Ricki Lake, born on September 21, 1968, is a prominent American television host and actress, celebrated for her dynamic presence in the entertainment industry. She gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film 'Hairspray,' a performance that earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead.
Lake's career took a significant turn when she launched her own talk show, 'Ricki Lake,' which aired internationally from September 1993 until May 2004. At just 24 years old, she made history as the youngest person to host a syndicated talk show, captivating audiences with her relatable style and engaging discussions.
In late 2012, Lake returned to the talk show circuit with 'The Ricki Lake Show.' Although the series was short-lived, concluding in 2013 after one season, it marked a notable achievement in her career as she won her first Daytime Emmy Award for her work on the project.