Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, but her life story goes far beyond that connection. Born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, she has built a quiet and steady life as a professional, a mother, and a private individual. Rishia Haas worked in healthcare and addiction recovery, holding positions at The Retreat and later at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where she helped people struggling with substance abuse. She married Andrew Zimmern in 2002, and together they had one son, Noah, born in 2005. While Andrew’s career took him around the world, Rishia chose to focus on family life and her own career, staying out of the media spotlight. Even after their divorce in 2018, she continued to live in Edina, Minnesota, balancing her work, her love of nature, and her role as a dedicated mother.
Profile Summary Rishia Haas
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishia Haas |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1973 |
| Age (2025) | 51 years old |
| Birthplace | 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 Andrew Zimmern |
| Children | One son – Noah Zimmern (born 2005) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $3 million |
Early Life and Background
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, to Robert and Karen Haas, and grew up with her two siblings, Jennifer and John. She spent her childhood in a close-knit and supportive family, where she learned the values of kindness, simplicity, and hard work. Rishia attended Anoka High School and later continued her education at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Before meeting Andrew Zimmern, she lived a quiet life in Minnesota, enjoying simple interests, staying grounded, and focusing on building a meaningful path centered on family and service to others.
Age, Physical Attributes, and Ethnicity
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, which makes her 51 years old as of 2025. She stands at around 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and has a natural, simple appearance that reflects her grounded personality. Rishia is of American nationality and belongs to a Caucasian ethnic background, with her family roots traced to Minnesota, where she has spent most of her life.
Career and Professional Life
After finishing college, Rishia Haas worked in different small jobs, including administrative roles at cooking schools, before moving into more meaningful positions in healthcare. She became an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a recovery center in Minnesota, where she helped people struggling with addiction find support and treatment. Later, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a leading organization in addiction recovery, further showing her commitment to helping others rebuild their lives. In recent years, she shifted her focus toward nature and became involved in beekeeping at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Through all of these roles, Rishia built a reputation as a dedicated, caring, and compassionate professional who quietly made a difference in people’s lives.
Meeting Andrew Zimmern
Rishia Haas met Andrew Zimmern in 1999 at a cooking school in Minneapolis, where Andrew was teaching classes and she was working at the store linked to the school. Their first connection came naturally through their shared interest in food and their mutual understanding of recovery, as Andrew was rebuilding his life after struggles with addiction, and Rishia had experience in the field of recovery support. Although there was a 20-year age difference between them, their shared values of resilience, compassion, and family made their bond strong. This understanding and respect for each other helped their relationship grow despite the challenges they faced.
Who is Andrew Zimmern?
Andrew Zimmern is an American chef, writer, and television host best known for his travel and food programs, especially Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel. Born on July 4, 1961, in New York City, he built his career after overcoming struggles with addiction and homelessness, becoming a respected voice in the culinary world. His shows focus on exploring different cultures through food, often featuring unique and unusual dishes from around the globe. Beyond television, Andrew is also a teacher, author, and entrepreneur who has received multiple James Beard Awards, making him one of the most recognized food personalities worldwide.
Relationship, Marriage, and Family Life
Rishia Haas married Andrew Zimmern in 2002, and in the early years of their marriage, they focused on building a stable family while Andrew transitioned from working in restaurants to starting his career in television. As Andrew gained global recognition with the launch of Bizarre Foods in 2006, their lives changed quickly, but Rishia chose to stay private and grounded. In 2005, the couple welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern, and Rishia dedicated much of her time to raising him while also continuing her own professional work. She became the steady support at home, managing family life and providing balance, while Andrew traveled often for filming and media appearances. Despite her husband’s rising fame, Rishia preferred a quiet lifestyle, focusing on her role as a caring wife and devoted mother.
Rishia Haas’s Role in Andrew Zimmern’s Success
Rishia Haas played an important role in Andrew Zimmern’s success by providing steady emotional support during his recovery from addiction and standing by him as he rebuilt his career. While Andrew traveled the world filming food shows, Rishia managed the home and focused on raising their son, Noah, creating a stable family life despite his busy schedule. Andrew has openly credited her strength and patience, saying she gave him countless chances and supported him through difficult times. Even though she was married to a well-known celebrity, Rishia chose to avoid the spotlight, preferring a quiet and private life while helping Andrew achieve his goals.
Challenges in Marriage and Divorce
As Andrew Zimmern’s career grew, the increasing demands of travel and media projects began to affect his family life. He often spent long periods away from home, and in interviews, Andrew admitted that he had not always been present for his wife and son. Despite Rishia’s constant support and patience, the strain of his busy schedule eventually took its toll on their marriage. In 2018, the couple decided to separate and later divorced, handling the situation respectfully and without public drama. Even after the end of their marriage, they continued to co-parent their son Noah with mutual respect, ensuring his well-being remained their top priority.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce, Rishia Haas chose to live a quiet and peaceful life in Edina, Minnesota, away from media attention. She focused on raising her son, maintaining a stable and nurturing environment for him. Alongside her responsibilities as a mother, she developed a passion for beekeeping and became active at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, reflecting her love for nature and simple living. Rishia avoids fame, social media, and public appearances, staying true to her preference for privacy. Her calm lifestyle and continued dedication to family have helped her earn respect as a graceful and grounded woman.
What Rishia Haas Is Doing Now (2025)
As of 2025, Rishia Haas works with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, where she combines her interest in science with her love for nature. Her daily life revolves around family, cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She continues to live modestly in Minnesota, with an estimated net worth of about $3 million, earned through her career, her nonprofit work, and her connection with Andrew Zimmern. Rishia’s philosophy centers on simplicity, privacy, and resilience, making her a strong example of how one can live meaningfully without chasing fame.
Rishia Haas’s Legacy and Public Image
Rishia Haas is admired for choosing privacy over public recognition, even while being connected to a world-famous chef. She is often seen as a symbol of quiet strength and resilience, showing that true influence does not always come from being in the spotlight. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses who seek attention, Rishia has embraced a low-profile life built on authenticity, family, and personal values. Her story inspires others to live authentically, reminding us that dignity and strength can shine brightest in silence.
Conclusion
The journey of Rishia Haas reflects a life of resilience, compassion, and grace. From her childhood in Minnesota and her early career in healthcare, to her marriage to Andrew Zimmern, their divorce, and her life today, she has always chosen a path of honesty and simplicity. More than just “Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife,” Rishia is a devoted mother, a caring professional, and a woman who values peace and balance. Her story teaches us that strength can be quiet, happiness can be simple, and the most meaningful legacies are often built away from the spotlight.
(FAQs)
1. Who is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, but she has her own identity as a mother and professional. She worked in healthcare and addiction recovery at The Retreat and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Today, she lives a quiet life in Minnesota, focusing on family and personal passions like beekeeping.
2. How old is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota. As of 2025, she is 51 years old and continues to live a calm and private life. Despite her connection to fame, she has always preferred staying away from media attention.
3. Does Rishia Haas have any children?
Yes, Rishia Haas has one son, Noah Zimmern, born in 2005 with her former husband Andrew Zimmern. She has always been a dedicated and caring mother, making sure Noah grew up with stability and love. Even after her divorce, she continues to co-parent respectfully with Andrew.
4. What does Rishia Haas do now?
As of 2025, Rishia Haas works as a beekeeper with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. She enjoys spending time with nature, gardening, and cooking at home. Her choice to live modestly reflects her preference for peace and privacy.
5. What is Rishia Haas’s net worth?
Rishia Haas has an estimated net worth of around $3 million. Most of her wealth comes from her professional career in healthcare, her nonprofit work, and her connection with Andrew Zimmern. Despite her success, she lives a simple and balanced lifestyle.
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