Rishia Haas is not a name you’ll see frequently in tabloids or gossip headlines, yet her story intersects with the life of one of the culinary world’s most iconic figures — Andrew Zimmern. Known globally as the host of Bizarre Foods, Zimmern is a media personality and chef who has traveled to over 170 countries. But behind that media spotlight was a woman who shared much of his life before fame took over. Rishia Haas, though often seen in the background, lived a compelling life that speaks to themes of love, support, independence, and transition. This article aims to uncover the private yet intriguing life of Rishia Haas — her upbringing, professional career.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | 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 Education: Humble Beginnings
Born in the United States in the late 1970s, Rishia Haas has always valued privacy and discretion. There is little public information about her childhood, family, or upbringing — not out of lack of interest, but because she has consciously chosen to keep her personal details guarded. What is known, however, is that she was raised in a modest, intellectually inclined household. This is reflected in her academic choices and later career, which was grounded in education and administration. Rishia attended a local high school before pursuing further education at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The institution is known for its commitment to liberal arts and civic engagement, values that seemingly resonate with Haas’s thoughtful, grounded personality.
Her education focused on fields that were more academic than glamorous, perhaps foreshadowing the kind of life she would lead — one away from the spotlight, focused on stability and service rather than fame.
Career Path: An Educator and Administrator
Unlike her ex-husband’s whirlwind career in media and gastronomy, Rishia Haas pursued a more grounded and steady profession. Early in her career, she worked at a cooking school — not as a chef or culinary expert, but in an administrative role. This is, in fact, where she first crossed paths with Andrew Zimmern. Her role revolved around education and support services, ensuring that the institution’s operations ran smoothly. Later, she transitioned into working at a local college and eventually found herself involved with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a well-respected non-profit organization dedicated to addiction recovery.
Her work there was not just a job; it had deep resonance, especially given Zimmern’s own history of addiction and recovery. It’s no surprise that Rishia gravitated toward environments that emphasized healing, education, and support. Her career, while never in the public eye, reflects a person of compassion, diligence, and emotional intelligence — all traits that would serve her well during her time in a high-profile marriage.
Love Story with Andrew Zimmern: An Unlikely Pair
The story of Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern begins in a Minneapolis cooking school, where she worked and he taught. At the time, Zimmern was beginning to rebuild his life after a tumultuous period of homelessness and addiction. Their connection may have started quietly, but it grew into a full-blown romance that culminated in marriage in 2002. At first glance, their relationship may have seemed unbalanced — Zimmern, older and on the cusp of celebrity; Haas, younger and more reserved. But those who knew them often spoke about their deep respect for one another, built on shared values and mutual support.
They welcomed their only child, Noah, in 2005. The arrival of their son solidified their bond and gave both a new perspective on life. While Zimmern traveled the globe filming shows, Rishia held down the fort, raising Noah and continuing her professional work. Their relationship was far from traditional, but it worked for nearly two decades — a testament to their commitment to family and shared goals.
Life in the Spotlight — From the Sidelines
Although she was married to a celebrity, Rishia Haas never sought the limelight. Unlike other spouses of famous personalities, she rarely made public appearances and did not use her marriage to boost a public profile. She was occasionally seen attending culinary events or red carpets with Zimmern, but for the most part, she maintained a low profile. This quiet presence didn’t mean a lack of influence. On the contrary, those close to Zimmern have credited Haas with being a stabilizing force in his life. While Zimmern’s career expanded rapidly, Rishia was managing the complexities of home, parenting, and personal work.
Their dynamic was one of mutual respect — she supported his growing empire while staying grounded in her own path. It’s easy to underestimate the value of a supportive partner in a high-pressure industry like television, but by all accounts, Haas was integral to Zimmern’s success during their years together.
Challenges in Marriage: The Road to Divorce
No relationship is without its challenges, and the union between Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern was no exception. Despite appearances, the marriage began to show signs of strain in the late 2010s. Zimmern himself acknowledged in various interviews that his work-related travel had put a considerable burden on the marriage. His demanding schedule meant months away from home, and eventually, the couple grew apart.
In 2018, they officially announced their separation. For many fans of Zimmern, it came as a surprise. To the outside world, they had seemed solid. But the realities of a high-profile career, long periods of absence, and evolving life goals eventually led to the difficult decision to part ways. They finalized their divorce quietly, without public drama, maintaining a respectful co-parenting relationship for the sake of their son, Noah.
Life After Divorce: Finding Her Own Path
Following the divorce, Rishia Haas once again demonstrated her preference for privacy and discretion. She did not issue public statements or share details on social media. Instead, she focused on rebuilding her life independently. She reportedly continued her professional work, possibly at Hazelden Betty Ford or a similar organization, emphasizing health, recovery, and education.
Though divorced from a celebrity, she did not use her newfound “freedom” to chase fame. If anything, Rishia leaned further into her values of quiet strength, self-sufficiency, and personal growth. It’s likely that her continued work has kept her grounded and fulfilled in ways that fame could never match. Her relationship with her son also remained a top priority, and by all accounts, she has maintained a cooperative and respectful relationship with Zimmern post-divorce.
Motherhood: The Most Important Role
Among all her roles — wife, professional, administrator — Rishia Haas seems most fulfilled in the role of mother. Raising Noah largely away from the media’s prying eyes, she ensured that he grew up in a stable and nurturing environment. While Zimmern often spoke publicly about their son, Rishia’s approach remained subdued but impactful. She reportedly played a major role in Noah’s education, extracurricular involvement, and personal development.
Her ability to raise a grounded child while managing the fallout of a high-profile divorce speaks volumes about her character. Parenting is never easy, but doing it amid fame, travel, and eventual separation adds extra layers of complexity. Yet, by all accounts, Rishia handled it with grace and resolve.
Who Is Rishia Haas Today?
So who is Rishia Haas today? While we may not have every detail, it’s clear that she remains a woman of depth, integrity, and quiet resilience. She is not a celebrity, influencer, or public figure — and that seems to be by design. Her life continues in the realms of education, service, and family, far from the bright lights of media fame. There is something admirable in someone who has had the opportunity to capitalize on fame but chooses to remain grounded and authentic instead.
If anything, Rishia Haas represents the idea that not every meaningful life must be lived in public. There is power in privacy, strength in quiet dignity, and influence in simply doing meaningful work behind the scenes.
Conclusion: The Quiet Force Behind the Fame
Rishia Haas may never write a memoir, appear on talk shows, or court public attention — but her story is worth telling. In a culture obsessed with celebrity, there is value in understanding and appreciating those who choose the road less visible. Her life — grounded in education, compassion, family, and resilience — offers a refreshing contrast to the fame-driven narratives that dominate our feeds.
She reminds us that real influence doesn’t always look like millions of followers or magazine covers. Sometimes, it looks like raising a good son, supporting a partner through recovery and success, and then finding your own voice in the quiet aftermath of change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Rishia Haas?
- Rishia Haas is the ex-wife of celebrity chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern. She is known for her work in education and addiction recovery services and has maintained a private, low-profile life.
2. How did Rishia Haas meet Andrew Zimmern?
- They met at a cooking school in Minnesota where Rishia worked in administration and Andrew was a teacher.
3. Do Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern have children?
- Yes, they have one son named Noah, born in 2005.
4. What does Rishia Haas do for a living?
- She has worked in educational institutions and non-profit organizations, including roles at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
5. Why did Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern divorce?
- Their marriage ended primarily due to the strains caused by Zimmern’s demanding travel schedule and their growing apart over time.
