal.
Joining ABC & Good Morning America
Zee reached national prominence on November 12, 2011, when she joined ABC’s Good Morning America Weekend. On December 2, 2013, ABC News announced that she would become the network’s Chief Meteorologist, succeeding Sam Champion, who had left for The Weather Channel.
As Chief Meteorologist, she covers major weather events across the country and occasionally reports from storm locations. She is an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a professional credential that reflects rigorous scientific training.
Dancing with the Stars (2016)
In March 2016, Zee was announced as a celebrity competitor on Season 22 of Dancing with the Stars. She was paired with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy. The couple finished in third place, behind Paige VanZant (second) and Nyle DiMarco (first).
Career Stats & Milestones
- Started weather broadcasting career in 2004
- Joined NBC Chicago (WMAQ) 2006–2011
- Became ABC Good Morning America Weekend meteorologist — November 2011
- Named ABC News Chief Meteorologist — December 2, 2013
- AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM)
- Competed on Dancing with the Stars Season 22 (2016) — finished 3rd
- Appears on Good Morning America, Nightline and ABC World News Tonight
Personal Life
- Spouse: Ben Aaron (married June 7, 2014)
- Children: Two sons — Adrian Benjamin Aaron (born December 2015, Petoskey, Michigan) and Miles Macklin Aaron (born February 2018)
- Family: Mother Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft; father Robert Zuidgeest; stepfather Carl Craft; half-sisters Adrianna and Elaina Craft
- Health Note: At age 21, she was diagnosed with narcolepsy; she has spoken publicly about managing the condition.
Dating History & Affairs
Zee became engaged to Ben Aaron in August 2013. The couple married in a ceremony on June 7, 2014, and have since built a family together in Rockland County, New York. No other public relationship history is documented.
Controversies
Zee has no major public controversies through 2026. She has been open about her narcolepsy diagnosis and the challenges it presents, using her platform to raise awareness rather than avoid discussion.
Awards & Achievements
- AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) — a professional credential held by only a subset of on-air meteorologists
- ABC News Chief Meteorologist — named December 2, 2013
- Dancing with the Stars — Season 22, 3rd place (2016)
- Valparaiso University — Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, Mathematics and Spanish
Physical Statistics
- Height: Not publicly disclosed
- Weight: Not publicly disclosed
- Eye Colour: Blue
- Hair Colour: Blonde
- Build: Athletic, active lifestyle
Quotes
“I saw a waterspout on Lake Michigan when I was eight… I really thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen.” — Ginger Zee on what inspired her career.
“My goal at graduation was to be a meteorologist on The Today Show by age 30.” — Ginger Zee, describing her ambition.
Favorites
- Favourite Weather Phenomenon: Waterspouts
- Favourite Place: Lake Michigan (where she first saw a waterspout)
- Favourite TV Show: Good Morning America (her workplace)
- Favourite Season: Summer storms (for meteorological excitement)
Earnings
Ginger Zee’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. As a senior network meteorologist at ABC News, her income comes primarily from her broadcasting contract, appearance fees, and occasional media appearances. She has not publicly reported salary figures.
Interesting Facts
- Her father named her “Ginger” after the character from Gilligan’s Island.
- She was diagnosed with narcolepsy at age 21 and has spoken openly about it.
- She fulfilled her high-school goal of appearing on The Today Show before age 30.
- She is an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.
- She finished 3rd on Dancing with the Stars Season 22.
- She lives with her family in Rockland County, New York.
Did You Know Already?
- Ginger Zee is ABC News’ Chief Meteorologist, succeeding Sam Champion in 2013.
- She holds a triple major (Meteorology, Mathematics and Spanish) from Valparaiso University.
- She has appeared as a guest meteorologist on The Today Show.
- She gave birth to her second son in February 2018.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @ginger_zee
- Twitter / X: @ginger_zee
- ABC News Profile: Ginger Zee — ABC News
- IMDb: Ginger Zee — IMDb
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ginger Zee in 2026?
Ginger Zee was born on January 13, 1981, so she is 45 years 9 months old in 2026.
Who is Ginger Zee’s husband?
She is married to Ben Aaron (Benjamin Aaron Colonomos), a television personality with WNBC. They were married on June 7, 2014.
How tall is Ginger Zee?
Her exact height is not publicly disclosed.
What is Ginger Zee’s net worth?
Ginger Zee’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. She earns a senior salary as ABC News Chief Meteorologist.
What is Ginger Zee most famous for?
She is best known as the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News and as a weather anchor on Good Morning America. She is also well-known for her appearance on Dancing with the Stars Season 22.
What is Ginger Zee’s 2026 status?
As of 2026, she continues as ABC News Chief Meteorologist, appears regularly on Good Morning America, and remains active on social media.
Conclusion
From a Michigan childhood fascinated by Lake Michigan waterspouts to the top of ABC News meteorology, Ginger Zee has turned her passion for weather into one of the most visible careers in American broadcast journalism. With her AMS certification, national presence and family life, she continues to be a leading voice in weather reporting in 2026.
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