Ever wondered how a boy from small-city New York transformed into one of America’s most dear talk show hosts? Ricki Lake’s tame drive reaches years of entertainment skill, personal win, and move defence work that continues to cut lives today.
This complete Ricki Lake biography let out the interesting story after her $25 million net worth, new career reaching, and recent life transformations that have won fans worldwide. You’ll discover dear details about her family, relationships, and the challenges that forged her into the hardy icon she is today.
Ricki Lake Wiki/Bio
Ricki Lake stands as one of entertainment’s most real nature. Born on September 21, 1968, this multi-talented actress, producer, and backer has finished over three years entertaining and inspiring viewers globally.
Her Ricki Lake biography reads like a modern success story. She became Hollywood’s youngest breakthrough star at 18 and later reform daytime television as the industry’s youngest talk show host at just 24 years old.
| Personal Details | Information |
| Full Name | Ricki Pamela Lake |
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1968 |
| Age | 56 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Secular Jewish |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Hometown | Hastings-on-Hudson, New York |
| Known For | Hairspray, The Ricki Lake Show, Mental Health Advocacy |
Physical Details
Ricki Lake’s height measures 5’4″ (162 cm), and she currently maintains a healthy weight of 130 pounds after her remarkable 40-pound transformation in 2023-2024. Her brown eyes and naturally light hair (now hold her beautiful grey) give back her real greeting to aging gracefully.
Her new Ricki Lake weight loss journey became a lift for on and off fans. She achieved this transformation without trendy remedies like Ozempic, instead focusing on supportable lifestyle changes including keto diet principles, odd fasting, regular Pilates sessions, and daily walk adventures.
Early Life
Ricki Lake’s story begins in the picturesque town of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, where she grew up in a loving secular Ricki Lake Jewish background household. Her mother Jill worked as a dedicated homemaker, while her father Barry built his career as a respected pharmacist serving their close-knit community.
The Ricki Lake family played a key role in shaping her caring personality. Her grandmother Sylvia Lake provided additional love and guidance during Ricki’s formative years until Sylvia’s passing in 1978, when Ricki was just ten years old.
Growing up, she attended Hastings Elementary School, Farragut Middle School, and Hastings High School for two years. Even as a child, Ricki displayed natural performing abilities that would later catapult her to stardom.
Her Ricki Lake parents instilled strong values of authenticity and resilience that became her sign throughout her entertainment career and personal challenges.
Education
Unlike many Hollywood stars, Ricki Lake chose a non-traditional educational path. She completed her high school education but didn’t pursue college, instead following her passion for performing arts when good time knocked.
Her educational journey included:
- Hastings Elementary School (foundational years)
- Farragut Middle School (developing interests)
- Hastings High School (partial completion)
This decision proved brilliant when she landed her breakthrough Tracy Turnblad Hairspray role at just 18 years old. Sometimes life’s best education happens outside traditional classrooms, and Ricki’s entertainment industry experience provided invaluable real-world learning.
Family Details
The Ricki Lake family story brings love, loss, and remarkable resilience. Her Ricki Lake parents, Jill and Barry, now enjoy retirement in Las Vegas, Nevada, while maintaining close relationships with their famous daughter and her extended family.
Ricki Lake marriages tell a complex tale of love’s journey:
First Marriage: Ricki Lake Rob Sussman (1994-2004)
- Married illustrator Rob Sussman for ten years
- Ricki Lake sons Milo and Owen were born during this union
- Both sons are now thriving adults in their twenties
Second Marriage: Ricki Lake Christian Evans (2012-2015, passed 2017)
- Tragically lost to suicide related to bipolar disorder
- His death sparked her passionate mental health advocacy work
Current Marriage: Ricki Lake Ross Burningham (since 2022)
- Former Mormon from San Diego bringing stability and joy
- Together they navigate a beautiful blended family with six grown Ricki Lake children from previous relationships
Special Facts About Ricki Lake
Ricki Lake’s life brims with fascinating details that showcase her unique journey:
- Youngest Achievement: Became America’s youngest Ricki Lake talk show host at age 24
- Hair Journey: boldly shared her Ricki Lake alopecia battle, shaving her head in 2019 before embracing natural grey hair
- Weight Victory: Lost 40 pounds naturally without medication, inspiring countless fans with supportable methods
- Home Loss: Lost her beloved Ricki Lake Malibu home fire in recent years, prompting her return to Ricki Lake New York
- Advocacy Impact: Transformed personal tragedy into meaningful Ricki Lake mental health advocate work
These experiences shaped her into the real, relatable personality fans adore worldwide.
Achievements
Ricki Lake’s career sparkles with impressive accomplishments spanning film, television, and kind work:
Professional Recognition
- Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead (Ricki Lake Hairspray performance)
- Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Talk Show Host (2013)
- Total impact on daytime television format and content
- Successful documentary production career
Personal Milestones
- Ricki Lake weight loss transformation motivate millions
- Transparent Ricki Lake hair loss journey lessen beauty stigma
- Ricki Lake Community Access ambassador role helping vulnerable populations
- Mental health advocacy following personal tragedy
Her achievements signal how entertainment success can create platforms for meaningful social impact.
Career Highlights
Ricki Lake’s career journey showcases remarkable originality and longevity in entertainment:
Film Breakthrough
Her Tracy Turnblad Hairspray role launched everything. Working with legendary director John Waters, she brought catching energy to this cult classic about dance, yes, and breaking social barriers. The film’s success opened doors throughout Hollywood.
Following Hairspray, she appeared in Ricki Lake Cry-Baby movie (1990), again collaborating with John Waters and starring alongside Johnny Depp in this rebellious musical comedy.
Television Revolution
The Ricki Lake Show (1993-2004) revolutionized daytime television. Unlike traditional talk shows, Ricki brought youthful energy and authentic connection to real-life relationship issues, family conflicts, and social problems affecting everyday Americans.
Documentary Impact
Her production work includes Ricki Lake, The Business of Being Born (2008), which sparked national conversations about childbirth practices and women’s healthcare choices. Later, the Weed the People documentary explored medical marijuana’s healing potential.
Career Start
Ricki Lake’s entertainment drive began with pure chance and preparation meeting time. At 18, she auditioned for what would become her iconic Tracy Turnblad Hairspray role.
Director John Waters saw something special in this young performer from Ricki Lake New York. Her natural charisma, dancing ability, and authentic personality perfectly embodied Tracy’s optimistic spirit and resolve to challenge social norms.
| Acting Debut | Hairspray (1988) |
| Breakthrough Role | Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (1988) |
| Talk Show Debut | The Ricki Lake Show (1993) |
| Notable Production | The Business of Being Born (2008) |
This foundation prepared her for the Ricki Lake show success that would define her career and establish her as a household name across America.
Net Worth and Income
Ricki Lake net worth currently stands at an impressive $25 million as of 2025, reflecting decades of smart career choices and diversified income streams.
Annual Income Breakdown
Her estimated annual earnings range from $1-2 million, generated through multiple revenue sources:
| Income Source | Contribution |
| Television Appearances | Primary earnings |
| Production Work | Substantial returns |
| Endorsements | Supplemental income |
| Speaking Engagements | Growing segment |
| Social Media Partnerships | Modern addition |
Controversies and Challenges
Ricki Lake has faced personal challenges with remarkable grace and image, turning potential disputes into time for authentic connection with fans.
Hair Loss Journey
Her Ricki Lake hair loss journey began with androgenetic alopecia, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Rather than hiding this struggle, she courageously shared her experience:
- 2019: Made the bold decision to shave her head completely
- Public sharing: Posted vulnerable photos showing her hair loss
- Natural embrace: Eventually let her beautiful grey hair grow naturally
- Advocacy impact: Reduced stigma around women’s hair loss issues
Weight Fluctuations
Throughout her career, Ricki Lake faced public scrutiny about weight changes. Her response showcased wonderful resilience:
- Sustainable approach: Rejected quick-fix diet trends
- Health focus: Prioritized overall wellness over appearance
- Recent success: Achieved 40-pound Ricki Lake weight loss through:
- Keto diet principles
- Intermittent fasting
- Regular Pilates practice
- Daily hiking routine
Personal Tragedies
The loss of Ricki Lake Christian Evans to suicide in 2017 level her personally but sparked her passionate mental health advocacy work. She transformed pain into purpose, helping countless others facing similar struggles.
Social Contributions
Ricki Lake leverages her platform for meaningful social impact, particularly as a Ricki Lake Community Access ambassador. This New York-based organization celebrates 50 years of service in 2025, providing crucial support for homeless individuals with mental health challenges.
Advocacy Areas
Her social contributions span multiple important causes:
Mental Health Awareness
- Reducing stigma around bipolar disorder and suicide
- Sharing personal experiences to help others
Body Positivity Movement
- Transparent discussions about weight, aging, and beauty standards
- Cheer self-acceptance and healthy lifestyle choices
Women’s Healthcare
- Documentary work highlighting childbirth choices
- Advocating for informed medical decision-making
Recent Updates
Ricki Lake 2025 updates reveal exciting new chapters in her evolving story:
June 2025 Developments
Cosmetic Surgery Transparency: She openly discussed her lower face and neck lift procedure on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, praising doctor Dr. Allen Foulad for addressing loose skin following her weight loss journey.
Cross-Country Move: After losing her beloved Ricki Lake Malibu home fire, she relocated to West Chelsea, Ricki Lake New York, with Ricki Lake Ross Burningham after 22 years on the West Coast.
Lifestyle and Favorites
Ricki Lake lifestyle and favorites reflect her commitment to wellness, family, and authentic living:
Daily Wellness Routine
- Morning hikes in nature for physical and mental health
- Pilates sessions maintaining strength and flexibility
- Intermittent fasting supporting her weight management goals
- Keto-friendly meals focusing on nutritious, satisfying foods
Personal Preferences
| Category | Favorites |
| Food | Healthy keto meals, fresh vegetables |
| Activities | Hiking, Pilates, family time |
| Destinations | New York City, natural settings |
| Hobbies | Advocacy work, documentary production |
Connect with Ricki Lake on Social Media
Stay updated with Ricki Lake now through her active social media presence, where she shares authentic glimpses into her daily life, advocacy work, and family adventures.
Her social media reflects the same warmth and genuine connection that made The Ricki Lake Show beloved by millions of viewers worldwide.
Ricki Lake biography demonstrates how authentic living, professional excellence, and social responsibility can create lasting impact. Her $25 million net worth represents more than financial success; it gives back decades of hard work, smart decisions, and using her platform for positive change.
Whether discussing her Ricki Lake weight loss drive, mental health approval, or family life with Ricki Lake Ross Burningham, she remains refreshingly real in an often artificial industry.
As Ricki Lake enters her next life chapter at 56, fans can expect continued growth, advocacy excellence, and the real spirit that has defined her remarkable drive from small-town New York teenager to beloved entertainment icon and social change champion.
Conclusion
Ricki Lake’s journey from a young dreamer in New York to a $25 million success story proves originality and resilience conquers any challenge. From her breakout role as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray to becoming the youngest daytime talk show host, she’s inspired millions.
Beyond fame, she’s openly shared her battles, including hair loss, weight loss, marriages, and her life with Ross Burningham, showing that vulnerability is strength. At 56, Ricki embraces wellness, family, and advocacy, championing mental health and community access. Her 2025 updates reflect peace and purpose, reminding us true wealth isn’t net worth but the positive impact we leave.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ricki Lake’s net worth in 2025?
Ricki Lake’s net worth is rated at $25 million as of 2025, earned through her successful acting, talk show hold, and on record production career.
How old is Ricki Lake and what’s her height?
Ricki Lake is 56 years old, born September 21, 1968. Ricki Lake’s height is 5’4″ (162 cm) and she currently weighs 130 pounds.
Who is Ricki Lake married to now?
Ricki Lake is married to Ricki Lake Ross Burningham in 2022. He’s a former Mormon from San Diego, and they live happily in New York.
What happened to Ricki Lake’s hair?
Ricki Lake expert Ricki Lake alopecia (hair loss) and gamely cut off her head in 2019. She now holds her beautiful natural white hair growth.
How did Ricki Lake lose 40 pounds?
Ricki Lake weight loss was reached naturally through keto diet, odd fasting, daily workout, and go on foot; no remedy like Ozempic were used for her transformation.
