Ricki Lake Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ricki Lake is an American actress, television host, and producer — best known for starring in Hairspray and later becoming one of daytime television’s most popular talk show hosts.

Introduction

Ricki Pamela Lake (born September 21, 1968) is a celebrated American actress, talk show host, and producer whose work spans decades and whose influence in entertainment and advocacy remains widely recognized. Her estimated net worth hovers around US$20–25 million, reflecting a long career across film, television, producing and public appearances. 

Over the years, Ricki Lake’s personal life — including past relationships and current marriage — has drawn public attention, adding layers of complexity, resilience, and reinvention to her story.

Quick Facts

From Youthful Ambitions to Big-Screen Stardom

Ricki Lake grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, where early on she developed a passion for performing — she reportedly began singing professionally at age nine, performing in cabarets and clubs.

After attending the Professional Children’s School in New York City, she briefly enrolled at Ithaca College. But during her studies, she received a call from her agent to audition for the lead in a film — and landed the role that would change her life. 

That film was Hairspray (1988), where she starred as Tracy Turnblad. The role made her an overnight sensation — praised for her charisma, talent, and vivacity. 

Defining moments in Ricki Lake’s journey include:

• Landing the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, launching her film career.

• Transitioning from film actress to daytime TV host — becoming the youngest person to host a syndicated talk show at the time, with The Ricki Lake Show debuting when she was in her early 20s. 

• Later pivoting to producing and advocacy, expanding her influence beyond acting. 

The Core Pillars of Ricki Lake’s Wealth Include:

Lake’s ability to shift between acting, hosting, producing, and public advocacy has allowed her to maintain relevance — and financial stability — across decades in an industry often characterized by volatility.

Relationships & Personal Life

Ricki Lake’s personal life has been marked by love, loss, resilience, and renewal.

• First marriage: She married artist/therapist Rob Sussman on March 26, 1994. The union produced two sons, Milo Sebastian Sussman and Owen Tyler Sussman, before ending in divorce in 2004.

• Second marriage: Lake married jewelry designer Christian Evans on April 8, 2012. The relationship ended a few years later. Tragically, Evans died by suicide in 2017 — a loss Lake has spoken about publicly, acknowledging how it shaped her perspectives on love, mental health, and resilience.

• Current marriage: In early 2022, Lake married lawyer and father-of-four Ross Burningham. They reportedly met during the COVID-19 pandemic and tied the knot on January 2, 2022, in a seaside ceremony. 

Key insights into Ricki Lake’s relationships and personal life:

• Her journey reflects deep personal growth — from early motherhood to heartbreak, recovery, and newfound love.

• Lake has been open about grief, mental health, and healing, particularly in relation to her late ex-husband’s struggle. 

• Her current marriage suggests stability and renewal, demonstrating her ability to embrace love again after loss.

Beyond Stardom: Lifestyle, Passions & Values

Beyond career success, Ricki Lake leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A commitment to wellness and mental-health advocacy, shaped by personal experiences with grief and recovery.

• A focus on motherhood and family: as a mother to two sons, she has spoken about the importance of parenthood and maintaining a balanced life.

• Pursuit of creative and meaningful projects — from acting and hosting to producing socially conscious work and advocating for women’s health and birth choices.

Net Worth: Breakdown & What Drives It

Because estimates vary, the following breakdown reflects a composite view of Ricki Lake’s income streams and their influence on her wealth:

Public Image, Influence & Legacy

Ricki Lake’s public image blends charisma, authenticity, and resilience. She remains widely respected for:

• Shifting cultural narratives: Her breakout role in Hairspray challenged traditional norms around beauty and body image in Hollywood.

• Bringing real issues to daytime TV: With The Ricki Lake Show, she created a platform that resonated with younger generations, addressing social issues, relationships, identity — often with empathy and openness. 

• Advocacy and authenticity: Later in life, Lake has spoken candidly about mental health, motherhood, self-acceptance, and personal growth. This honesty has earned admiration from fans and peers alike. 

Her influence extends beyond entertainment — into the realms of wellness, empowerment, and social awareness.

Conclusion

Ricki Lake’s journey — from a young singer in New York to big-screen actress, iconic talk show host, producer, mother, and advocate — reflects a life of reinvention, resilience, and purpose. Her estimated net worth of US$20–25 million underscores decades of success across entertainment and media. Born on September 21, 1968, she continues to draw attention not only for her professional achievements but also for her personal evolution, relationships, and commitment to authenticity.

Her story stands as a testament to transformation: of using fame not just for stardom, but for meaningful influence and personal healing.