Who Is Rishia Haas? The Untold Story of Andrew Zimmern’s Ex-Wife

Most people know Andrew Zimmern from his TV show Bizarre Foods, where he travels the world tasting strange and wild dishes. But not many know the story of Rishia Haas, the woman who stood by him when life was at its hardest.

Rishia Haas is not a celebrity, but she played a big role in Andrew’s journey. She helped him during his battle with addiction, supported his career, and raised their son, all while staying out of the spotlight. In this article, we’ll explore who Rishia Haas really is, where she comes from, how she met Andrew, and what her life looks like now.

Let’s take a closer look at her life story — one that’s full of quiet strength, kindness, and change.

Rishia Haas Quick Bio

Early Life of Rishia Haas

Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota. She grew up in a normal Midwestern family with her parents, Robert and Karen Haas, and two siblings, Jennifer and John. Her family was close and taught her the value of kindness and hard work.

Unlike many people who end up in the spotlight, Rishia’s childhood was simple and steady. She spent her early years enjoying family time, school, and community activities. This grounded start would later help her handle the challenges of being married to a famous person.

Even today, Rishia Haas still lives in Minnesota. She has always preferred to stay near home rather than chase fame or attention.

Rishia Haas’s Education and College Life

Rishia Haas went to Anoka High School, where she was known as a good student with a calm nature. After high school, she continued her studies at Augsburg College (now Augsburg University) in Minnesota.

She didn’t study for fame or wealth. Instead, she focused on building a meaningful life. Her time at college shaped her values and gave her the tools to help others, which became a big part of her career later.

This quiet dedication to learning and service would later show in her work in recovery centers and in her personal life as Andrew Zimmern’s partner.

Rishia Haas’s First Jobs and Career Start

After college, Rishia Haas didn’t go after glamorous jobs. She worked in places where she could quietly make a difference. One of her first jobs was in a cooking school in Minnesota. She worked behind the scenes as an administrative assistant, helping things run smoothly.

She also started working in addiction recovery centers, where she helped people begin their journey to healing. This kind of work takes patience, compassion, and understanding — all qualities that Rishia naturally had.

It was in one of these cooking schools where fate would bring her to Andrew Zimmern, changing both their lives forever.

How Rishia Haas Met Andrew Zimmern

In 1999, Andrew Zimmern was teaching a cooking class at a school in Minnesota. At the same time, Rishia Haas was working in the school’s store. That’s where they first met.

Andrew was still rebuilding his life after battling addiction. Rishia, with her background in recovery work, understood him in a way few people could. They started talking, and soon their bond grew strong. They didn’t worry about the 20-year age gap between them. What mattered most was their shared values and respect for each other.

This quiet beginning turned into a love story. Over the next few years, they built a relationship based on support, patience, and hope.

Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern’s Marriage Story

After dating for a few years, Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern got married on December 26, 2002, in Minneapolis. Their wedding was small and personal. There were no big cameras or media — just close friends and family.

In 2005, they welcomed their son Noah, which was one of the happiest moments of their lives. While Andrew’s career began to take off with Bizarre Foods, Rishia focused on raising Noah and keeping their home life stable.

She didn’t care about fame or attention. Her goal was to build a warm and safe space for her family. During this time, Andrew often credited Rishia Haas for helping him stay grounded and focused.

Her Life as a Mother

Becoming a mother changed Rishia Haas’s life. She put her heart into raising Noah Zimmern, protecting him from the public eye. She wanted him to have a normal childhood, even though his father was a famous TV personality.

While Andrew traveled for work, Rishia was at home, making sure Noah felt loved and supported. Friends say she was a patient and caring mom who always put her son first.

Even today, Rishia Haas is very private about Noah’s life. She still lives with him in Minnesota, where they share a quiet and simple routine away from the spotlight.

Rishia Haas Helped Andrew Zimmern Recover

Before Andrew Zimmern became a famous food traveler, he faced serious challenges. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for many years. At one point, he was homeless and even stole to survive. His life was falling apart.

That’s when things started to change. Andrew went to a treatment center in Minnesota and began his recovery journey. Rishia Haas entered his life around this time. She understood recovery because she worked in the same field. She didn’t judge him. Instead, she stood by him and offered support.

Andrew later shared that Rishia played a big role in helping him stay on the right path. She gave him love, encouragement, and hope when he needed it most. Behind the camera, Rishia was one of the main reasons Andrew was able to rebuild his life and career.

Why Rishia Haas Chose a Private Life

Even when Andrew Zimmern became a well-known TV star, Rishia Haas never chased fame. She didn’t appear in many interviews or events. She preferred to stay at home and live a simple life.

While Andrew was on the road trying wild foods on Bizarre Foods, Rishia was focused on family and health. She stayed in Minnesota, raised their son Noah, and stayed out of the spotlight.

Some people might wonder why she avoided attention. But for Rishia, peace and privacy were more valuable than fame. She chose what made her feel happy — and that was a calm, grounded life with her family.

Why Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern Divorced

Even though they loved each other, their marriage couldn’t survive the pressure. Andrew’s career kept growing, and he had to travel all the time. This left little time for family.

Andrew himself admitted the problem. He said he wasn’t there for his wife or his son. He was always working, always away. And while Rishia was patient and gave him “a thousand chances,” things didn’t get better.

In 2018, after 16 years of marriage, they decided to end the relationship peacefully. It was not a bitter divorce. They handled it with respect and kindness. Andrew even praised Rishia on social media later, calling her “the bravest mom” he knows.

Rishia Haas’s New Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Rishia Haas didn’t speak to the media. She didn’t make a big announcement or try to stay in the news. Instead, she quietly moved forward with her life.

She stayed in Edina, Minnesota, where she had always lived. She focused on being a good mom to Noah and building a peaceful life. There were no rumors, no new relationships in the news — just a woman choosing peace over drama.

One surprising detail? Rishia started working with bees. Yes — she became a beekeeper! She joined the University of Minnesota’s Bee Lab, where she helps study bee colonies and their behavior. It’s calm work, close to nature, and it fits her peaceful personality.

Rishia Haas’s Net Worth and Lifestyle in 2025

As of 2025, Rishia Haas’s net worth is estimated between $3 to $5 million. This money comes from her long career as an administrative assistant, her work in recovery centers, and likely from her divorce settlement with Andrew Zimmern.

But she doesn’t live like a celebrity. She lives in a modest home, shops locally, and enjoys simple things like nature walks, beekeeping, and time with family. There are no big cars, luxury vacations, or magazine interviews.

Her lifestyle shows that you don’t need fame or flash to live a good life. Rishia Haas built a calm and meaningful life on her own terms — and that’s something truly special.

Final Thoughts

Rishia Haas may not be a TV star, but her story is full of strength and heart. She helped Andrew Zimmern through addiction, raised their son with love, and stayed strong through all of life’s ups and downs.

After the divorce, she didn’t chase the spotlight. She chose a quiet, peaceful life — one that fits who she really is. Today, she works with bees, enjoys nature, and continues to be a strong and loving mom.

In 2025, Rishia Haas is an example of quiet courage. She shows that healing, love, and strength don’t need cameras or fame. Sometimes, the strongest people are the ones we hear about the least — and that’s exactly who Rishia Haas is.