Rishia Haas may not be a celebrity, but her story is special. She lived a calm and private life while supporting one of the most famous chefs on TV — Andrew Zimmern. Many people know him from his show Bizarre Foods, but very few know the quiet, strong woman who stood beside him for 16 years.
This article is all about Rishia Haas — her life, her job, how she met Andrew Zimmern, and their journey together. She was a big part of Andrew’s life, especially during his early recovery days. While Andrew became famous, Rishia stayed away from the spotlight.
We’ll look at her early life, her kind nature, her work, and how she helped build a loving family. Even after their marriage ended, she continued to live with grace and strength. Let’s now get to know the real Rishia Haas in the simplest way possible.
Who Is Rishia Haas?
Rishia Haas is best known as the ex-wife of Andrew Zimmern, the famous TV chef. But Rishia is more than just a celebrity’s wife. She is a caring woman who built a quiet and meaningful life, full of kindness and simple joys.
She stayed away from cameras and interviews. Rishia never tried to be famous or popular. Even when Andrew became known around the world, she chose a calm life focused on her home, family, and helping others.
People who know her say she is gentle, kind, and always thinking of others. Her calm nature made her strong, even when life got hard. That’s why many people admire her today — not for fame, but for the peaceful way she lives.
Early Life Of Rishia Haas
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Minnesota, USA. She grew up in a quiet and loving home with her parents, Robert and Karen Haas. She also had two siblings — a sister named Jennifer and a brother named John.
As a child, Rishia lived a simple life. She enjoyed family time and learned the value of kindness, peace, and honesty. Her childhood was full of care, and that helped shape her calm and helpful nature as an adult.
She went to Anoka High School and later attended Augsburg College. These schools were in Minnesota, so she stayed close to home. Her early life was not flashy or loud — it was just peaceful, and that’s how she liked it.
Rishia Haas Career Job
After finishing college, Rishia started working in simple jobs. She worked in department stores and later joined a cooking school, where she helped in the store. This job turned out to be very important in her life — because that’s where she met Andrew Zimmern.
Later, she moved into more meaningful work. Rishia became an Admissions Coordinator at The Retreat, a place that helps people with addiction problems. Her job was to support people starting their recovery, and she did it with great care and patience.
In 2004, she joined the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, one of the top recovery centers in the country. She worked there as an Administrative Assistant and has stayed in this field ever since. Some people say she also enjoys beekeeping and helps with nature work at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab — which fits her peaceful personality perfectly.
How She Met Andrew Zimmern
Rishia met Andrew Zimmern around 1999 or 2000 in Minnesota. Andrew was teaching cooking classes at a school, and Rishia worked in the school’s store. Their first chats were simple and friendly — just like their personalities.
They both liked food, calm conversation, and helping others. They quickly felt a connection. Even though Andrew was about 20 years older than Rishia, that didn’t matter to them. What mattered was how they understood and supported each other.
Their bond grew stronger over time. Andrew was still healing from his past, and Rishia worked in the recovery field — so she understood him well. Together, they formed a peaceful and supportive relationship that turned into real love.
She Marriage to Andrew Zimmern
After dating for a couple of years, Rishia and Andrew got married on December 26, 2002. Their wedding was held in Minneapolis and was small and warm, with just close friends and family. It was a happy day full of hope.
In the early years, their marriage felt strong and simple. Andrew was working on growing his career, and Rishia was always there to support him. She believed in him and helped him stay on the right path as he moved forward in life.
While Andrew started traveling the world and becoming a TV star, Rishia stayed focused on home, work, and peace. She never wanted cameras or attention. Her main goal was to keep their life calm and their home full of love.
Rishia Haas’s Becoming a Mother
In 2005, Rishia Haas became a mother when she welcomed her son, Noah Zimmern. This was a very special moment in her life. Motherhood changed her daily routine and gave her a new purpose filled with care, love, and responsibility.
Rishia focused deeply on raising Noah in a calm and safe home. While Andrew traveled often for work, she handled most of the daily parenting. She made sure Noah felt loved, supported, and protected from too much public attention.
She raised her son in Minnesota, far away from cameras and noise. Rishia believed in giving Noah a normal childhood. Her goal was simple — help her child grow with peace, good values, and a strong sense of family.
Why Rishia Haas’s Marriage Ended
As Andrew Zimmern became more famous, life slowly changed at home. His work schedule became very busy. He traveled almost all the time for TV shows, filming, and events, which made family time harder and harder.
Rishia stayed patient and supportive for many years. Andrew later shared that he was not there enough for his wife and son. He openly said that Rishia gave him many chances to fix things and be more present.
After 16 years of marriage, they decided to separate in 2018. The divorce was quiet and respectful. There were no public fights or drama. They ended their marriage with understanding and mutual respect.
Rishia Haas’s Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Rishia Haas did not change her lifestyle. She stayed in Edina, Minnesota, where she had built her life and raised her son. She chose stability instead of starting over somewhere new.
She continued working at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Her work helping people in recovery stayed important to her. Rishia found purpose in her job and peace in her daily routine.
Rishia also kept her life private. She does not give interviews or share personal updates online. Her days are filled with simple things like cooking, reading, walking outside, and spending time with Noah.
Rishia Haas’s Today
Today, Rishia Haas lives a quiet and peaceful life. She is not active on social media and does not appear in public events. She prefers calm days and simple routines over attention or fame.
She continues to work in the recovery field, helping others in a caring and supportive way. Her work shows her kind heart and steady nature. Helping people has always mattered more to her than being known.
Rishia is often described as strong in a quiet way. She does not seek praise or attention. She simply lives honestly, focuses on family, and chooses peace every day.
Rishia Haas’s Net Worth
Rishia Haas’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million. Most of this comes from her long and steady career in administrative and recovery-related work over many years.
Some sources say part of her financial stability may also come from her past marriage. Even so, Rishia has always worked and supported herself through honest and consistent jobs.
She does not live a flashy life. Rishia prefers a simple home and a calm routine. Money is not something she shows off. For her, comfort, balance, and peace matter far more than luxury.
Final Thoughts
Rishia Haas’s story is quiet but meaningful. She supported her family, raised her son, and stayed strong through change. She never chased fame, even when she was close to it every day.
She played an important role in Andrew Zimmern’s life during key years. Yet she always stayed true to herself. Her calm nature and steady support made a real difference behind the scenes.
In 2026, Rishia Haas remains a symbol of grace, privacy, and quiet strength. Her life reminds us that not all powerful stories are loud. Some are gentle, steady, and deeply real.
(FAQs)
When was Rishia Haas born?
Rishia Haas was born on July 29, 1973, in Minnesota, USA. She turned 52 years old in 2026.
What does Rishia Haas do for a living?
Rishia works as an administrative assistant at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a well-known recovery center. She helps people who are dealing with addiction and supports their healing journey.
How did Rishia Haas meet Andrew Zimmern?
Rishia met Andrew around 1999 at a cooking school in Minnesota. Andrew was teaching classes, and Rishia worked in the school’s store. Their bond started with simple conversations and shared values.
When did Rishia and Andrew get married?
They got married on December 26, 2002, in a small, private wedding in Minneapolis. It was a simple and warm ceremony with close friends and family.
Do Rishia Haas and Andrew Zimmern have any children?
Yes, they have one son named Noah Zimmern. He was born in 2005. Rishia focused on giving Noah a peaceful and steady childhood in Minnesota.
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