Celebrity Info
Ricki Lake, the charismatic daytime talk-show diva, first captured the spotlight with her vibrant performance as the plus-sized, high-spirited lead in John Waters’ cult classic Hairspray (1988). As a proud member of Waters’ beloved ensemble cast, Ricki Lake went on to appear in several of his offbeat films, such as Cry-Baby (1990), which also starred Johnny Depp. But while her early acting roles earned her a loyal following, it was Ricki Lake’s transformation and later career that truly solidified her place in pop culture history.
The name Ricki Lake soon became synonymous with bold, no-holds-barred daytime television thanks to her self-titled talk show, Ricki Lake, which ran in syndication from 1993 to 2004. The program, often both celebrated and controversial, showcased Ricki Lake’s fearless interviewing style and cemented her status as a household name. Even during the peak years of her talk-show fame, Ricki Lake never strayed too far from her cinematic roots, making memorable appearances in John Waters’ Serial Mom (1994) and Cecil B. Demented (2000).
After closing the chapter on her long-running series, Ricki Lake turned her attention to more intimate and meaningful ventures. She served as executive producer for the eye-opening documentary The Business of Being Born (2008), sparking national conversations about childbirth and maternal care. That same spirit of advocacy led her to co-author the book Your Best Birth in 2009. Then, in 2011, Ricki Lake stepped into the glittering world of reality TV by joining the thirteenth season of Dancing with the Stars on ABC, proving once again that Ricki Lake was not just a talk-show host or actress—but a dynamic, multi-talented force in Hollywood. Through every phase of her journey, Ricki Lake has remained a resilient and inspiring figure, continually reinventing herself with grace and grit.
When it comes to Ricki Lake’s career highlights, one project really stands out—her highest rated film, Embrace (2016), which received widespread acclaim and resonated deeply with audiences. Over the years, fans have often looked back at Ricki Lake’s body of work, comparing her various roles and creative endeavors. While Embrace shines as a standout success in Ricki Lake’s filmography, not every project reached the same level of praise. For instance, Cookie (1989) is generally regarded as Ricki Lake’s lowest rated movie. Still, even in less celebrated works like that, Ricki Lake brought authenticity and charm. Overall, when you look at Ricki Lake’s journey in film and media, it’s clear she’s had a dynamic and evolving career—from early roles to impactful documentaries like Embrace, Ricki Lake continues to leave her mark.
United States
