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

Rishia Haas is best known as Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife, the former partner of the famous TV chef who explored unusual foods around the world. However, Rishia’s story goes far beyond this connection—she is a caring mother, a dedicated professional in addiction recovery, and a passionate beekeeper who values a quiet and private life. In this article, you will learn about Rishia Haas’s early life, her career helping others overcome addiction, her marriage and family life with Andrew Zimmern, and the peaceful path she chose after their divorce. This detailed look highlights her strength, kindness, and the important role she plays away from the spotlight.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Family Background

Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, a small city known for its close-knit communities and peaceful surroundings. She grew up in a loving family with her parents, Robert and Karen Haas, and two siblings, Jennifer and John. From an early age, Rishia was raised with strong values of kindness, hard work, and humility. Her childhood was shaped by a supportive environment that encouraged helping others and staying grounded. She attended Anoka High School, where she focused on academics and built a foundation for her future. Later, she went on to study at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, earning her bachelor’s degree. Throughout her youth, Rishia showed a quiet strength and a caring nature that would later guide her career and personal life.

Rishia Haas’s Age and Body Measurements

Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, making her 51 years old as of 2025. She stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and maintains a healthy weight of around 65 kg (143 lbs). Her physical appearance includes dark brown hair and light green eyes. While her exact body measurements are not publicly disclosed, she is known for her graceful and composed presence.

Rishia Haas Career Path and Professional Life

Before her marriage to Andrew Zimmern, Rishia Haas built a steady career centered around helping others. She held various jobs, including working at cooking schools and office roles that gave her valuable experience. One of her most meaningful positions was as an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a rehabilitation center in Minnesota dedicated to helping people recover from addiction. Later, she worked at the prestigious Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a well-known organization specializing in addiction treatment. In these roles, Rishia used her organizational skills and compassion to support individuals fighting addiction, showing her dedication to making a difference. After years in healthcare and nonprofit work, she found a new passion in beekeeping. Rishia became involved with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, where she enjoys working closely with nature. This shift reflects her calm personality and love for purposeful, peaceful work.

Meeting Andrew Zimmern and Their Relationship

Rishia Haas met Andrew Zimmern around 1999 or 2000 in Minneapolis when Andrew was teaching a cooking class at a local school. Their meeting was casual but meaningful, sparked by a shared interest in food and a natural connection. Despite their 20-year age difference, the age gap did not affect their growing bond. Andrew was rebuilding his life after facing homelessness and addiction, and Rishia’s background in recovery work gave her unique insight and compassion to support him. Their relationship grew steadily, and in 2002, they married and began building a family together. Throughout their marriage, Rishia was a steady presence, helping Andrew through challenges while raising their son and balancing her own career and interests.

Who Is Andrew Zimmern?

Andrew Zimmern is a renowned American chef, television personality, food writer, and educator best known for hosting the popular travel and food show Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. Born on July 4, 1961, in New York City, Zimmern developed a deep passion for diverse cuisines and cultures from an early age. Overcoming personal struggles, including battles with addiction, he transformed his life and career by exploring unique and often unusual foods around the world, earning acclaim for his adventurous palate and respectful approach to different culinary traditions. His work has made him a respected figure in the food and travel industry, inspiring many to appreciate global flavors and cultures.

Life as Andrew Zimmern’s Wife

During their marriage, Rishia Haas was a steady and supportive partner to Andrew Zimmern as he built his career in the public eye. While Andrew traveled extensively for filming and events, Rishia balanced motherhood and her own work behind the scenes, ensuring their home remained a place of stability. Despite Andrew’s rising fame, Rishia chose to keep a low profile and stay out of the spotlight, preferring privacy over public attention. Behind the scenes, she helped Andrew manage the pressures of addiction recovery and fame. Andrew has often credited Rishia for her unwavering support, saying she gave him strength during his toughest times and was always there when he needed her most.

Parenthood: Raising Noah Zimmern

Rishia and Andrew welcomed their son, Noah Zimmern, in 2005, bringing joy and new responsibilities to their lives. Rishia approached parenting with care, focusing on raising Noah with strong family values and a loving environment. She balanced motherhood with her career and personal interests, always putting her son’s needs first. Even after their divorce, Rishia and Andrew have maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship, working together to support Noah’s upbringing and wellbeing.

The End of Their Marriage

After many years together, Rishia and Andrew decided to separate in 2018. Andrew has openly spoken about the challenges that led to their divorce, including his struggles with addiction and the demands of fame that pulled him away from family life. He expressed regret for not being as present as he wished during their marriage. Despite these difficulties, their divorce was handled quietly and respectfully, with both showing care for each other and their son throughout the process. Their separation marked the end of one chapter but did not diminish the respect and care they still share.

Rishia Haas Life After Divorce

Following the divorce, Rishia chose to live a quiet, private life focused on her own wellbeing and her son. She settled in Edina, Minnesota, where she enjoys a peaceful home environment away from media attention. Rishia’s work with beekeeping reflects her love for nature and a calm lifestyle that brings her fulfillment. She continues to co-parent Noah with Andrew amicably, prioritizing family harmony and stability despite their changed relationship.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Rishia Haas has embraced beekeeping as a meaningful and peaceful hobby that connects her to nature. Alongside beekeeping, she enjoys cooking and gardening, activities that align with her calm and nurturing personality. Her past work in addiction recovery and her ongoing philanthropic interests show her dedication to helping others. These hobbies and passions highlight Rishia’s gentle spirit and her desire to live a balanced, caring life focused on wellness and family.

Public Image and Privacy

Throughout her life, Rishia has chosen to remain private, steering clear of media and social media exposure. She rarely appears at public events and maintains minimal online presence. This decision reflects her preference for a quiet life away from the spotlight, even as the former wife of a famous TV personality. Behind this privacy is a woman of quiet strength who supports her family and community without seeking public recognition. The public often sees Andrew’s fame, but Rishia’s story reminds us of the important support systems that exist behind successful people.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Rishia Haas’s estimated net worth is around $3 million, accumulated through her career in healthcare, nonprofit administrative roles, and her connection with Andrew Zimmern. Despite this financial stability, she leads a modest lifestyle focused on family and personal wellbeing rather than luxury. Her financial success reflects years of dedicated work and smart choices rather than public fame or extravagance.

Legacy and Impact

Rishia Haas’s legacy is one of quiet strength, resilience, and compassion. She played a key role in helping Andrew Zimmern recover from addiction and build a successful career, providing unwavering support throughout. Beyond her family, Rishia has contributed to addiction recovery communities through her professional work. She serves as an example of how meaningful impact often happens behind the scenes, influencing both her family and community with kindness and dedication.

Conclusion

Rishia Haas’s journey is much more than being Andrew Zimmern’s ex-wife. She is a strong, caring woman who has faced challenges with grace and helped her family through difficult times. Her choice to live privately, focus on meaningful work, and nurture her son shows a deep commitment to what truly matters. Her story reminds us that true strength often lies in quiet support and love, and that every family has stories worth honoring beyond the spotlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rishia Haas?

Rishia Haas is best known as the former wife of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. Beyond that, she is a dedicated professional who worked in addiction recovery and now pursues beekeeping. She values privacy and focuses on family and meaningful work.

What is Rishia Haas’s connection to Andrew Zimmern?

Rishia was married to Andrew Zimmern from 2002 until their divorce in 2018. She supported him through difficult times, especially during his recovery from addiction, and they have one son together named Noah.

What does Rishia Haas do for a living now?

As of 2025, Rishia works as a beekeeper and is connected with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. This peaceful hobby reflects her love for nature and a calm lifestyle after years in healthcare and addiction recovery roles.

Where does Rishia Haas live currently?

Rishia Haas resides in Edina, Minnesota, where she leads a quiet and private life. She focuses on raising her son and enjoying a balanced lifestyle away from the public spotlight.

How old is Rishia Haas?

Born on July 29, 1973, Rishia Haas is 51 years old as of 2025. She has maintained a steady and private life through her early 50s.

Did Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern have children?

Yes, the couple has one son named Noah Zimmern, born in 2005. Both parents continue to share parenting responsibilities respectfully following their divorce.

What is Rishia Haas’s net worth?

Rishia Haas’s estimated net worth is around $3 million. This comes from her career in healthcare and nonprofit sectors as well as her association with Andrew Zimmern’s success.

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