Ricki Lake Biography

Fast Facts

• Believes in using volunteer work to help teach her children about the world as it exists outside of a life of privilege, engaging in such activities with them as building a house for a family in Malawi
• Won the TV Prize for Best Foreign TV Personality at the 1996 Aftonbladet TV Prize in Sweden
• During the final exams of her freshman year in college, her agent called and told her to audition for Tracy Turnblad in John Waters' "Hairspray," which became her film debut
• Quote: "I never set out to be a role model for large women, I just do what I feel is right․"
• Quote: "My goal in life was to be loved and adored by everyone․"
• Has been known to host talk shows with no shoes on
• Best known for producing "The Business of Being Born," a documentary film the explores contemporary childbirth practices in the United States
• Finished sixth in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Luxury Ladies Poker Event in 2011
• Lost over 125 pounds after committing to a lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating
• Was an acquaintance of actor Roger Howarth when they were both children attending elementary school in Hastings-on-Hudson