Ricki Lake Biography: Ricki Pamela Lake born September 21, 1968 is an American actress and television host best known for her breakout role as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray, a performance that earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead. She gained further fame as the host of the daytime talk show Ricki Lake, which aired internationally from September 1993 to May 2004.
Ricki Lake Biography
Ricki Lake was born in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, and is naturally blonde. She has a younger sister named Jennifer, who is one year her junior. Their parents, Barry (a pharmacist) and Jill (a homemaker), now live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ricki attended Hastings Elementary School, then moved on to Farragut Middle School, and spent two years at Hastings High School.
Ricki Lake Biography 2026 Details
| Born |
Ricki Pamela Lake
September 21, 1968 Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | Ithaca College (attended) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Tracy Turnblad – Hairspray Ricki Lake The Ricki Lake Show |
| Spouses |
Rob Sussman (m. 1994; div. 2004)
Christian Evans
(m. 2012; div. 2015)
Ross Burningham (m. 2022)
|
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Ricki Lake
Ricki Pamela Lake is an American television host and actress. She is known for her lead role as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray, for which she received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead.
Ricki Lake Personal Life
At the end of her sophomore year, she transferred to the Professional Children’s School in New York City to focus more intensively on her acting training. By the age of 9, she had already begun singing professionally in cabarets and clubs. After completing high school, she enrolled at Ithaca College but only attended for a year. During her final exams, her agent called with an opportunity to audition for a lead role in a film by director John Waters.
Ricki Lake Achievements
At just 24 years old when the show premiered, she became the youngest person at the time to host a syndicated talk show. Lake launched a second talk show titled The Ricki Lake Show. Although it ran for only one season before being canceled in 2013, the show earned her a Daytime Emmy Award, marking a significant milestone in her television career.
Ricki Lake Wiki
- Born: 21 September 1968 (age 56 years), New York, United States
- Spouse: Ross Burningham (m. 2022), Christian Evans (m. 2012–2015), Rob Sussman (m. 1994–2004)
- Children: Milo Sebastian Sussman, Owen Tyler Sussman
- Height: 1.62 m
- Siblings: Jennifer Lake
- Parents: Jill Lake, Barry Lake
Early Life
Ricki Lake was born in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, into a secular Jewish family. Her mother, Jill, was a homemaker, and her father, Barry Lake, worked as a pharmacist. Much of her upbringing was overseen by her paternal grandmother, Sylvia Lake, until Sylvia’s passing in 1978. Lake later attended Ithaca College, where she studied for one year.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ricki Pamela Lake |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Hastings-on-Hudson, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Family | Parents: Barry (pharmacist), Jill (homemaker); two sons |
| Education | Professional Children’s School; Ithaca College |
| Marital Status | Married to Ross Burningham (since 2022) |
| Previous Partners | Rob Sussman (1994–2004), Christian Evans (2012–2015) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $20 million |
Family Background
Raised in a secular Jewish household, Ricki grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her father, Barry Lake, worked as a pharmacist, while her mother, Jill, was a homemaker. Ricki shared a close bond with her paternal grandmother, Sylvia, who played a central role in her upbringing until her passing in 1978. Ricki attended local schools before transferring to the Professional Children’s School in New York City to pursue acting. She also began singing in clubs and cabarets at just 9 years old, showcasing her early passion for performance.
Career Beginnings and Major Milestones
Lake’s career skyrocketed when she landed the role of Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ Hairspray (1988), a performance that resonated with audiences for its message of self-acceptance and body positivity. She quickly became a recognizable face in Hollywood, taking on various acting roles through the late ’80s and ’90s. In 1993, at only 24 years old, Lake made television history by becoming the youngest host of a syndicated daytime talk show. Ricki Lake became a hit thanks to its bold, unfiltered conversations and real-life guest stories. The show ran for 11 seasons before concluding in 2004, allowing Ricki to shift her focus to her family and other personal endeavors.
Notable Works and Key Achievements
Beyond Hairspray, Ricki starred in films such as Serial Mom (1994) and Mrs. Winterbourne (1996), expanding her reputation as a versatile actress. She returned to daytime TV in 2012 with The Ricki Lake Show, a more mature, issue-focused version of her original talk show. Though short-lived, it earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host. Ricki also took on roles behind the camera, producing impactful documentaries like The Business of Being Born (2008), which sparked discussions around childbirth and women’s healthcare.
Recent Activity and Current Relevance
In recent years, Ricki has remained active in the public eye, connecting with fans via social media and speaking candidly about her struggles—including her journey with hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia. Her openness has helped normalize conversations around personal health issues and self-image. She also appeared on Dancing with the Stars (Season 13), finishing in third place and earning praise for her personal transformation. Her memoir, Never Say Never, offers deeper insights into her life, fame, and resilience.
Personal Life and Relationships
Ricki has experienced both joy and hardship in her personal life. She married Rob Sussman in 1994, and together they had two sons: Milo (born in 1997) and Owen (born in 2001). The couple divorced in 2004. She later married Christian Evans in 2012, though they separated in 2015 following personal challenges. In January 2022, she began a new chapter by marrying Ross Burningham.
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details
- Ricki was considered for roles in other high-profile films but often chose projects that reflected her personal values.
- She has long advocated for body positivity and self-empowerment.
- She loves cooking and frequently shares recipes and food photos online.
- On Dancing with the Stars, she wowed viewers with her transformation and storytelling through dance.
Philanthropy and Cultural Legacy
Beyond entertainment, Ricki has made significant contributions to women’s health advocacy and maternal care through her documentary work and public outreach. She supports various nonprofits and health initiatives, aiming to create meaningful change through education and awareness. Despite facing public scrutiny at times, Ricki has consistently shown strength and vulnerability, making her a symbol of authenticity in the media world.
Future Outlook and Lasting Impact
Looking ahead, Ricki Lake plans to continue creating content that educates and uplifts. She is particularly interested in producing documentaries that tackle important social issues. Her career has already reshaped daytime television and influenced discussions around body image, parenting, and personal healing. Through her unique combination of talent, honesty, and heart, Ricki Lake’s impact on pop culture remains timeless—an inspiration for generations past and future.
Ricki Lake Net Worth 2026
Ricki Lake has an estimated net worth of $20 million, built through acting, television, producing, and publishing. She has made savvy real estate investments and maintains a lifestyle that balances modesty with comfort. Her social media posts often highlight heartfelt family moments and meaningful personal growth, rather than material luxury.
FAQs
Does Ricki Lake have any biological children?
Lake met illustrator Rob Sussman in October 1993, on Halloween. The couple married in Las Vegas on March 26, 1994. They have two sons: Milo Sebastian Sussman (born 1997), and Owen Tyler Sussman, whose water birth, in 2001, was shown in The Business of Being Born, which Lake also produced.
What condition does Ricki Lake have?
Lake has androgenetic alopecia, a common hair-loss condition that affects up to 50 percent of people.
Who did Ricki Lake lose?
“That’s my advice to everyone,” she said. “Because I’ve had love and I’ve lost great love… it was a very challenging time.” Lake, 54, lost her ex-husband Christian Evans to suicide in 2017. The couple had been married from 2012 to 2015.
Why does Ricki Lake have short hair?
Sharing that her hair “was never the same” after it’d undergone triple-processing for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film, Lake said that a host of other factors — including diet, hormonal birth control, weight fluctuations, her pregnancies, genetics and stress over the years — were responsible for her hair.