Andrew Zimmern's former wife is Rishia Haas, an American administrative professional and former beekeeper who stayed entirely out of the Hollywood limelight throughout their years together. While Andrew built an international television career hosting shows like Bizarre Foods, Rishia maintained a quiet, grounded life in Minnesota focused on regular work and family.
The couple married in December 2002 after meeting in Minneapolis several years prior. They spent nearly two decades together and welcomed a son, Noah, before separating. Their marriage ultimately dissolved due to the immense pressure of Andrew's relentless travel schedule and media career, leading to a finalized divorce in 2020.
How Andrew Zimmern and Rishia Haas Met
The connection between Andrew and Rishia began long before television fame entered the picture. They crossed paths in Minnesota around 1999. At the time, Andrew was teaching cooking classes at a local culinary school, while Rishia worked in an administrative capacity at a retail store attached to the same facility.
Both shared a deep, authentic appreciation for food, cooking, and community. Their relationship grew organically away from cameras and public relations teams. They dated for three years before tying the knot on December 26, 2002, in an intimate ceremony held in Minnesota.
Marriage, Family, and Career Background
During their marriage, Rishia kept a distinct professional life separate from the entertainment industry. She worked in administrative and support roles for organizations in Minnesota, including positions linked to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and local community projects. She also pursued personal interests such as beekeeping, spending time outdoors, and supporting local ecological initiatives.
In 2005, the couple welcomed their son, Noah. As Noah grew, Andrew's career exploded with the launch of Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel. This required Andrew to spend months at a time traveling across the globe to film episodes, taste foreign cuisines, and manage restaurant ventures like his former St. Louis Park eatery, Lucky Cricket.
While Andrew's professional profile soared, the frequent absences took a heavy toll on domestic life. Maintaining a stable household with a young child while one partner lived out of a suitcase proved exceptionally difficult.
The Divorce and Current Status
Reports surfaced in 2018 indicating that Andrew and Rishia were separating, and their divorce was legally finalized in March 2020. Unlike many high-profile celebrity splits, their separation proceeded amicably, prioritizing the well-being of their son.
Andrew has been candid in interviews about taking responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage, openly admitting that his obsession with work and constant travel meant he wasn't present enough for his family. Both parents shared a commitment to co-parenting Noah, keeping their private lives guarded against tabloid speculation. Today, Rishia continues to reside in Minnesota, maintaining a strict boundary against social media and public appearances. Andrew remains active in television, digital media, and food advocacy, focusing on fatherhood when off the screen.
You can read more about Andrew's current media work and culinary projects on his official website, or explore his television background via his Wikipedia profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andrew Zimmern currently married?
No. Following his divorce from Rishia Haas, Andrew has not publicly confirmed any subsequent marriage or public relationship, keeping his romantic life entirely private.
What does Rishia Haas do for a living?
Rishia has worked primarily in administrative and support roles within Minnesota-based organizations, including healthcare and addiction recovery support centers. She has also pursued personal hobbies like beekeeping.
Do Andrew Zimmern and Rishia Haas have children together?
Yes. They share one son, Noah, who was born in 2005. Both parents have focused on raising him out of the public eye.
Why did Andrew and Rishia get a divorce?
The primary factor cited in their separation was the immense strain caused by Andrew's heavy travel schedule and television career, which limited the time he could spend at home with his family.
