Ricki Lake rose to national fame through her groundbreaking daytime talk show in the 1990s, but her career stretches far beyond television. She is an actress, producer, author, and advocate who has been open about both her achievements and the challenges she has faced. Over the years, Ricki has spoken publicly in reputable interviews about personal experiences that shaped her life, her path to success, and the strength she gained through healing and self-understanding.
Today, she continues to thrive personally and professionally, embracing wellness, transparency, and a renewed sense of confidence—especially after sharing her recent cosmetic and lifestyle changes.
Early Life and the Beginning of a Performance Career
Ricki Pamela Lake was born on September 21, 1968, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. According to The New York Times, she spent much of her early childhood with her grandmother, who played an important role in her upbringing until her passing in 1978. Even at a young age, Ricki showed interest in entertainment and performing arts.
By the age of nine, she was already singing at local events and clubs, as reported by People Magazine. Her passion for music and acting led her to the Professional Children’s School in New York City, which is known for training young performers. After high school, she enrolled at Ithaca College before receiving a career-changing call from her agent: an audition for filmmaker John Waters.
Breakthrough Role in Hairspray
Ricki Lake’s first major acting role came in 1988, when she starred as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ film Hairspray. According to Variety and People, this breakout performance earned widespread praise and a nomination for Best Female Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Her success in Hairspray was significant not only for her career but also for representation in Hollywood. In interviews, including one with Interview Magazine, she reflected on how the role challenged conventional beauty standards in the film industry at that time.
Working with John Waters also marked the beginning of a close, lifelong friendship. Waters has spoken about their professional and personal bond in several interviews, highlighting the respect they share for each other.
Continued Work in Film and Television
Following Hairspray, Ricki appeared in several films and television projects, including the 1990 film Cry-Baby, where she starred alongside Johnny Depp. She continued to develop her acting career with appearances in productions such as China Beach and other television films throughout the early 1990s.
However, Ricki soon found herself exploring a new direction—one that would bring her into millions of American households every weekday.
The Rise of The Ricki Lake Show
In 1993, at just 24 years old, Ricki Lake became one of the youngest hosts of a nationally syndicated talk show. The Ricki Lake Show quickly gained popularity and became an influential program of the decade. According to reporting by The Baltimore Sun and Variety, within its first year the show ranked second in daytime talk show ratings among younger viewers, behind only The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The program often focused on personal storytelling and audience participation, a format that was distinctive at the time. Ricki later said in interviews that she did not fully grasp how groundbreaking the show was until years later.
She remained host until 2004, fulfilling her contract and later explaining to The Baltimore Sun and Today that major life events—including living in New York City during September 11, 2001—led her to reassess her priorities.
Family Life and Personal Milestones
Ricki Lake married illustrator Rob Sussman in 1994. The couple welcomed two sons: Milo in 1997 and Owen in 2001. After their divorce in 2005, Ricki continued to focus on raising her children while exploring new professional opportunities.
In 2012, Ricki married jewelry designer Christian Evans. In 2017, she confirmed publicly through social media and statements to People Magazine that Evans had passed away following mental-health struggles. Ricki has spoken openly about mental-health awareness and the importance of compassionate support, emphasizing the impact her late husband had on her life.
She later found love again and married attorney Ross Burningham in 2022, a joyful milestone she shared with outlets including Today and People.
Professional Projects and an Emmy Win
After stepping away from her original talk show, Ricki continued working in television and documentary production. Her advocacy for maternal health and childbirth education led her to co-produce The Business of Being Born (2008), a documentary widely covered by major outlets for its exploration of maternity care in the United States.
In 2012, The Ricki Lake Show returned to television in a reimagined format. The revival earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 2013.
Public Discussion of Hair Loss
In 2020, Ricki Lake made headlines after publicly sharing her decades-long struggle with hair loss. According to People Magazine, Today, and Ricki’s own verified Instagram account, she explained that she experienced thinning hair for more than 30 years. She attributed it to a combination of factors including stress, styling practices, hormonal changes, and other personal circumstances.
Her decision to speak openly about her experience received overwhelming support. Thousands of social media users, as reported by NBC News, thanked her for reducing stigma around hair thinning and encouraging others to seek help and understanding.
Ricki later shaved her head in 2019 and began embracing her natural hair growth. She has said in multiple interviews that this marked a turning point in her relationship with her appearance and confidence.
Health, Wellness, and Personal Transformation
Ricki Lake has shared several updates in recent years regarding her wellness journey. In 2024 she spoke on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, confirming that she underwent a lower face and neck lift performed by surgeon Allen Foulad. She emphasized that the decision was personal and wanted to be transparent to help normalize conversations about cosmetic procedures.
She also publicly discussed her weight-management efforts. According to her interviews on People and Today, Ricki lost approximately 30 pounds through lifestyle changes beginning in late 2023, explaining that she undertook the journey with her husband and focused on long-term wellness rather than rapid results.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Ricki Lake’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and openness. She became a television icon in the 1990s, shaped film and talk-show culture, and expanded into advocacy and documentary work. Through the loss of loved ones, health challenges, and demanding life transitions, she has consistently shown strength.
Today, Ricki continues to champion authenticity, share her experiences without hesitation, and encourage others to embrace their own paths. Her journey—spanning entertainment, family, advocacy, and personal growth—remains an inspiring example of resilience and reinvention.