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Ricki Lake

Poised to return to daytime television with an all-new talk show in the fall of 2012, Ricki Lake is a pop culture icon who has built a career on her candid, straight talk sensibility and her authentic, relatable nature. She has maintained a worldwide fan base that is a true cross-section of age and ethnicity, and her approachable appeal has charmed international movie and television audiences for more than two decades.

As Tracy Turnblad, the zaftig heroine of the original John Waters' film Hairspray, Ricki made an acting debut that positioned her as an entertainer to watch in Hollywood. Later, with a surprise turn as a talk show host, she met with unprecedented success and earned her place as a beloved media personality across the globe.

Ricki recently completed work on a memoir due on shelves in the spring of 2012. She also executive produced the critically acclaimed documentary The Business of Being Born, which debuted at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival and examined natural childbirth in the United States. That project has generated a grassroots movement and led to the publication of her first book, Your Best Birth.

On November 8, 2011, Ricki and her filmmaking partner, Abby Epstein, will release a four-part, follow-up DVD series, More Business of Being Born, offering invaluable information and featuring birth stories from some of Hollywood's most notable celebrities.

Ricki starred in John Waters' Cry-Baby opposite Johnny Depp and Serial Mom alongside Kathleen Turner. Other notable appearances include the contemporary classic Working Girl, the acclaimed drama Last Exit to Brooklyn, the romantic comedy Mrs. Winterbourne opposite Shirley MacLaine and Brendan Fraser and Where the Day Takes You opposite Dermot Mulroney. She also starred in the CBS film Babycakes and the popular television series China Beach and The King of Queens.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2011.
Read earlier biographies on this page.

Ricki Lake Facts

Birth NameRicki Pamela Lake
OccupationTalkshow Host, Actress
BirthdaySeptember 21, 1968 (55)
SignVirgo
BirthplaceHastings-on-Hudson, New York, USA
Height5' 4" (1m63)  How tall is Ricki Lake compared to you?

Selected Filmography

Babycakes
Hairspray
Mrs. Winterbourne
More Business of Being Born
Cookie
China Beach 25th Anniversary Reunion: Cast and Creators at PALEYLIVE
Thou Shalt Aspire To Be Charming
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