Long before daytime talk show television changed forever or Hairspray made her a household name, Ricki Lake built a private world centered around her greatest roles: mother to Milo and Owen. While millions grew up watching her host her groundbreaking eponymous talk show or tracking her career twists, her two sons grew up largely away from the flashbulbs of Hollywood.
Ricki Lake shares her two adult sons, Milo Sebastian Sussman and Owen Tyler Sussman, with her first husband, illustrator Rob Sussman. They married in 1994 and divorced a decade later in 2004. Throughout the highs and lows of her public career—including personal tragedies, remarriages, and relocations—her bond with her boys has remained her anchor. This look examines who Milo and Owen are today, how they were raised, and what life looks like for Ricki Lake’s family.
Meet Milo Sebastian Sussman
Milo Sebastian Sussman is Ricki Lake's firstborn child, born on March 22, 1997. Arriving at the height of his mother’s daytime television fame, Milo spent his earliest years navigating the strange reality of having a mother recognized on every street corner.
Despite growing up with industry access, Milo chose a path out of the constant spotlight. He maintains a low profile, keeping his social accounts private and focusing on personal creative endeavors rather than pursuing acting or television hosting. Over the years, Ricki has occasionally shared glimpses of Milo on her Instagram account, highlighting his passion for music creation, traveling abroad, and attending sports games together as a tight-knit trio.
Meet Owen Tyler Sussman
Owen Tyler Sussman, Ricki's second son, was born on June 18, 2001. Owen's entrance into the world made a splash in pop culture history long before he could understand it. His water birth was famously documented and featured in the provocative 2008 birth-culture documentary The Business of Being Born, which Ricki produced.
Like his older brother, Owen has largely avoided the entertainment machine. While details about his formal higher education and career paths remain private, family snapshots show a young man who shares his mother's adventurous spirit, love for travel, and close bond with his brother.
Co-Parenting and Family Dynamics After Divorce
Raising children in the public eye comes with unique pressures, which compounded when Ricki and Rob Sussman divorced in 2004. Transitioning into a blended and single-parent dynamic required intentionality. Ricki has often spoken candidly about wanting her sons to experience a grounded upbringing despite her celebrity status.
The family faced severe trials together, including surviving a terrifying Malibu house fire in 2010 that destroyed their home, from which Ricki and her boys thankfully escaped without injury. Through career reinventions, mental health advocacy following the tragic death of her second husband, Christian Evans, and her later marriage to Ross Burningham, Milo and Owen have remained her primary focus.
The trio even stepped into the television spotlight together briefly in 2020 for an appearance on Celebrity Family Feud. That rare television appearance gave fans a window into their dynamic—showcasing a relaxed, humorous, and deeply supportive family unit where the boys rib their famous mother with affection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Ricki Lake's children?
Ricki Lake has two sons, Milo Sebastian Sussman (born in 1997) and Owen Tyler Sussman (born in 2001), whom she shares with her first husband, Rob Sussman.
Who is the father of Ricki Lake's sons?
The father is Rob Sussman, an illustrator whom Ricki married in March 1994. The couple divorced in 2004.
Are Milo and Owen involved in the entertainment industry?
No. While they have occasionally appeared on their mother's social media channels or joined her for special events like Celebrity Family Feud, both sons keep private lives away from Hollywood.
Where can I watch Owen Sussman's birth?
Owen’s water birth was captured on film and prominently featured in the 2008 documentary The Business of Being Born, which explores American maternity care.
