Margarita Simonyan, born on April 6, 1980 (46 years old), in Krasnodar, Russia, is a well-known face in the world of news and media. She became famous as the Editor-in-Chief of RT (Russia Today), a big news channel that shares Russia’s point of view with the world.
What’s really impressive?
She got this top job when she was just 25 years old! Later on, she also started leading another major news group called Rossiya Segodnya.
Margarita has played a huge role in how Russian news is shared globally. She’s known for her strong opinions and bold style, which has brought her both attention and controversy.
Want to know more?
Keep reading Margarita Simonyan’s biography to find out about her family, husband, kids, education, career, net worth, and other interesting facts!
Margarita Simonyan Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Margarita Simonovna Simonyan |
| Profession | Media executive, Editor‑in‑chief of RT & Rossiya Segodnya |
| Age | (46 years old) |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1980 |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Aries |
| Birthplace | Krasnodar, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Current Address | Yet to be updated |
Margarita Simonyan Husband & Children
Margarita Simonyan is currently married to Tigran Keosayan, a Russian-Armenian film director and TV host. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony; the exact date and venue haven’t been made public, so that’s yet to be updated.
Before Tigran, Margarita was married to Andrey Blagodyrenko, who also worked in journalism.
First Husband
Before rising to international fame, Margarita Simonyan was married to Andrey Blagodyrenko, a fellow journalist.
Although not much is publicly known about their relationship, the two were once a media couple, both working in the world of news and reporting. Their marriage didn’t last, and the couple eventually went their separate ways.
Current Husband
Margarita is now married to Tigran Keosayan, a well-known Russian-Armenian film director, TV presenter, and actor. He is also the son of the famous Soviet film director Edmond Keosayan.
The exact date and location of their wedding are yet to be updated, but their relationship has been in the public eye for years.
Together, they have built a family and often appear in the media as a prominent couple in Russia’s cultural and political scene.
Children
With her husband, Tigran Keosayan, she has three kids:
- Maryana Keosayan – born on August 12, 2013
- Bagrat Keosayan – born on September 27, 2014
- Maro Keosayan – born on October 19, 2019
She also has a daughter from her previous marriage to journalist Andrey Blagodyrenko:
- Mariana Blagodyrenko – born in August 2013
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Ex-Husband: Andrey Blagodyrenko Current husband: Tigran Keosayan |
| Children | Daughters: Maryana, Maro Son: Bagrat |
Margarita Simonyan Family
Margarita Simonyan was born into a hardworking Armenian family in Krasnodar, Russia.
Father
Simon Sarkisovich Simonyan worked as a refrigerator repairman and was known to be a calm and practical person.
His roots trace back to Yekaterinburg in the Urals, but his family originally came from Trabzon, a region in modern-day Turkey. They later settled in Crimea before being deported during Stalin’s era.
Mother
Margarita’s mother, Zinaida, used to sell flowers at the local market to support the family. She came from an Armenian family that also fled violence and war in earlier generations.
Siblings
Margarita has one younger sister named Alice. Not much is known publicly about Alice, as she prefers to stay out of the spotlight. But the two sisters were close growing up.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Simon Sarkisovich Simonyan Mother: Zinaida |
| Siblings | Sister: Alice |
Margarita Simonyan Education
Margarita Simonyan completed her early schooling in her hometown of Krasnodar, Russia. The exact name of her school is yet to be updated, but from a young age, she showed a strong interest in writing, languages, and journalism.
During her school years, Margarita also studied English and worked hard to become fluent.
She even spent time in the United States as part of a student exchange program, which helped improve her language skills and gave her early exposure to international perspectives.
Higher Education
After finishing school, Margarita went on to study journalism at Kuban State University in Krasnodar. This is where she began her professional journey in media.
While studying, she didn’t just focus on academics; she also worked part-time in local TV and news reporting.
This hands-on experience helped her grow quickly in the field and prepared her for the big career opportunities that came shortly after graduation.
| School | Yet to be updated |
| Alma Mater | Kuban State University |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor’s in Journalism |
Margarita Simonyan Career
Margarita Simonyan’s rise in journalism is nothing short of remarkable. She went from a local TV reporter in southern Russia to leading one of the most controversial and internationally known media networks, RT (formerly Russia Today).
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
Margarita began her career in Krasnodar, her hometown, while she was still a university student. She worked part-time at a local TV station and quickly stood out for her professionalism, confidence, and ability to handle big stories.
After graduating with a degree in journalism from Kuban State University, she didn’t wait long to move up the ladder. She joined VGTRK (Russia’s state television network) as a regional correspondent.
Her reports from Rostov-on-Don covered a wide range of topics, but it was her work in Chechnya during the Second Chechen War that brought her real attention.
Covering conflict zones is challenging even for seasoned reporters, but Margarita showed bravery and strong storytelling skills. She was eventually assigned to Washington, D.C., as a foreign correspondent, giving her a chance to observe Western media closely, a viewpoint that would shape her future work.
The Big Break: Russia Today (RT)
In 2005, Margarita was just 25 years old when she got a life-changing opportunity: she was appointed the Editor-in-Chief of Russia Today, a brand-new state-funded international news channel.
RT’s mission was bold: to present Russia’s side of global stories, especially in contrast to how Western media covers them. Margarita helped shape the network’s tone and style, pushing for modern visuals, confident anchors, and global outreach.
Under her leadership, RT expanded rapidly first in English, then adding Arabic and Spanish versions.
It opened bureaus in cities around the world and aired programs featuring everything from politics and global affairs to documentaries and talk shows.
Margarita became the public face of the network, often defending it during criticism over bias and state influence.
Taking Over Rossiya Segodnya
In December 2013, Margarita took on a second major role she became the Editor-in-Chief of Rossiya Segodnya, another state-run media group created to replace RIA Novosti.
This organization runs websites and radio stations aimed at international audiences, including Sputnik News.
Now managing two of Russia’s largest international media brands, Margarita’s influence in shaping how Russia communicates with the world became even greater.
Public Presence and Power
Over the years, Margarita has become more than just a media executive; she’s a strong public figure in Russian politics and communication. She’s appeared on talk shows, written articles, and often posts on social media to share her views.
She also holds a spot on the Board of Directors of Channel One Russia, one of the country’s most-watched television channels.
Her work has brought her awards from the Russian government, but also heavy criticism from Western countries.
Many see RT as a tool for state propaganda, and Margarita has been sanctioned by the EU, UK, and the United States due to her support of Kremlin messaging, especially during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Still, she continues to lead RT and Rossiya Segodnya, standing firm in her views and media strategy.
| Year | Role | Network/Organization |
| Early 2000s | Reporter & part-time journalist | Local TV, Krasnodar |
| 2002–2004 | Regional and war correspondent | VGTRK (incl. Chechnya coverage) |
| 2005 | Editor-in-Chief | RT (Russia Today) |
| 2013 | Editor-in-Chief | Rossiya Segodnya (incl. Sputnik) |
| 2010s–Now | Board Member | Channel One Russia |
Awards and Achievements
Margarita Simonyan has received several honors for her work in journalism and media.
Below is a list of some of her key awards and achievements:
| Year | Award / Honor | Reason |
| 2005 | Medal “For Strengthening the Combat Commonwealth” | In recognition of her journalistic work, especially in reporting on conflict zones |
| 2007 | Order of Friendship | A state honor awarded in Russia |
| 2010 | Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation | For services in media and journalism |
| 2014 | Order “For Merit to the Fatherland”, 4th class | State recognition for achievements in public service & media |
| 2019 | Order of Alexander Nevsky | Russian state award for distinguished service |
| 2025 | Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 3rd class | Awarded by President Putin in May 2025 |
Controversies
Margarita Simonyan has been involved in several high-profile controversies.
The table below highlights some of the key incidents linked to her name:
| Year | Controversy | Details |
| 2020 | Blackface Skit | Defended a sketch aired by her husband, where Barack Obama was portrayed using blackface. The skit was widely criticized for racism. |
| 2020 | Navalny Corruption Report | Navalny’s team accused Simonyan and her husband of misusing government funds and faking RT viewer numbers. |
| 2022 | Ukraine War Disinformation | Accused of spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda and denying Russian attacks on civilians during the war in Ukraine. |
| 2022 | Krasovsky Broadcast Incident | Suspended RT host Anton Krasovsky after he suggested drowning Ukrainian children, but later downplayed the issue. |
| 2022 | “Nuclear Ultimatum” Statement | Suggested Russia should conduct a nuclear test over Siberia to intimidate the West, a claim she later softened. |
| 2012 | “Beaver-Eater” Meme | Publicly stated she would cook a beaver, earning the mocking nickname “bobroedka” (beaver-eater) online. |
| 2025 | Health & Resignation Rumors | Reported to be battling cancer and possibly stepping down from RT due to health issues. |
Margarita Simonyan Net Worth, Salary
Margarita Simonyan’s estimated net worth is between $1 million-$15 million, and her yearly salary is yet to be updated.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $1 million-$15 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | Yet to be updated |
Margarita Simonyan Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Margarita Simonyan stands around 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall. Her hair is naturally dark brown, often seen styled simply, and her eye color is brown. Other physical details, such as weight or body measurements, are yet to be updated.
| Height | In centimetres: 160 cm In meters: 1.60 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | In kg: Yet to be updated In lbs: Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Dark brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Margarita Simonyan X
@M_SimonyanInteresting Facts About Margarita Simonyan
- Margarita Simonyan was only 25 years old when she became Editor-in-Chief of RT.
- Margarita speaks fluent English, thanks in part to a student exchange program in the U.S.
- She once publicly said she would cook a beaver, which led to the nickname “beaver-eater.”
- Margarita’s family lived in poor conditions for 10 years before moving to a better home.
- Both sides of her family are descendants of Armenian refugees.
- She was a war correspondent in Chechnya early in her career.
- Margarita has been sanctioned by the EU, UK, US, and Ukraine for her media role.
FAQs
Who is Margarita Simonyan?
Margarita Simonyan is a Russian journalist and media executive, best known as the Editor-in-Chief of RT and Rossiya Segodnya.
How old is Margarita Simonyan?
Margarita Simonyan is 45 years old and was born on April 6, 1980.
Who is Margarita Simonyan’s husband?
Margarita Simonyan’s husband is Tigran Keosayan, a Russian-Armenian filmmaker and TV presenter.
