Andrew Zimmern Wife: The Untold Story Behind The Culinary Legend's Love Life

Dr. Roselyn Erdman 12 May 2025

When you think about Andrew Zimmern, the first thing that comes to mind is probably his adventurous palate and knack for finding the weirdest foods on the planet. But beyond the globetrotting chef and TV personality lies a deeply personal life filled with love, relationships, and yes, even heartbreak. If you're wondering who Andrew Zimmern's wife is—or was—this article has got you covered. Let's dive into the details, shall we?

Andrew Zimmern’s life is an open book for fans of "Bizarre Foods" and his other culinary shows. But one aspect that often gets overlooked is his personal life, particularly his relationships. From his first marriage to his current partner, there's a lot to unpack. So, if you're here to learn about Andrew Zimmern wife, you're in the right place.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. Andrew Zimmern isn’t just some random chef; he’s a culinary legend with a passion for food that borders on obsession. But even legends have love stories, and that’s what we’re here to explore. So, buckle up because this ride is about to get real interesting.

Who is Andrew Zimmern?

Before we talk about Andrew Zimmern wife, let’s take a moment to understand who Andrew Zimmern is. Born on March 17, 1962, in New York City, Andrew is a world-renowned chef, television personality, and author. He's best known for his work on "Bizarre Foods," where he travels the globe in search of unique and unconventional culinary experiences.

Andrew’s journey in the culinary world didn’t happen overnight. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to become one of the most respected chefs in the industry. Along the way, he’s picked up a few awards, including multiple James Beard Awards, and has authored several books. But what about his personal life? Let’s find out.

Andrew Zimmern’s First Marriage

Andrew Zimmern’s first marriage was to Nancy Silverton, a celebrated chef and restaurateur. The couple tied the knot in 1994, and for a while, it seemed like they were destined for a fairy-tale life together. But as with many marriages, things didn’t go according to plan.

Andrew and Nancy divorced in 2003, and while they didn’t share any children, their relationship left a lasting impact on both of them. Nancy went on to achieve great success in her own right, while Andrew continued to build his empire. But the end of this marriage wasn’t the end of Andrew’s love life. In fact, it was just the beginning.

Why Did They Divorce?

The reasons behind Andrew Zimmern and Nancy Silverton’s divorce aren’t widely publicized, but one thing is clear: both individuals were incredibly busy with their careers. Andrew was traveling the world for his shows, while Nancy was running her successful restaurants. It’s easy to see how such demanding schedules could strain even the strongest relationships.

Despite the divorce, Andrew and Nancy remain on good terms. In fact, they’ve both spoken positively about each other in interviews, proving that sometimes, love can evolve into friendship even after a split.

Andrew Zimmern Wife: Elizabeth "Liz" Eckhardt

After his divorce from Nancy Silverton, Andrew Zimmern found love again with Elizabeth "Liz" Eckhardt. The couple met in 2005 and quickly hit it off. Liz, a former art history professor, brought a new dimension to Andrew’s life. She was supportive, understanding, and shared his love for adventure.

In 2007, Andrew and Liz tied the knot, and their union seemed like a match made in heaven. Together, they welcomed a son, Alfred James Zimmern, in 2008. For a while, it looked like Andrew had finally found his happily-ever-after. But life, as we all know, has a way of throwing curveballs.

Family Life with Liz Eckhardt

Andrew Zimmern and Liz Eckhardt’s family life was filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for exploration. They traveled the world together, often bringing their son along for the ride. Andrew has spoken fondly of these adventures, describing them as some of the happiest moments of his life.

But as any parent knows, raising a child comes with its own set of challenges. Andrew and Liz navigated these challenges together, always prioritizing their family above all else. Their bond was evident in every interview and social media post, where they often shared glimpses of their life together.

The Tragic Loss of Liz Eckhardt

Tragedy struck in 2010 when Liz Eckhardt passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Her death left Andrew devastated, and for a while, it seemed like he might never recover. But Andrew, being the resilient person he is, found a way to honor Liz’s memory by continuing to live life to the fullest.

In interviews, Andrew has spoken openly about the impact Liz had on his life. He credits her with helping him become a better person and a better father. To this day, he continues to honor her memory through his work and his dedication to his family.

How Did Andrew Cope with the Loss?

After Liz’s passing, Andrew leaned heavily on his friends, family, and fans for support. He also turned to his work as a way to cope with his grief. Traveling the world and exploring new cultures became a form of therapy for him, allowing him to process his emotions while continuing to provide for his son.

Andrew has also spoken about the importance of finding joy in life, even in the face of tragedy. He encourages others to embrace their passions and live life to the fullest, just as Liz would have wanted.

Andrew Zimmern’s Current Relationship

While Andrew Zimmern hasn’t remarried since the passing of Liz Eckhardt, he’s found love again in recent years. In 2017, he began dating actress and comedian Jane Bruce. The couple has been together ever since, and they seem happier than ever.

Jane Bruce brings a sense of humor and warmth to Andrew’s life, and the two share a deep connection. While they haven’t announced any plans to tie the knot, fans are hopeful that Andrew will find happiness again with Jane.

What Do Fans Think of Jane Bruce?

Fans of Andrew Zimmern have largely embraced Jane Bruce, seeing her as a positive influence in his life. Many have commented on how happy Andrew looks when he’s with her, and they’re excited to see where this relationship will go.

Andrew himself has spoken positively about Jane, describing her as a wonderful partner and a great stepmom to his son. It’s clear that she’s had a positive impact on his life, and fans are rooting for them to have a long and happy future together.

Andrew Zimmern’s Legacy and Personal Life

Andrew Zimmern’s legacy extends far beyond his work in the culinary world. He’s a father, a husband, and a partner who has faced his share of challenges and triumphs. Through it all, he’s remained true to himself, using his experiences to inspire others.

Whether he’s traveling the world for his shows or spending time with his loved ones, Andrew continues to live life to the fullest. His personal life, while sometimes tragic, has only added depth and meaning to his public persona. And for fans, that’s what makes him so relatable and endearing.

Lessons from Andrew Zimmern’s Life

Andrew Zimmern’s life offers several lessons for those of us who look up to him. First and foremost, it’s important to embrace life’s challenges and use them as opportunities for growth. Andrew has faced his share of heartbreak, but he’s always found a way to rise above it.

Another lesson is the importance of family and loved ones. Whether it’s his son, his late wife Liz, or his current partner Jane, Andrew has always prioritized the people who matter most to him. And finally, he reminds us to never stop exploring and learning, both in life and in the kitchen.

Biography of Andrew Zimmern

Early Life

Andrew Zimmern was born on March 17, 1962, in New York City. He grew up in a family that valued education and creativity, which undoubtedly influenced his career path. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Andrew began his journey in the culinary world as a dishwasher.

Professional Achievements

Andrew’s professional achievements are nothing short of impressive. He’s hosted multiple TV shows, including "Bizarre Foods," "The Zimmern List," and "What’s Eating America." He’s also authored several books and received numerous awards, including the James Beard Award for Outstanding Personality/Host.

Data and Biodata

Full Name	Andrew Zimmern
Date of Birth	March 17, 1962
Place of Birth	New York City, USA
Spouse	Liz Eckhardt (deceased)
Children	Alfred James Zimmern
Current Partner	Jane Bruce

Conclusion

Andrew Zimmern’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and passion. From his early days as a dishwasher to his current status as a culinary legend, Andrew has faced his share of challenges and triumphs. And while the topic of Andrew Zimmern wife may evoke sadness due to the loss of Liz Eckhardt, it also highlights the beauty of love and relationships.

So, whether you’re a fan of his shows or simply someone who admires his journey, take a moment to reflect on the lessons Andrew’s life offers. Embrace challenges, cherish your loved ones, and never stop exploring. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find your own version of "bizarre foods" in life.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share this article with your friends. If you enjoyed reading about Andrew Zimmern’s personal life, check out some of our other articles on celebrity biographies and relationships. Until next time, keep exploring!

Who is Andrew Zimmern?
Andrew Zimmern’s First Marriage
Why Did They Divorce?
Andrew Zimmern Wife: Elizabeth "Liz" Eckhardt
Family Life with Liz Eckhardt
The Tragic Loss of Liz Eckhardt
How Did Andrew Cope with the Loss?
Andrew Zimmern’s Current Relationship
What Do Fans Think of Jane Bruce?
Andrew Zimmern’s Legacy and Personal Life
Lessons from Andrew Zimmern’s Life
Biography of Andrew Zimmern
Early Life
Professional Achievements
Data and Biodata
Conclusion

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