Ricki Lake's Husbands: A Journey Through Love, Loss, And New Beginnings

Ricki Lake, an iconic figure who first captivated audiences as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film "Hairspray," has led a life as dynamic and multifaceted as her career. From a beloved teen actress to a daytime talk show sensation and a vocal advocate, Lake has consistently remained in the public eye. Beyond her professional triumphs, her personal life, particularly her journey through marriage and relationships, has been a testament to resilience, enduring love, and the courage to embrace new beginnings. This article delves into the significant relationships that have shaped Ricki Lake's life, exploring the men who have held the title of "Ricki Lake husband" and the profound impact each union has had on her remarkable story.

For decades, Ricki Lake has been a fixture in the public consciousness, evolving through various roles and challenges. Her openness about her life, including its joys and heartbreaks, has endeared her to millions. From the early days of her acting career to her transformative years as a talk show host, and even through personal struggles like hair loss and profound loss, Lake has always faced the world with authenticity. Her romantic life, marked by significant partnerships, reflects a journey of seeking connection, enduring grief, and ultimately, finding profound happiness once more. Join us as we explore the chapters of Ricki Lake's love story.

Table of Contents

• Ricki Lake: An Enduring Icon's Personal Journey
• The First Chapter: Ricki Lake and Rob Sussman
• Navigating Loss: Ricki Lake's Marriage to Christian Evans
• Finding Love Again: Ricki Lake's Path to Ross Burningham
• The Malibu Nuptials: Ricki Lake and Ross Burningham's Wedding
• Ricki Lake's Resilience: Beyond Relationships
• The Enduring Legacy of Ricki Lake's Personal Life
• FAQs about Ricki Lake's Husbands
  • Who is Ricki Lake's current husband?
  • How many times has Ricki Lake been married?
  • Does Ricki Lake have children?
  • What happened to Ricki Lake's second husband?

Ricki Lake: An Enduring Icon's Personal Journey

Ricki Lake's career began with a bang, starring as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters' "Hairspray" in 1988, a role that instantly cemented her as a fresh and vibrant talent. This debut was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw her transition from a beloved actress to a groundbreaking daytime talk show host. "The Ricki Lake Show," which premiered in 1993, became a cultural phenomenon, known for its focus on real-life issues and its younger, more diverse audience. Lake's empathetic and relatable approach made her a trusted figure for millions. Beyond the bright lights of Hollywood and television studios, Ricki Lake has always been candid about her personal life, including her relationships, struggles, and triumphs. Her openness has fostered a deep connection with her audience, making her not just a celebrity, but a relatable human being navigating the complexities of life. This includes her experiences with marriage, divorce, and profound loss, all of which she has shared with a level of vulnerability that is rare in the public eye. Understanding her personal journey is key to appreciating the woman behind the enduring public persona.

Ricki Lake's Personal Data & Biodata

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Ricki Pamela Lake
Date of Birth	September 21, 1968
Place of Birth	New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, Television Host, Producer
Notable Roles	Tracy Turnblad (Hairspray), The Ricki Lake Show (Host)
Children	Milo Sebastian Sussman, Owen Tyler Sussman
Spouses	Rob Sussman (m. 1994; div. 2004) Christian Evans (m. 2012; div. 2015; d. 2017) Ross Burningham (m. 2022)

The First Chapter: Ricki Lake and Rob Sussman

Ricki Lake's first journey into matrimony began with illustrator Rob Sussman. The couple met in 1993, and their connection quickly blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1994. This period marked a significant personal milestone for Lake, as she was not only building a successful career but also starting a family. Their union brought two children into the world, adding vibrant colors to their happily married life. Their first child, Milo Sebastian Sussman, was born on March 22, 1997, in Manhattan, New York. Later, they welcomed their second son, Owen Tyler Sussman. Ricki Lake shared two children with her first husband, Rob Sussman, and their sons remain a central part of her life. While their marriage lasted for a decade, culminating in their divorce in 2004, the bond of family created through their children remained strong. This first marriage laid the foundation for Ricki Lake's experience with long-term partnership and the joys of motherhood, shaping her perspective on love and family in the years to come. The role of a "Ricki Lake husband" began with Rob Sussman, establishing the public's awareness of her personal life beyond her professional endeavors.

Navigating Loss: Ricki Lake's Marriage to Christian Evans

After her divorce from Rob Sussman, Ricki Lake found love again with Christian Evans. Christian Evans was a multi-talented individual, known as an actor, producer, and jewelry designer. Their relationship culminated in marriage in 2012, marking a new chapter in Ricki Lake's life. However, their union was also marked by significant challenges, particularly Christian's struggle with bipolar disorder. The couple divorced in 2015, after struggling with Christian's mental health issues. Despite the divorce, Ricki remained a supportive figure in Christian's life. Tragically, in 2017, Christian Evans died by suicide at the age of 45. This devastating loss profoundly impacted Ricki Lake. She has openly reflected on the "debilitating" nature of his illness and the immense grief she experienced. Speaking to the New York Times, Lake reflected on the profound impact of his death, stating, "Keep reading to find out about more about Lake's tragic loss." She has been candid about his battle with bipolar disorder, shedding light on the complexities of mental illness and the immense pain it can cause for individuals and their loved ones. Lake's public sharing of her experience with Christian's illness and his passing underscored her commitment to raising awareness about mental health. This period of her life was marked by immense sorrow, yet it also showcased her incredible strength and resilience in the face of profound personal tragedy. The memory of her second "Ricki Lake husband" remains a significant, albeit painful, part of her life story, highlighting her capacity for deep love and enduring sorrow.

Finding Love Again: Ricki Lake's Path to Ross Burningham

Nearly five years after the tragic death of her late husband Christian Evans, Ricki Lake found love again. This new chapter began in an unexpected way, during the global pandemic. Lake, 53 at the time, told Good Morning America that she met Ross Burningham on a COVID-friendly date, describing it as "pandemic love." Their connection was immediate and deep, leading to a whirlwind romance that brought much-needed joy back into her life. Ricki Lake exclusively revealed to People in February 2021 that she and Ross Burningham got engaged. This happy news came less than a year after they met, signaling the strength and certainty of their bond. Ross Burningham is a lawyer, and the couple's engagement marked a hopeful new beginning for Lake, who had navigated significant personal challenges in the years prior. Learn more about the man who won her heart and would become her third "Ricki Lake husband." Their engagement was a beacon of hope, demonstrating that love can indeed be found again, even after profound loss and in the most unusual circumstances.

The Malibu Nuptials: Ricki Lake and Ross Burningham's Wedding

Ricki Lake kicked off 2022 by tying the knot with her fiancé, Ross Burningham. The couple walked down the aisle on January 2, 2022, in an intimate outdoor ceremony at their Malibu home. This beautiful event marked Ricki Lake officially being "off the market" after saying "I do" to her third husband, Ross Burningham. The "Hairspray" star revealed the happy news in an Instagram post, sharing glimpses of their special day with her followers. The actress and former talk show host, 53, announced that she and fiancé Ross Burningham tied the knot on Sunday, January 2nd. Their nuptials came after a nearly yearlong engagement, a period during which they solidified their bond and prepared for this exciting new chapter. Ricki Lake tells People about her wedding to Ross Burningham on January 2, nearly one year after the couple got engaged. The pair exclusively revealed to People that they were overjoyed to finally be married. The wedding was a joyous occasion, a testament to finding love and happiness later in life. Ricki Lake has tied the knot to lawyer Ross Burningham, marking a beautiful new beginning for her. This ceremony, held in the comfort and privacy of their home, symbolized a fresh start filled with hope and profound connection. This latest "Ricki Lake husband" represents a future built on shared love and mutual respect.

Ricki Lake's Resilience: Beyond Relationships

While her relationships have been a significant part of her public narrative, Ricki Lake's life story is also one of incredible personal resilience beyond her romantic partnerships. She has openly discussed other struggles, demonstrating her unwavering strength. For instance, Lake has reflected on "debilitating" hair loss, a deeply personal challenge she bravely shared with the public. This willingness to be vulnerable about her struggles, whether physical or emotional, has only deepened her connection with her audience. Back in 2017, Lake's second husband, Christian Evans, died by suicide, a tragedy that tested her strength to its core. Yet, she emerged from this period with a renewed sense of purpose, advocating for mental health awareness and showing others that it is possible to find joy again after immense sorrow. Her journey is a powerful reminder that even public figures face profound personal battles, and that resilience is key to navigating life's unpredictable path. Ricki Lake has consistently shown her ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive, regardless of the obstacles placed in her way. Her story is not just about finding a "Ricki Lake husband," but about finding herself and her strength through every life experience.

The Enduring Legacy of Ricki Lake's Personal Life

Ricki Lake has accomplished a lot ever since she made her debut as the lead character, Tracy Turnblad, in the 1988 film "Hairspray." Her career has spanned decades, marked by iconic roles and groundbreaking television. However, it is her openness about her personal life, including her experiences with love, marriage, and loss, that truly solidifies her enduring legacy. From her first marriage to Rob Sussman and the joy of motherhood, through the profound grief and public advocacy following the death of Christian Evans, to finding renewed happiness with Ross Burningham, Lake's journey has been a public display of resilience. She has worn a few rings so far, each symbolizing a different chapter and a different "Ricki Lake husband." Her willingness to share these intimate details has made her a relatable figure for many, demonstrating that life is a complex tapestry of joy and sorrow, and that finding love and happiness is possible at any stage. Her story continues to inspire, reminding us that even after significant challenges, new beginnings are always possible.

FAQs about Ricki Lake's Husbands

Who is Ricki Lake's current husband?

Ricki Lake's current husband is Ross Burningham. They tied the knot on January 2, 2022, in an intimate outdoor ceremony at their Malibu home. Ross Burningham is a lawyer, and their relationship began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Ricki Lake has referred to as "pandemic love."

How many times has Ricki Lake been married?

Ricki Lake has been married three times. Her first husband was Rob Sussman, her second was Christian Evans, and her current husband is Ross Burningham.

Does Ricki Lake have children?

Yes, Ricki Lake has two children, both sons, from her first marriage to Rob Sussman. Their names are Milo Sebastian Sussman, born on March 22, 1997, and Owen Tyler Sussman. He has two sons named Milo and Owen with Ricki.

What happened to Ricki Lake's second husband?

Ricki Lake's second husband, Christian Evans, tragically died by suicide at the age of 45 in 2017. He suffered from bipolar disorder, and Ricki Lake has been open about his struggles with mental health issues, which ultimately led to their divorce in 2015 before his passing.

Conclusion

Ricki Lake's journey through love, loss, and new beginnings is a powerful narrative of human resilience. From her iconic debut in "Hairspray" to her influential role as a talk show host, Lake has always been a beacon of authenticity. Her relationships, particularly with her "Ricki Lake husband" partners—Rob Sussman, Christian Evans, and now Ross Burningham—have profoundly shaped her life, each bringing unique joys, challenges, and lessons. She has navigated the complexities of marriage, the profound grief of losing a loved one, and the courage to find love again, even in the most unexpected circumstances. Her story is a testament to the fact that life is a continuous evolution, filled with opportunities for growth and happiness, regardless of past heartbreaks. Ricki Lake's openness about her personal life, including her struggles with hair loss and her advocacy for mental health, has solidified her place not just as a celebrity, but as a relatable and inspiring figure. What are your thoughts on Ricki Lake's incredible journey? Which aspect of her life story resonates most with you? Share your comments below and join the conversation about this enduring icon's remarkable path. If you found this article insightful, consider exploring more of our content on celebrity journeys and personal triumphs.

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