Ricki Lake has revealed that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City were a pivotal factor in the conclusion of her long-running talk show. The 57-year-old television personality shared her reflections during an appearance on the On Par with Maury Povich podcast, explaining how witnessing the attacks firsthand profoundly altered her life and career trajectory.
A Life-Changing Experience
Lake, who was born in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, described the events of 9/11 as a major turning point. '9/11 was a huge trajectory shift in my life,' she said. 'Every aspect of my life changed from witnessing that experience that day from my West Village apartment.' The Emmy-winning host explained that she no longer felt safe living in New York City, where her talk show was produced.
Decision to Leave
Lake made the conscious choice to end her show in 2004 after 11 seasons, despite acknowledging that she could have continued for another decade. 'I made that choice,' she stated. 'I could have done it for probably a decade longer.' Reflecting on the tragic day that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, Lake recalled the horror of watching the events unfold. 'I was so freaked out watching that plane fly down the Hudson and hit that building,' she said.
Lake also cited her children, Milo Sussman (now 29) and Owen Sussman (now 24), as key reasons for her decision to leave the city. 'I had a two-month-old and a four-year-old,' she explained. 'So I was a lactating new mother protecting my cubs, you know? I mean, I just felt like the world was coming to an end that day.' She described having an epiphany on the roof of her building as she watched the tragedy unfold, realizing she would leave New York.
Life Changes and New Beginnings
At age 33, Lake decided to make multiple significant changes. 'I would leave my job and I would ultimately leave my marriage,' she said, referencing her 2004 divorce from Rob Sussman after their separation the previous year. She noted that it took careful planning and a couple of years to fulfill her contract obligations. 'I couldn't walk away from my show, but I knew I wasn't going to renew beyond the term that I had agreed to.'
Following the end of her talk show, Lake relocated to California, where she focused on producing documentary films and working behind the scenes. She expressed satisfaction with the legacy of her daytime television program, which aired throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. 'The show was a phenomenon,' she said, 'and I think we did so much good for young people to get conversations going.' Lake emphasized that her show provided a platform for marginalized individuals who were not represented elsewhere. 'I mean, I think there's a lot of good that came out of our show,' she added.
Before her talk show career, Lake gained recognition for her roles in John Waters films, including Hairspray (1988) and Cry-Baby (1990).
