Ricki Lake has been a beloved figure in entertainment for decades. Best known for her breakout role in Hairspray and as the host of The Ricki Lake Show, she has had a lasting impact on both film and television. Her relatable personality and willingness to discuss real-life issues have made her a favorite among audiences of all ages.
As of 2024, Ricki Lake’s net worth is estimated at $16 million, thanks to her extensive career in television, film, and other ventures. Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her late husband, Christian Evans, Ricki continues to inspire others with her resilience and positive attitude.
Key Takeaways
- Ricki Lake is a popular television host and actress, best known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray and hosting The Ricki Lake Show.
- As of 2024, Ricki Lake’s net worth is estimated at $16 million.
- She has been married twice, first to Rob Sussman and later to Christian Evans, who passed away in 2017.
- Ricki Lake has used her platform to raise awareness about mental health, inspired by her late husband’s struggles.
Ricki Lake’s Early Fame – The "Hairspray" Breakthrough
Ricki Lake shot to fame with her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray, directed by John Waters. The film was a massive success and helped launch Lake’s acting career. Her role as the confident and bubbly Tracy became iconic, and it set the stage for future opportunities in Hollywood.
After Hairspray, Lake appeared in various other movies but transitioned to television, where she would find even greater success.
The Success of "The Ricki Lake Show"
In 1993, Ricki Lake began hosting her own talk show, The Ricki Lake Show. The show was a hit for its candid discussions on personal and controversial topics, resonating with a wide range of viewers. It aired for over a decade, from 1993 to 2004, and established Lake as a leading figure in daytime television.
Lake returned to the talk show format in 2012 with a second version of The Ricki Lake Show, though it lasted only one season. Her contributions to the talk show genre remain significant, as she was one of the first women to successfully host a long-running talk show focused on everyday people’s stories.
Ricki Lake’s Personal Life – Marriages and Heartbreak
Ricki Lake’s First Husband: Rob Sussman
Ricki Lake married her first husband, Rob Sussman, in 1994. Sussman, a political illustrator, met Lake at a Halloween party, and the two quickly connected. They married in Las Vegas and had a son, Milo, together. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2004, after ten years.
Ricki Lake’s Late Husband: Christian Evans
After her divorce from Rob Sussman, Ricki found love again with Christian Evans, a jewelry designer. They married in 2012, but their relationship was marked by Evans’ struggles with mental health. Tragically, Christian passed away in 2017, which had a profound impact on Ricki. Since then, she has become an advocate for mental health awareness.
How Old Is Ricki Lake?
As of October 2024, Ricki Lake is 56 years old, having been born on September 21, 1968, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Despite the challenges she has faced, Lake remains active in the entertainment industry and continues to use her platform for advocacy.
Ricki Lake’s Net Worth and Career Achievements
Ricki Lake’s estimated net worth in 2024 is $16 million, a testament to her long and successful career in television and film. Her wealth comes from her acting roles, her talk show, and her work as a producer, particularly on documentaries.
Summary of Ricki Lake’s Life
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ricki Pamela Lake |
| Born | September 21, 1968, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated $16 million |
| Famous for | Role in Hairspray, hosting The Ricki Lake Show |
| First Husband | Rob Sussman (1994–2004) |
| Late Husband | Christian Evans (passed away 2017) |
| Age in 2024 | 56 years old |
Ricki Lake’s Ongoing Influence
Beyond her career in television, Ricki Lake has also produced and appeared in documentaries that address various social issues. For example, her documentary The Business of Being Born explored childbirth practices in America and received critical acclaim.
Lake’s openness about her personal struggles, including losing her husband to mental illness, has made her a source of comfort and inspiration for many. She remains an advocate for mental health, often sharing her journey to help others.
FAQs
How old is Ricki Lake?
As of 2024, Ricki Lake is 56 years old. She was born on September 21, 1968.
What is Ricki Lake’s net worth?
Ricki Lake’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be around $16 million, earned through her successful career in television, film, and production.
Who was Ricki Lake’s first husband?
Ricki Lake’s first husband was Rob Sussman, a political illustrator. They were married from 1994 to 2004 and have one son together.
What happened to Ricki Lake’s late husband?
Ricki Lake’s late husband, Christian Evans, passed away in 2017 due to mental health issues. His death profoundly affected Ricki, and she has since become an advocate for mental health awareness.
What is Ricki Lake known for?
Ricki Lake is best known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray and for hosting The Ricki Lake Show, a popular daytime talk show that aired from 1993 to 2004.
Did Ricki Lake have a second talk show?
Yes, Ricki Lake returned to the talk show format in 2012 with The Ricki Lake Show. However, this version only lasted one season.
How did Ricki Lake gain fame?
Ricki Lake gained fame through her debut role as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, which led to her career in film and television, including her famous talk show.