Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ricki Lake’s Net Worth?
Ricki Lake, a prominent American actress, producer, and television host, has cultivated a substantial net worth over her extensive career. As of 2025, Ricki Lake’s net worth is estimated to be $20 million. This financial standing reflects her success in various entertainment ventures, from her early acting roles to her long-running talk show and subsequent projects.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role
Ricki Lake’s journey to becoming a household name began on September 21, 1968, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Raised primarily by her grandmother, Ricki’s early life laid the foundation for her future career. After graduating from high school and spending a year at Ithaca College, Lake landed her breakthrough role as Tracy Turnblad in John Waters’ 1988 film “Hairspray.” Although the film initially grossed only $8 million against a budget of $2.7 million, its cult following on home video significantly boosted Lake’s profile and earning potential. This role not only launched her career at the age of 19 but also established her as a recognizable face in Hollywood. Her early successes contributed modestly to the initial building blocks of Ricki Lake’s net worth.
The Ricki Lake Show: A Decade of Success
Ricki Lake’s most significant financial and career milestone was “The Ricki Lake Show,” which debuted in 1993 and ran until 2004. This talk show became a daytime staple, targeting a younger audience and addressing a wide array of social issues. While specific contract details from this period are not publicly available, the show’s longevity and popularity suggest substantial earnings for Lake. Industry experts estimate that successful talk show hosts can command salaries ranging from several million dollars per year, factoring in viewership, advertising revenue, and production deals. Over its 11-year run, “The Ricki Lake Show” likely contributed significantly to Ricki Lake’s net worth, potentially accounting for a large portion of her current financial standing. Although Sony was willing to give her a contract for four more years, Lake decided to spend more time with her family.
Acting Roles and Film Appearances
In addition to her talk show, Ricki Lake continued to pursue acting opportunities, further diversifying her income streams. She appeared in several other John Waters films, including “Cry-Baby,” “Cecil B. Demented,” and “Serial Mom.” During the early years, Lake also starred in “Mrs. Winterbourne,” “Cabin Boy,” “Last Exit to Brooklyn,” “Cookie,” and “Inside Monkey Zetterland.” These roles, while varied in size and scope, added to her overall earnings. Lake also had a recurring role in “King of Queens” and a guest-starring role in “Drop Dead Diva,” as well as voice acting work on “King of the Hill.” Her cameo in the 2007 remake of “Hairspray” and her contribution to the soundtrack with the song “I’m a Big Girl Now,” alongside Nikki Blonsky and Marissa Jaret Winokur, provided additional revenue streams. While the exact figures for each role are not publicly available, these acting engagements cumulatively contributed to Ricki Lake’s net worth.
Television Appearances and Reality TV
Ricki Lake’s career also includes appearances in various television shows and reality TV programs, which have likely added to her income. In 2012, she attempted a comeback with a new version of her talk show, although it was canceled after one season in 2013. While the financial details of this revival are not public, it is reasonable to assume that the cancellation impacted potential earnings. In 2006, she hosted “Gameshow Marathon,” and in 2009, she became the host of VH1’s “Charm School.” A notable venture was her participation in “Dancing with the Stars” in 2011, where she finished in third place. Contestants on “Dancing with the Stars” typically receive a base payment, with additional bonuses for advancing through the competition. Given her high scores and strong performance, Lake likely earned a substantial amount from this appearance, further boosting Ricki Lake’s net worth. In 2017, Ricki appeared as a guest judge in “Let It Shine,” a British talent show and participated in shows like “The Masked Singer” and “The X Factor: Celebrity”. In 2019, Ricki made a guest appearance on the talk show “Loose Women.”
Documentary Work and Authorship
Ricki Lake has also ventured into documentary filmmaking and authorship, projects that contribute to her diverse income portfolio. She produced and starred in the 2008 documentary “The Business of Being Born,” which focused on natural childbirth. This documentary likely generated revenue through theatrical releases, DVD sales, and streaming platforms. In 2009, she published a book on natural childbirth options, further expanding her reach in this area. The financial success of her documentary and book sales, while not precisely quantified, has played a role in solidifying Ricki Lake’s net worth, reinforcing her brand as an advocate for natural childbirth and women’s health.
Real Estate Investments
Ricki Lake’s real estate investments have played a significant role in managing and growing her wealth. In 2013, she listed her Los Angeles home for $8.75 million, having purchased it in 2002 for $6.5 million. This “plantation-style” home, located in Brentwood, featured 5,226 square feet of living space and six bedrooms. The property was eventually sold for $8.45 million, generating a profit of approximately $1.95 million before taxes and selling costs. In the same year, Lake purchased a home set on one acre in Malibu for $2.965 million. However, this property was tragically destroyed in the 2024 Palisades Fire. While the loss of the Malibu home is a setback, her previous real estate transactions demonstrate her ability to make profitable investments, contributing positively to Ricki Lake’s net worth over time.
Legal Issues
In 2011, Lake faced a legal challenge when she was sued for allegedly causing a fire at a beach house in Miami. The homeowner sought millions of dollars in damages, claiming that Lake was liable for the losses incurred from the fire, which necessitated a complete rebuild of the property. While the specific details of the settlement or legal outcome are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that this lawsuit had financial implications, potentially impacting Ricki Lake’s net worth through legal fees, settlements, or increased insurance premiums.
