Behind many well-known public figures are people whose quiet strength and support shape their journeys. One such person is Rishia Haas, best recognized as the ex-wife of celebrity chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern, the host of Bizarre Foods.
While Zimmern’s adventurous career took him around the globe, Rishia chose a very different path — one rooted in compassion, community, and simplicity. From her early years in Minnesota to her work in education, recovery support, and even beekeeping, Haas has lived a life defined not by fame but by purpose.
This article dives deep into Rishia Haas’s biography, exploring her early life, family, marriage, divorce, career, and current lifestyle in 2025 — a portrait of quiet resilience and grace beyond the limelight.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rishia Haas |
| Date of Birth / Age | July 29, 1973 – Age 52 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Champlin, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height / Hair & Eye Color | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm); Dark Brown Hair; Light Green Eyes |
| Education | Anoka High School; Augsburg College, Minnesota |
| Profession | Administrative Assistant, Recovery Support Specialist, Beekeeper |
| Family | Former spouse: Andrew Zimmern (m. 2002–div. 2018); Son: Noah Zimmern |
| Parents | Robert & Karen Haas |
| Net Worth (Est. 2025) | Around $3 million |
| Known For | Ex-wife of chef Andrew Zimmern; community and environmental work |
Early Life & Education
Born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, Rishia Haas grew up in a caring, middle-class family. Her parents, Robert and Karen Haas, instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and community awareness.
From a young age, Rishia was known for her calm, thoughtful nature and strong academic record. At Anoka High School, she excelled in her studies while participating in community events and volunteering programs. Those early experiences shaped her empathy and interest in helping others.
After high school, she attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There she earned her bachelor’s degree, gaining skills in communication, organization, and leadership. Augsburg’s diverse and inclusive campus helped refine her worldview and commitment to service — values that would influence every step of her adult life.
Personal & Family Life
Rishia’s life took a fateful turn in the late 1990s when she met Andrew Zimmern, who was then teaching at a cooking school in Minnesota. Rishia worked there in an administrative role, and their shared passion for learning and compassion sparked a friendship that blossomed into love.
At that time, Zimmern was recovering from years of addiction and homelessness, trying to rebuild his life and career. Rishia became his source of support and encouragement. Despite an age gap and contrasting lifestyles, their connection was grounded in understanding and shared resilience.
The couple married on December 26, 2002, in a small, private ceremony surrounded by close family and friends. They welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern, in 2005, completing their little family.
During their 16-year marriage, Rishia preferred a quiet role away from the cameras. While Andrew traveled the world filming Bizarre Foods, she focused on raising their son and maintaining stability at home. Her calm presence was instrumental during Andrew’s demanding years in television.
However, as fame grew, so did the strain of distance and lifestyle differences. By 2018, the couple decided to divorce amicably. Despite the separation, both remained committed to co-parenting Noah and have since spoken highly of each other in interviews. Andrew has publicly described Rishia as “the bravest and kindest mom I know.”
Career Journey
Rishia Haas’s career is a reflection of her dedication to service and her belief in meaningful work.
After graduating from Augsburg, she began working in administrative roles within educational and culinary institutions, including the same cooking school where she met Andrew. Her organizational skills, professionalism, and compassion quickly earned her respect.
Later, Rishia transitioned into recovery and rehabilitation support, working at renowned Minnesota centers such as The Retreat or Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. In these roles, she helped individuals and families dealing with addiction — a cause close to her heart. Her calm, empathetic nature made her invaluable in guiding people toward healing.
In recent years, Rishia has embraced a unique and fulfilling path as a beekeeper and environmental educator. She is associated with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, where she contributes to pollinator education and sustainability efforts. This shift represents her love for nature and her desire to give back to the community.
Through every stage of her career, one thing remains constant — Rishia’s drive to serve quietly and meaningfully rather than chase public recognition.
Life Challenges & Turning Points
Every chapter of Rishia Haas’s life reveals both struggle and resilience.
Her marriage to Andrew Zimmern brought its own challenges, including the public scrutiny that comes with celebrity life and the emotional weight of supporting a partner through recovery. Yet, through it all, Rishia remained composed and steadfast, providing stability for her family.
The couple’s divorce in 2018 was another defining moment. While many celebrity separations play out publicly, Rishia handled it with dignity and privacy. Rather than engaging with the media, she quietly focused on rebuilding her personal life, nurturing her son, and rediscovering her passions.
Her turn toward beekeeping and nature work symbolizes that renewal — transforming personal change into purposeful growth. It’s a reminder that endings often lead to stronger beginnings.
Current Life & Career (2025)
Today, Rishia Haas lives in Edina, Minnesota, close to her family and community. She continues her environmental work and education projects, especially those connected to bee conservation.
Friends describe her lifestyle as simple, peaceful, and intentional. She avoids the spotlight and rarely uses social media, preferring time outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her son, who is now in college.
Despite her connection to a famous ex-husband, Rishia has established her own identity — one centered on mindfulness, ecology, and quiet contribution.
Net Worth & Financial Overview
As of 2025, Rishia Haas’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. Her financial stability comes from years of steady professional work, careful management, and likely divorce arrangements.
However, Rishia is far from a luxury lifestyle enthusiast. She’s known for living modestly and focusing on sustainability and family rather than glamour. Her wealth, in essence, is measured not in possessions but in peace of mind and independence.
Public Image & Media Presence
Rishia Haas is admired for her grace, discretion, and authenticity. Despite being connected to one of television’s most recognizable food personalities, she has never capitalized on that fame.
Media outlets describe her as a “pillar of quiet support” and a “symbol of modern strength.” Even after her divorce, public sentiment toward her remains highly positive — especially because she chose privacy and purpose over attention.
Andrew Zimmern himself has continued to praise her in interviews, acknowledging that she was integral to his recovery and the success of his family life.
Her story resonates with readers because it defies the typical celebrity-narrative: it’s not about fame or drama, but about resilience, reinvention, and staying true to one’s values.
Fun Facts & Anecdotes
- 🐝 Nature Enthusiast: Rishia turned her love of nature into a vocation — managing beehives and promoting pollinator awareness across Minnesota.
- 💕 Supportive Partner: She stood by Andrew Zimmern during his early struggles with addiction, long before his television fame.
- 👩👦 Dedicated Mother: Rishia’s top priority remains her son, Noah, with whom she shares a close, nurturing bond.
- 🏡 Simple Living: Despite her comfortable finances, she chooses a quiet suburban life over public luxury.
- ✨ Private but Kind: Locals describe her as approachable, grounded, and deeply kind-hearted — a genuine presence who helps others without expectation.
Conclusion
Rishia Haas may not have the fame of her ex-husband, but her story is every bit as compelling. She represents a kind of strength that doesn’t need a camera or audience — the strength to endure, to adapt, and to find peace in simplicity.
From her early days in Minnesota to her work in recovery and now in environmental sustainability, Rishia has built a life defined by compassion and authenticity. Her journey — through love, marriage, motherhood, and transformation — stands as a quiet testament to resilience.
In an age where celebrity stories often revolve around drama and extravagance, Rishia Haas reminds us that true beauty lies in grace, kindness, and the courage to live life on one’s own terms.
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(FAQs)
1. Who is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is an American professional best known as the ex-wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. She works as an administrative assistant, recovery advocate, and beekeeper in Minnesota.
2. When did she marry Andrew Zimmern?
Rishia married Andrew Zimmern on December 26, 2002, and the couple divorced amicably in 2018.
3. Do they have any children?
Yes, they have a son named Noah Zimmern, born in 2005.
4. What does Rishia Haas do now?
As of 2025, she is active in environmental education and beekeeping, working on pollinator sustainability programs in Minnesota.
5. What is Rishia Haas’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $3 million, based on her career and other income sources.