Ricki Lake stepped into the cultural spotlight at just 24 years old, redefining daytime television and capturing public attention for over five decades. From breaking breakthrough cinematic ground in John Waters' Hairspray to hosting a namesake daytime talk show that rivaled the biggest names in the industry, her career is a study in reinvention. Beyond the cameras, her personal life—marked by high-profile marriages, profound personal loss, and enduring resilience—reflects a deeply human journey.
Understanding Lake's trajectory requires looking past standard celebrity milestones. Her path spans generations of shifting media landscapes, independent documentary filmmaking, and personal advocacy that reshaped conversations around body image, childbirth, and mental health awareness.
Breaking Into Hollywood: From Tracy Turnblad to Icon
Long before she anchored a daily television audience, Lake made her mark on the silver screen. Discovered for the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 cult classic Hairspray, she brought authenticity, humor, and immense energy to a character that challenged conventional Hollywood casting standards. That breakout role opened doors to dramatic and comedic film work throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, including appearances in Serial Mom and Mrs. Winterbourne.
Her acting success laid the groundwork for an unprecedented leap into television hosting. When she launched her syndicated daytime talk show in 1993, television executives took a massive gamble on a twenty-something host. The gamble paid off immediately.
The Daytime Television Revolution
The Ricki Lake show didn't just mimic existing formulas; it upended them. While other programs targeted older, suburban demographics, Lake spoke directly to teenagers and young adults. The program embraced sensational, quirky, and deeply raw human stories, featuring studio audiences that actively participated in the debate.
- The Demographic Shift: Lake became the youngest person ever to host a major syndicated national daytime talk show at the time.
- Cultural Impact: The show tackled taboo topics, subcultures, and relational drama years before reality television dominated the airwaves.
- The Longevity: The original series ran for 11 successful seasons before Lake chose to walk away in 2004 to focus on raising her young family.
In 2012, she returned to daytime television with The Ricki Lake Show, shifting toward a more empathetic, solutions-oriented format akin to classic Oprah-style programming. Though it lasted for only a single season, the project earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host, cementing her legacy within the medium.
Navigating Three Decades of Marriage and Relationships
Lake's romantic life has unfolded publicly, intersecting with the various chapters of her career. Her relationships reflect personal growth through immense triumphs and devastating heartbreaks.
The First Marriage: Rob Sussman (1994–2004)
At the height of her initial talk show fame, Lake married illustrator Rob Sussman in March 1994. The couple welcomed two sons, Milo and Owen. Balancing a grueling television production schedule with early motherhood proved difficult, and the marriage ended in divorce in 2004, the same year her original talk show wrapped.
The Second Marriage: Christian Evans (2012–2015)
In 2012, Lake married jewelry designer Christian Evans after several years of dating. Behind closed doors, Evans struggled intensely with bipolar disorder. Lake has spoken candidly about the toll the illness took on their dynamic, leading to a separation and finalized divorce in 2015. Tragically, Evans died by suicide in 2017. Lake became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, honoring his memory while navigating her grief.
Finding Peace: Ross Burningham (2022–Present)
Following years of healing, Lake met lawyer Ross Burningham through a mutual friend in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began casually blossomed into a deep connection. The couple married in an intimate ceremony in January 2022. Both entering the marriage as empty-nesters with children from previous relationships, Lake has frequently expressed gratitude for the grounded partnership they share, which helped anchor her through subsequent life challenges, including the loss of their Malibu home in the 2025 wildfires.
Expanding Horizons: Documentaries, Reality TV, and Advocacy
Lake never confined herself to a single box. When her daytime talk era concluded, she expanded into independent filmmaking and reality competitions.
- The Business of Being Born (2008): Lake executive-produced this critically acclaimed documentary exploring maternal care and birthing choices in the United States, drawing heavily from her own home-birth experiences.
- Dancing with the Stars (2011): She showcased her physical stamina and competitive drive, finishing in third place alongside partner Derek Hough.
- Public Vulnerability: In 2020, Lake bravely shared her long-term struggle with chronic hair loss, shaving her head publicly to liberate herself from societal expectations and inspire others facing similar body-image hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Ricki Lake when she started her first talk show?
Lake was only 24 years old when the Ricki Lake show premiered in 1993, making her the youngest person at the time to host a major syndicated daytime television program.
How many children does Ricki Lake have?
Lake shares two sons, Milo and Owen, with her first husband, Rob Sussman. Through her current marriage to Ross Burningham, she is also a stepmother to Burningham's children.
What awards has Ricki Lake won for her television work?
While she was nominated multiple times during her original 11-year run, Lake won her first Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host in 2013 for her short-lived syndicated revival, The Ricki Lake Show.
What inspired Ricki Lake to produce The Business of Being Born?
Her personal experiences with pregnancy and childbirth exposed her to systemic flaws and limited options within modern maternity care, driving her to produce the 2008 documentary to empower expectant mothers with alternative perspectives.
