Ricki Lake's Age: The Untold Story Of How Old Is Ricki Lake?

Wyatt Koepp 26 May 2025

Ever wondered about the woman who dominated daytime television with her tell-it-like-it-is talk show? Ricki Lake, the vibrant and multifaceted American television personality, actress, and author, is currently 54 years old, a testament to her enduring presence in the entertainment world.

Born Ricki Pamela Lake on September 21, 1968, in the bustling metropolis of New York City, U.S., she quickly rose to prominence with the debut of her groundbreaking talk show, "Ricki Lake," in 1993. For over a decade, until 2004, the show fearlessly delved into a diverse range of personal and social issues, captivating audiences and solidifying Lake's status as a cultural icon. Her approach was often empathetic, sometimes controversial, but always engaging, making her a household name.

Birth Name	Ricki Pamela Lake
Date of Birth	September 21, 1968
Birth Place	New York City, U.S.
Age	54 years
Occupation	Television personality, actress, author, producer
Known for	Ricki Lake (talk show), Hairspray (film), Cry-Baby, Serial Mom, Business of Being Born
Spouse(s)	Rob Sussman (m. 1994; div. 2005), Christian Evans (m. 2012; d. 2017), Ross Burningham (m. 2022)
Children	2
Website	RickiLake.com

While "Ricki Lake" remains a defining chapter in her career, it represents only a fraction of her accomplishments. Lake's talent extends far beyond the talk show format. Film enthusiasts recognize her from memorable roles in John Waters' classics like "Hairspray" (1988) where she originated the role of Tracy Turnblad "Cry-Baby" (1990), and "Serial Mom" (1994). Her acting prowess demonstrates a versatility that has allowed her to navigate both comedic and more dramatic roles.

Her creative pursuits also include authorship. Lake has penned several books, most notably "Never Say Never: Finding a Happy Ending After Heartbreak and Divorce" (2014), which provides an intimate look into her personal struggles and triumphs. This book, along with her other writings, showcases her willingness to be vulnerable and connect with readers on a deeply personal level. She offered her own experiences of heartbreak and resilience to help readers who were struggling to find light in difficult times in their own lives.

The question of how old Ricki Lake is often arises not simply out of curiosity but from a genuine interest in understanding the career trajectory and life experiences of a public figure who has remained relevant for decades. It's a question that opens a door to exploring her diverse contributions to entertainment and her impact on popular culture.

Born in New York City, a cultural melting pot and incubator for talent, Ricki Lake embodies the city's spirit of resilience and adaptability. Her journey from a young actress to a daytime talk show host and beyond is a testament to her ability to evolve and reinvent herself. This evolution is reflected not only in her career choices but also in her personal growth and advocacy efforts.

It's not just the years that define Ricki Lake, but what she has accomplished and learned during that time. Her age serves as a marker of her professional longevity, a measure of the impact she has had on audiences, and a reflection of the personal growth she has experienced along the way. The following are some key life moments and achievements that help illuminate the trajectory of Ricki Lake's life.

Date of Birth: September 21, 1968
Age: 54 years old (as of late 2023)
Birth Place: New York City, U.S.
Occupation: Television personality, actress, author, producer
Known for: Ricki Lake (talk show), Hairspray (film), The Business of Being Born (Documentary)
Personal Life: Married three times, two children
Activism: Mental health awareness, animal rights, advocating for natural birthing practices.

These elements combine to create a multifaceted portrait of Ricki Lake, revealing not only her professional accomplishments but also her personal values and commitments. Its a testament to a life lived fully, with both challenges and triumphs that have shaped her into the person she is today. The fact that she started in the industry at a young age before landing her own talk show speaks to the tenacity and business saavy of Lake.

The specific date of September 21, 1968, is more than just a statistic; it's the foundation upon which Ricki Lake's entire life story is built. It represents the starting point from which her career, personal experiences, and overall journey have unfolded. By knowing her birthdate, we can accurately track the passage of time and gain a deeper appreciation for the scope of her accomplishments.

Calculating someone's age from their birthdate is a simple yet profound act. It transforms a date on a calendar into a quantifiable measure of life lived, experiences gained, and challenges overcome. In Ricki Lake's case, subtracting her birthdate from the present day reveals not just her age in years, months, and days, but also the context within which she has achieved her goals. This timeline, in a sense, is the architecture of her public persona.

The relationship between a birthdate and age extends beyond mere calculation. It has legal and societal implications that touch upon various aspects of life. Age determines eligibility for voting, driving, entering into contracts, and accessing certain benefits. Understanding this connection allows us to place Ricki Lake within a broader societal framework and appreciate the milestones she has reached at different stages of her life.

At 54 years old, Ricki Lake's age is a tapestry woven with threads of professional success, personal growth, and social impact. It's a story of a career that began early, evolved continuously, and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Career Trajectory:
Ricki Lake's age reflects her extensive tenure in the entertainment industry, spanning decades and encompassing a wide range of roles. Starting at a young age, she quickly gained recognition for her acting abilities and transitioned seamlessly into the world of daytime television, where she became a household name. This longevity is a testament to her talent, adaptability, and unwavering work ethic.
Life Experiences:
Age 54 signifies a wealth of personal experiences that have shaped Ricki Lake's perspectives and enriched her work. She has navigated the complexities of marriage, divorce, and motherhood, emerging stronger and more resilient with each challenge. These experiences have informed her writing, her advocacy efforts, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Industry Recognition:
Ricki Lake's age coincides with significant recognition and accolades from within the entertainment industry. Her contributions to television, film, and literature have been acknowledged through awards, nominations, and critical acclaim. This recognition solidifies her status as a respected and influential figure in the world of entertainment.
Social Impact:
As a public figure, Ricki Lake has used her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. Her age aligns with her ongoing commitment to mental health awareness, animal rights, and other social issues. Through her activism, she has inspired and empowered others to make a positive impact on the world.

Ricki Lake's age is a lens through which we can appreciate her accomplishments, understand her perspectives, and recognize the impact she has had on the lives of others. It's a reminder that age is not a limitation, but a testament to a life lived fully and meaningfully.

New York City, the birthplace of Ricki Lake, played a formative role in shaping her identity and career. The city's vibrant culture, diverse population, and thriving entertainment industry provided the perfect backdrop for her early years and contributed to her unique perspective on the world.

Birthplace and birthdate are intertwined in determining a person's age. Knowing that Ricki Lake was born in New York City allows us to accurately calculate her age, taking into account time zone differences and other relevant factors. This seemingly simple detail is essential for legal documentation, identity verification, and age-based eligibility for various activities and services.

The connection between birthplace and age calculation extends beyond practical applications. It plays a role in historical research, genealogical studies, and sociological analysis. By understanding the demographics of different birthplaces, we can gain insights into population trends, migration patterns, and the factors that influence individual lives and communities.

The intersection of "Occupation: Television personality, actress, author, producer" and "how old is Ricki Lake" speaks to the depth and breadth of her contributions to the entertainment world, highlighting a career that continues to evolve with time.

Ricki Lake's journey as a television personality, actress, author, and producer is inextricably linked to her age and life experiences. Her career has spanned decades, beginning with her early acting roles and culminating in her successful daytime talk show and subsequent ventures. This trajectory reflects her professional growth, her ability to adapt to changing industry trends, and her unwavering passion for creative expression.

Understanding the connection between occupation and age is essential for career planning, retirement planning, and social security benefits. It also plays a role in sociological studies and historical research, where understanding the occupational demographics of different age groups provides insights into societal changes and trends. Ricki Lake's career exemplifies how age can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and continued success.

Its almost impossible to discuss Ricki Lake without acknowledging her iconic role as Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray" and the cultural phenomenon that was her self-titled talk show. These accomplishments are not just bullet points on a resume; they are integral parts of her identity and the foundation of her lasting legacy.

The Ricki Lake Talk Show:
Her talk show, which ran for over a decade, was a platform for discussing taboo topics, providing a voice to the marginalized, and creating a space for open and honest dialogue. The show's success catapulted Ricki Lake to national fame and solidified her status as a cultural icon. The show, in many ways, also became a cultural artifact and window into the concerns and questions of that era.
Hairspray:
Ricki Lake's portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray" is a defining moment in her career. The film's themes of body positivity, racial integration, and social justice resonated deeply with audiences and established Ricki Lake as a symbol of empowerment and acceptance. Her performance earned critical acclaim and continues to inspire generations of viewers. The film's success and later status as a cult classic helped further cement the name Ricki Lake into the minds of filmgoers.

Ricki Lake's personal life is a mosaic of experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. Her marriages, her children, and her family dynamics have all played a significant role in her journey and have informed her perspectives on love, loss, and resilience.

Marriage and Relationships:
Marriage is a significant life event that often occurs during a specific age range. Ricki Lake's three marriages provide context for her age and relationship history, offering insights into her personal journey and life choices. While the end of some relationships can be difficult, Lake has openly spoken about her continued commitment to personal growth and to her children.
Parenthood:
Having children is another major life event that can influence one's age perception. Ricki Lake's experience as a mother of two children adds a layer of responsibility and fulfillment to her life, shaping her priorities and perspectives. Her commitment to her children remains a central focus in her life.
Family Dynamics:
Family relationships play a crucial role in shaping one's identity and sense of belonging. Ricki Lake's interactions with her family, including her children and former spouses, contribute to her overall well-being and life satisfaction, which are closely intertwined with her age and stage of life.
Personal Growth and Evolution:
Marriage, parenthood, and family dynamics are ongoing experiences that contribute to personal growth and evolution. Ricki Lake's journey through these life stages has undoubtedly influenced her outlook on life, resilience, and self-discovery, all of which are integral to understanding her age and the richness of her life experiences.

Her personal life, with its joys and sorrows, successes and challenges, is a vital part of her narrative and an integral element in understanding the woman behind the celebrity.

Ricki Lake's commitment to mental health awareness and animal rights reflects her values and her desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her activism in these areas has shaped her perspectives, influenced her work, and contributed to her overall identity as a compassionate and engaged citizen.

Mental Health Advocacy:
Ricki Lake has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, bravely sharing her personal experiences and supporting organizations that provide resources and support to those struggling with mental illness. Her work in this area has helped to break down stigmas, promote open conversations, and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it. This has also been something of a trend amongst celebrities, including other talk show hosts.
Animal Rights Activism:
Ricki Lake is a passionate advocate for animal rights, using her platform to raise awareness about animal welfare, promote responsible pet ownership, and support legislation to protect animals from cruelty. Her dedication to this cause demonstrates her compassion for all living beings and her commitment to creating a more humane world.

Her activism is a testament to her character, her empathy, and her desire to use her influence to make a difference in the lives of others. These are causes and issues that continue to be relevant to the culture at large.

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Ricki Lake's Age: The Untold Story Of How Old Is Ricki Lake?

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