Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of Andrew Zimmern, the celebrated American chef and television personality famous for exploring unusual foods on his show Bizarre Foods. However, Rishia’s life extends far beyond being the spouse of a celebrity. She is a deeply compassionate and private individual whose story reflects strength, resilience, and dedication to family and community. Throughout her years alongside Andrew Zimmern, she provided unwavering support during his struggles with addiction and helped him rebuild his life.
More importantly, she has forged a meaningful life of her own, centered on helping others, nurturing her family, and embracing personal passions. This article delves into the full scope of Rishia Haas’s life — from her upbringing in Minnesota, education, and career, to her marriage with Andrew Zimmern, the challenges they faced, her life after divorce, and what she pursues today.
Personal Details Of Rishia Haas
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishia Haas |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1973 |
| Age (As of 2025) | 51 years old |
| Place of Birth | Champlin, Minnesota, USA |
| Current Residence | Edina, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Education | Anoka High School, Augsburg College |
| Occupation | Administrative Assistant, Beekeeper |
| Known For | Former wife of chef Andrew Zimmern |
| Children | One son, Noah Zimmern |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $3 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, Rishia Haas grew up in a nurturing and close-knit family that instilled in her strong values of kindness and responsibility. Her parents, Robert and Karen Haas, raised her alongside two siblings, Jennifer and John, in a household that emphasized love, support, and a grounded approach to life. Growing up in this stable environment, Rishia developed a caring nature and quiet determination that would shape her personal and professional choices.
Her childhood experiences in Champlin, a small town in Minnesota, laid the foundation for her empathetic character and her lifelong commitment to helping others. Her early interests, though private, showed a tendency toward service and steady perseverance rather than seeking public attention or fame. This background set the stage for her later work in healthcare and recovery support.
Education and Early Career
Rishia attended Anoka High School in Minnesota, where she focused on her studies and cultivated a sense of responsibility that would carry into adulthood. After graduation, she enrolled at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, earning her bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on practical skills and community service. After completing her education, Rishia began working in various administrative roles, including positions at cooking schools, which allowed her to develop organizational and communication skills. However, her true passion became evident when she transitioned into addiction recovery work, a field where her compassion and dedication flourished.
She took on the role of Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a respected rehabilitation center in Minnesota, where she directly supported individuals battling substance abuse. Later, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the nation’s leading addiction treatment centers, further deepening her involvement in helping others find recovery. These roles underscored her commitment to making a meaningful difference behind the scenes, focusing on healing and support rather than recognition.
How Rishia Haas Met Andrew Zimmern
The story of how Rishia met Andrew Zimmern is one of quiet connection and shared understanding. In 1999, at a Minneapolis cooking school where Andrew was teaching and Rishia was working in the associated store, their paths crossed naturally. At that time, Andrew was emerging from a dark period in his life marked by homelessness and addiction struggles. Rishia’s background in addiction recovery gave her a unique ability to empathize with the challenges he faced, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect between them.
Their shared love of food and genuine conversations allowed their relationship to grow despite a 20-year age difference. This connection blossomed not because of glamour or public recognition, but because of their deep support for one another during a time of rebuilding and renewal. Their meeting was the beginning of a partnership grounded in understanding and kindness.
Who is Andrew Zimmern?
Andrew Zimmern is a well-known American chef, writer, and television host famous for his adventurous food shows, especially “Bizarre Foods,” where he travels the world trying unusual and exotic dishes. Born on July 4, 1961, in New York City, Zimmern overcame personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and homelessness, before building a successful career in the food and entertainment industry. He is respected for his deep knowledge of global cuisines and cultures and for sharing stories about food that connect people across different backgrounds. Beyond television, Andrew is also a chef and food writer who advocates for food education and cultural understanding.
Marriage and Family Life
Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern married in 2002 in a private ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. This union marked the start of a new chapter, as Andrew began transitioning from the restaurant industry to a burgeoning television career. Their son, Noah Zimmern, was born in 2005, bringing great joy and strengthening their family bond. As Andrew’s media presence grew rapidly with the launch of Bizarre Foods in 2006, Rishia chose to keep their home life stable and private. She focused on raising Noah and balancing her own work while Andrew frequently traveled for filming and appearances around the world.
Despite the demands of fame and career, Rishia maintained a steady and supportive environment at home. She consciously avoided public attention, preferring to stay behind the scenes where she could nurture her family and manage household responsibilities quietly. Their early years together demonstrated a strong partnership, with Rishia serving as a grounding force amid the changing circumstances.
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Life as Andrew Zimmern’s Wife
Being married to a celebrity like Andrew Zimmern was far from easy, especially given the challenges Andrew faced with addiction recovery and the pressures of a growing public profile. Throughout their marriage, Rishia was Andrew’s rock, providing unwavering emotional support and understanding during difficult periods. Her experience working in addiction treatment gave her insight into the struggles Andrew faced, enabling her to stand by him when others might have walked away.
As Andrew’s fame escalated with each season of his TV show, Rishia remained fiercely private, attending only a few public events and declining the spotlight. She managed the demands of parenting their son Noah largely on her own, while also juggling her career in healthcare administration. The practical and emotional challenges of maintaining their family life, coupled with Andrew’s extensive travel, required great resilience on Rishia’s part. Her quiet strength helped keep their household functioning amid the whirlwind of fame and professional success.
Reasons Behind Their Divorce
Despite years of love and support, the pressures of Andrew’s career and public life began to strain their marriage. His frequent absences due to filming and media commitments, along with the ongoing demands of his work in recovery, created distance between him and Rishia. Andrew himself has openly reflected on the difficulties, admitting that his focus on career success sometimes came at the expense of his relationship and family life. In a 2018 interview, he acknowledged that Rishia gave him many chances to make things right, but the challenges ultimately led to their separation.
Their divorce was not marked by public conflict or drama but was instead a quiet, respectful decision focused on maintaining care and respect for one another. Both remained committed to co-parenting their son Noah with kindness and maturity, ensuring his well-being remained the priority. The end of their marriage was a difficult but amicable transition, reflecting the deep care that continued between them despite the change in their relationship.
Rishia Haas’s Life After Divorce
Following the divorce in 2018, Rishia Haas chose to embrace a peaceful and private life away from the public eye. She continued to reside in Edina, Minnesota, the community where she had long felt most comfortable and connected. In recent years, Rishia discovered a passion for beekeeping, becoming involved with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. This new pursuit reflects her love of nature and desire for calm, meaningful work that nurtures life in a different way.
Beyond beekeeping, she dedicates her time to her son Noah, prioritizing his happiness and stability as a devoted mother. Her relationship with Andrew remains respectful and cooperative, centered on their shared role as parents. Rishia has deliberately avoided social media and public events, choosing instead to focus on wellness, family, and a balanced lifestyle. This phase of her life embodies her values of quiet strength, humility, and resilience.
Current Life and Interests
As of 2025, Rishia Haas leads a life marked by simplicity and fulfillment. Her beekeeping work continues to grow as both a professional interest and a peaceful hobby that connects her with the environment. She enjoys cooking at home, gardening, and spending quality time with her son, maintaining a wholesome, grounded existence. Despite her estimated net worth of around $3 million—accumulated from her own career and her years with Andrew Zimmern—Rishia lives modestly without ostentation.
She refrains from public exposure, preferring the serenity of privacy over the spotlight. Rishia’s daily routine reflects a balance of family, nature, and personal growth, illustrating her steadfast commitment to living life on her own terms. Her quiet presence and focused lifestyle make her an example of strength and contentment found away from fame.
Legacy and Impact
Rishia Haas’s legacy is far richer than what is commonly known through her marriage to Andrew Zimmern. She represents the power of quiet resilience, unwavering support, and compassion in the face of life’s challenges. Her journey from a compassionate Minnesota upbringing to a career dedicated to helping those battling addiction demonstrates a life committed to service and kindness. Through her steadfast support during Andrew’s recovery and career rise, she played a crucial but often unrecognized role in his success.
Beyond that, her dedication to her son and her choice to live modestly and privately speak to a deep integrity and strength. Rishia’s story inspires those who value the strength found not in public acclaim but in everyday acts of love, patience, and grace. Her example encourages living authentically, focusing on family and wellness, and finding fulfillment beyond the glare of the spotlight.
Conclusion
In summary, Rishia Haas is a woman of profound kindness, quiet strength, and resilience. While she is widely known as the former wife of Andrew Zimmern, her life is defined by much more than her association with fame. From her Minnesota roots and career in addiction recovery to her steadfast support of Andrew and their son, Rishia’s story is one of dedication, compassion, and integrity.
After their amicable divorce, she chose a life centered on privacy, family, and meaningful pursuits like beekeeping. Her journey reminds us that true happiness and strength often come from simple, honest living and caring deeply for those we love. Rishia Haas’s life stands as a testament to the power of quiet support and the value of living authentically, away from the spotlight but full of purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. She is a compassionate professional who worked in addiction recovery and later pursued beekeeping. Despite her connection to fame, she has lived a private life focused on family and helping others.
How did Rishia Haas support Andrew Zimmern during his struggles?
Rishia’s background in addiction recovery gave her unique insight into Andrew Zimmern’s challenges with addiction and homelessness. She provided emotional support and stability during his recovery, standing by him when few others did, which was crucial in his journey to success.
What does Rishia Haas do now?
As of 2025, Rishia Haas lives a quiet life in Edina, Minnesota, where she is actively involved in beekeeping through the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. She also enjoys spending time with her son, cooking, and living a peaceful, modest lifestyle away from public attention.
Is Rishia Haas remarried?
No, Rishia Haas has not remarried since her divorce from Andrew Zimmern in 2018. She has chosen to focus on her personal growth, family, and maintaining a private life.
What is the estimated net worth of Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, which comes from her own career, investments, and her years married to Andrew Zimmern. Despite this, she lives modestly and values privacy over public display of wealth.
