Rishia Haas: The Untold Story of Andrew Zimmern’s Ex-Wife

You probably know Andrew Zimmern — the man who eats strange and wild foods on TV. He’s traveled the world and become a big name in the food world. But behind his success is a woman most people don’t know: Rishia Haas.

Rishia Haas is Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife, and her story is full of quiet strength, kindness, and love. She helped Andrew through his hardest days, raised their son, and later chose to live a peaceful life far from the spotlight. In this article, we’ll explore who Rishia Haas really is, how she met Andrew, their life together, and what she’s doing now.

Rishia Haas Quick Bio

Who Is Rishia Haas?

Rishia Haas is a calm, private, and caring woman. She is not a celebrity, and she never wanted to be. Most people know her only because she was married to Andrew Zimmern. But Rishia has her own story — and it’s just as interesting as his.

She has spent her life helping others, working quietly in the background. Even when Andrew was becoming famous, Rishia stayed out of the spotlight. She preferred peace over attention, and family over fame.

Rishia Haas’s Childhood and Family Life

Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota. She grew up in a loving and normal Midwestern family. Her parents are Robert and Karen Haas, and she has two siblings, Jennifer and John.

Life was simple back then. Her family taught her to be kind, steady, and respectful. These values helped shape the person she became — someone who stays strong and calm, no matter what life brings.

She didn’t grow up dreaming of being famous. Instead, she enjoyed regular things like school, family time, and helping others.

Her School and College Years

Rishia went to Anoka High School, where she was known for being kind, smart, and friendly. She liked to stay focused on her studies and enjoyed being part of her community.

After high school, she studied at Augsburg College (now Augsburg University) in Minnesota. She didn’t chase fame or money. Her focus was always on learning, growing, and doing good work.

Even during her college years, Rishia stayed grounded. She didn’t care about showing off or being popular. She just wanted to build a life filled with purpose.

How Rishia Haas Met Andrew Zimmern

Their love story began in a quiet and simple way. In 1999, Andrew Zimmern was teaching a cooking class at a school in Minnesota. Rishia was working in the school’s store at the time.

Andrew had just come out of a very dark period in his life. He had struggled with addiction, had been homeless, and was starting fresh. Rishia saw something special in him. She didn’t just see a chef — she saw someone trying to rebuild his life.

They slowly got to know each other. They talked, laughed, and found comfort in each other. Even though Andrew was 20 years older, that didn’t matter to them. What mattered was their connection.

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern’s Marriage

After dating for a few years, Rishia and Andrew got married on December 26, 2002, in Minneapolis. Their wedding was small and personal. No cameras, no big event — just love and close family.

In 2005, they welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern. This was a joyful time for them. Around the same time, Andrew’s career was growing fast. He left the restaurant world and started his famous show, Bizarre Foods.

While Andrew traveled for work, Rishia stayed home and focused on raising Noah. She kept the family together. She didn’t complain about Andrew being away. She stayed strong, quiet, and loving — always thinking about her family first.

Becoming a Mother

Becoming a mom changed Rishia Haas’s life in the best way. She was gentle, loving, and always there for her son. She wanted Noah to grow up in a calm and caring home.

While Andrew was busy flying around the world, Rishia stayed in Minnesota, making sure Noah had a normal and happy life. She cooked meals, helped with homework, and kept things simple.

She also protected Noah from the spotlight. Even though his dad was famous, Rishia wanted her son to enjoy a childhood full of peace, not pressure.

Rishia Haas Helped Andrew Zimmern Recover

Before Andrew became a TV star, his life was full of struggles. He had problems with drugs and alcohol, was even homeless, and had lost many of his friends. Things were very bad.

But then he got help. He joined a recovery program in Minnesota, and slowly started to rebuild his life. That’s when Rishia came into the picture.

She didn’t just love Andrew — she understood him. Rishia had worked in addiction recovery centers, so she knew how hard the healing process was. She gave him patience, care, and strength.

Andrew later said that Rishia helped save his life. Without her support, he might not have become the man the world knows today.

Why Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern Got Divorced

Even though their marriage was strong in the beginning, things slowly got harder. Andrew’s TV career became very busy. He was always traveling, always working, and had little time at home.

Rishia stayed patient. She gave him chance after chance. But the distance and pressure were just too much. Andrew later admitted he “wasn’t there” for his wife or his son.

In 2018, after 16 years of marriage, they decided to divorce. It was not messy or full of drama. They handled it with kindness and respect. Andrew publicly praised Rishia, calling her “the bravest mom” he knows.

Life After Divorce

After her divorce from Andrew Zimmern in 2018, Rishia Haas chose to live a quiet and peaceful life. She didn’t talk to the media or try to stay in the public eye. Instead, she focused on her son and on finding peace in her own way.

She still lives in Edina, Minnesota, the same area where she raised her son. There were no big changes, no interviews, and no drama. That’s how Rishia likes things — calm, simple, and full of meaning.

Even though she was once married to a TV star, Rishia never wanted fame. After the divorce, she quietly went back to doing what she’s always done best: living a kind, steady life with purpose.

Rishia Haas’s Career and Work Life

Before and during her marriage, Rishia Haas worked in the health and recovery field. She was deeply involved in helping people with addiction, just like she helped Andrew in his recovery years.

She worked at The Retreat, a recovery center in Minnesota, as an admissions coordinator. Her job was to guide people during the first steps of their healing journey. Later, in 2004, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a well-known addiction treatment center, as an administrative assistant.

This work was not easy, but Rishia did it with care and love. She didn’t do it for money or attention. She did it because she truly wanted to help people find a better path in life.

Her New Life as a Beekeeper

After many years of helping people, Rishia Haas found a new way to stay close to nature and do peaceful work. She became a beekeeper. Yes — she works with bees now!

She joined the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, where she helps take care of bee colonies and studies their behavior. It may sound surprising, but beekeeping fits her calm and gentle personality perfectly.

Working with bees takes patience, care, and a quiet mind. That’s exactly what Rishia brings. While others rush through life, she spends time outdoors, learning about nature, and doing meaningful work without needing attention.

Rishia Haas’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

As of 2026, Rishia Haas has an estimated net worth of $3 to $5 million. This comes from her many years of steady work in recovery centers and possibly from her divorce settlement with Andrew Zimmern.

But don’t expect to see Rishia in designer clothes or fancy cars. She lives a very simple life. She shops locally, grows some of her own food, and enjoys cooking at home. She’s not chasing trends or showing off on social media.

She lives in a modest home in Minnesota, close to the people and places she loves. To Rishia, real success means having peace, family, and purpose — not money or fame.

The Quiet Power of Rishia Haas

The story of Rishia Haas shows us something important. You don’t have to be loud to be strong. You don’t need a camera on you to make a big difference.

She helped Andrew Zimmern recover when he had nothing. She raised their son with love. And when the spotlight became too much, she stepped away — not with anger, but with quiet strength.

Even now, she continues to live a peaceful life, working with bees, helping people, and being a steady and caring mom. Her story is not about fame. It’s about heart, healing, and staying true to yourself.

Final Thoughts

Rishia Haas may not be a household name, but her story matters. She stood by Andrew Zimmern during his hardest days. She supported his rise to fame, raised their son, and chose a life filled with peace and purpose when it was time to walk away.

Now, in 2026, Rishia is living a quiet, happy life in Minnesota. She works close to nature, spends time with her son, and avoids the spotlight completely. She is a strong, kind woman — the kind who helps others, asks for nothing, and finds joy in the small things.

Sometimes, the people who stay quiet are the ones who teach us the most. Rishia Haas is one of those people.

(FAQs)

How old is Rishia Haas and when is her birthday?

Rishia Haas is 53 years old in 2026. Her birthday is on July 29, 1973.

What is Rishia Haas’s net worth?

Her net worth is about $3 to $5 million. She earned this through years of work and her divorce settlement.

What job does Rishia Haas do now?

Rishia works as a beekeeper. She takes care of bees and works close to nature, which she enjoys.

Who are Rishia Haas’s parents?

Her parents are Robert Haas and Karen Haas. They raised her in Minnesota.

Where does Rishia Haas live today?

She lives a quiet and peaceful life in Edina, Minnesota, with her son.

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