Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake made her film debut in John Waters' 1988 film 'Hairspray', where she played the leading role of Tracy Turnblad, a 'pleasantly plump' teenager who fights against racial segregation in 1962 Baltimore. This role catapulted her into fame and set the stage for her future career in both acting and talk shows. 'Hairspray' was a critical success and is considered a cult classic, helping to launch Lake's career in the entertainment industry.

In 1991, Ricki Lake appeared in a significant role on the acclaimed television series 'China Beach'. The show, set during the Vietnam War, was praised for its unique perspective, focusing on the women who served during the war. Lake played the role of Red Cross volunteer Holly Pellegrino, showcasing her acting range. 'China Beach' was noted for its deep storytelling and character development, and Lake's involvement helped solidify her presence in the dramatic television landscape.

On September 13, 1993, 'The Ricki Lake Show' premiered on television. As a talk show aimed at a younger audience, it featured a variety of topics including relationship issues, personal stories, and light-hearted themes. The show became popular for its approach to relatable content and interactive audience participation, running for 11 successful seasons until 2004. Ricki Lake became one of the youngest talk show hosts in television history at that time.

Ricki Lake joined John Waters once again in 1994, starring in the black comedy film 'Serial Mom'. In this film, she played Misty Sutphin, the daughter of Kathleen Turner's character, Beverly Sutphin, a seemingly perfect homemaker who becomes a serial killer. The film received a mixed to positive review from critics, praised for its satirical take on American suburban life and Lake's performance as part of an ensemble cast. Her work in 'Serial Mom' reinforced her capability in comedy films.

In 2006, Ricki Lake hosted the CBS show 'Gameshow Marathon', a revival of classic game shows featuring celebrities competing in a series of game-show formats. The show celebrated television's game show history by recreating classic programs, with Lake serving as the enthusiastic host, guiding contestants through the various games. Her role was central to introducing younger audiences to the legacy of classic game shows and demonstrating her broad appeal outside of traditional talk show formats.

Ricki Lake executive produced 'The Business of Being Born', a documentary film released in 2008 exploring the American maternity care system and advocating for natural childbirth. The film presents a critical view of hospital births and the medicalization of childbirth in the United States, featuring personal stories, expert interviews, and analyses of hospital versus home birth experiences. The documentary sparked discussions on the birthing process and choices available to expecting mothers.

Ricki Lake joined the cast of 'Dancing with the Stars' for its 13th season in 2011. Partnered with professional dancer Derek Hough, she showcased her dancing skills and became a fan favorite. Her participation brought her back into the limelight, where she performed a variety of dance styles and received high scores from the judges, culminating in a third-place finish. Her journey on the show was marked by personal growth and renewed public interest in her career.

Ricki Lake launched a new talk show, also titled 'The Ricki Lake Show', in September 2012. Despite positive reviews and a Daytime Emmy Award win in 2013 for 'Outstanding Talk Show Host', the show struggled with low ratings and was canceled after one season on September 1, 2013. The new format tackled deeper and more personal topics, but it couldn't compete in the competitive talk show market. Ricki Lake was praised for her authenticity and sincerity during its run.

Ricki Lake participated in and won 'The X Factor: Celebrity' in 2018 under the pseudonym 'The Lady Phoenix'. This talent competition featured celebrities competing in a singing contest, and Lake surprised both the judges and audience with her vocal abilities. Her victory was celebrated as a testament to her versatility and talent beyond her established roles as an actress and talk show host, bringing her back into the spotlight of reality television.

In January 2020, Ricki Lake publicly shared her struggles with hair loss, revealing that she had shaved her head to embrace her natural look. She opened up about the decades-long battle with hair loss due to stress and hormonal changes. Her candid revelation was widely praised for raising awareness about the pressures of societal beauty standards and empowering others facing similar issues. Lake's decision was celebrated as a bold move towards self-acceptance and encouraging open conversations about personal challenges.