Ricki Lake
Biography: Ricki Pamela Lake (born September 21, 1968) is an American television host and actress. She is known for her lead role as Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 film Hairspray, for which she received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead. She is also known for her talk show, Ricki Lake, which was broadcast internationally from September 1993 until May 2004. When the show debuted, she was 24 and credited as being the youngest person to host a syndicated talk show at the time. In late 2012, Lake began hosting a second syndicated talk show, The Ricki Lake Show. The series was canceled in 2013 after a single season, but Lake won her first Daytime Emmy Award for the project. She also starred in other Waters films including Cry-Baby, Cecil B. Demented, and Serial Mom. She starred in Mrs. Winterbourne, Cabin Boy, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Cookie, and Inside Monkey Zetterland. She joined the cast of the Vietnam War drama series China Beach as a Red Cross volunteer, Holly "the Donut Dolly" Pelegrino, for the show's third season. She also had a recurring role on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens as Doug's sister Stephanie. She also had a cameo in the 2007 film Hairspray as a talent agent and sang "Mama I'm A Big Girl Now" with Nikki Blonsky and Marissa Jaret Winokur for the film's end credits. In 2008, her documentary about home birth and midwifery, The Business of Being Born, was released. She also jointly wrote a book, Your Best Birth, on the world of natural childbirth and birthing options, along with Abby Epstein and Jacques Moritz, which was published in 2009. Lake and Epstein also launched MyBestBirth.com, an online social network, powered by Ning, intended to allow parents and medical professionals to dialogue about varying birthing options and resources. She returned to television on May 11, 2009, succeeding Sharon Osbourne as host for the third season of VH1's Charm School. On November 10, 2010, Lake joined fellow talkers Phil Donahue, Sally Jessy Raphael, Geraldo Rivera, and Montel Williams as guests of Oprah Winfrey on The Oprah Winfrey Show, marking the first time those hosts appeared together on one show since their respective programs left the air. She competed on the 13th season of Dancing with the Stars. She was partnered with three-time champion Derek Hough and cited Kirstie Alley's appearance as an inspiration to do the show. In October 2019, she began competing in The X Factor: Celebrity. In March 2018, at SXSW, Lake and Epstein premiered their documentary film Weed the People, examining the use of cannabis as medicine and its status as a Schedule I prohibited drug in the United States. The film focused in particular on the use of cannabis in the treatment of pediatric cancer.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: September 21, 1968
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
The In Crowd
1988-02-01
The In Crowd
Overview: A young man of the rock and roll generation is in his senior year of high school. When one day he successfully gets on a popular teen dance television show he becomes a star. The plot follows him as he lives his new life in his new world. What he finds are adoring fans, jealous rivals, bitter friends left behind, and the girl of his dreams...his dance partner.
Genres: Drama Music Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-02-01
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A Family Again
1988-10-15
A Family Again
Overview: A family comes to grips with their own grief after the eldest daughter is killed.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-10-15
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Serial Mom
1994-04-13
Serial Mom
Overview: Beverly is the perfect happy homemaker, along with her doting husband and two children, but this nuclear family just might explode when her fascination with serial killers collides with her ever-so-proper code of ethics.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-04-13
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Under the Christmas Tree
2021-12-19
Under the Christmas Tree
Overview: Marketing whiz Alma Beltran and Christmas tree whisperer Charlie Freemont cross paths when Charlie finds the perfect tree for the Maine Governor's Holiday Celebration — right in Alma's back yard. While they initially spar, romantic sparks soon begin to fly between the two women as the enchanting tree and some Christmas fairy dust from the town's pâtissière extraordinaire bring out the best in them and spark each other to take leaps of faith and fight for love and Christmas magic.
Genres: TV Movie Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2021-12-19
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Based on an Untrue Story
1993-09-20
Based on an Untrue Story
Overview: Perfume creator Satin Chau is about to reveal her new designer scent, 'Puppy,' when she is cruelly struck down by a rare condition called anosmia, which robs her of her sense of smell and could even kill her. With time fast running out, she begins a frantic search for the only people who can provide the tissue-donations she desperately needs: her long-lost sisters, Corduroy and Velour.
Genres: Comedy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-09-20
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Cabin Boy
1994-01-07
Cabin Boy
Overview: A foul-mouthed finishing school graduate mistakenly winds up on an ill-fated fishing boat, and faces the wrath of a crew that considers him bad luck.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-01-07
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Cry-Baby
1990-04-06
Cry-Baby
Overview: A prim and proper schoolgirl goes against her society grandmother's wishes when she dates a motorcycle-riding juvenile delinquent.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-04-06
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Mrs. Winterbourne
1996-04-19
Mrs. Winterbourne
Overview: Connie Doyle is eighteen, pregnant and alone. She accidentally ends up on a train where she meets Hugh Winterbourne and his wife pregnant Patricia. The train wrecks and she wakes up in the hospital to find out that it's been assumed that she's Patricia. Hugh's mother takes her in and she falls in love with Hugh's brother Bill. Just when she thinks everything is going her way, her ex-boyfriend shows up.
Genres: Romance Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-04-19
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Cecil B. Demented
2000-08-02
Cecil B. Demented
Overview: A young lunatic director and his devoted cult of cinema terrorists kidnap a Hollywood movie goddess and force her to star in their radical underground movie.
Genres: Crime Comedy Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-08-02
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Working Girl
1988-12-20
Working Girl
Overview: Tess McGill is an ambitious secretary with a unique approach for climbing the ladder to success. When her classy, but villainous boss breaks a leg skiing, Tess takes over her office, her apartment and even her wardrobe. She creates a deal with a handsome investment banker that will either take her to the top, or finish her off for good.
Genres: Comedy Romance Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-12-20
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Last Exit to Brooklyn
1989-07-26
Last Exit to Brooklyn
Overview: A gallery of characters in Brooklyn in the 1950s are crushed by their surroundings and selves: a union strike leader discovers he is gay; a prostitute falls in love with one of her clients; a family cannot cope with the fact that their daughter is illegitimately pregnant.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-07-26
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Where the Day Takes You
1992-01-11
Where the Day Takes You
Overview: King is a young man, but he's already a veteran of life on the streets of Los Angeles. The de facto leader of a group of teenage runaways, King acts as a mentor to troubled kids such as gay hustler Little J and junkie Greg. When Heather, a beautiful girl from Chicago, starts hanging out with King and his crew, it changes the dynamic of the gang. However, it seems as though nothing will alter their dangerous lifestyle.
Genres: Drama Thriller Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-01-11
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The Business of Being Born
2008-01-09
The Business of Being Born
Overview: Birth: it's a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth experience with her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to explore the maternity care system in America
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-01-09
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Murder She Purred: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery
1998-12-13
Murder She Purred: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery
Overview: A small-town cat-and-dog detective duo investigate a new neighbor who they believe may have committed a murder, but the snag is, locals are attempting to pair him off with their owner.
Genres: Mystery Comedy Family TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1998-12-13
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Skinner
1993-10-01
Skinner
Overview: A man rents a room in a couple's house and roams the streets at night looking for victims to skin, while constantly being followed by a junkie he mutilated who is now looking for revenge.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-10-01
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Cookie
1989-08-02
Cookie
Overview: Cookie Voltecki is the illegitimate daughter of mobster Dino Capisco, who has just finished thirteen years in prison. Since being released from jail, all that Dino wants is to settle some old scores, and make up for lost time with his daughter.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-08-02
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Matters of Life & Dating
2007-10-22
Matters of Life & Dating
Overview: Linda Dackman has been diagnosed with breast cancer, but this does not prevent her from seeing the positive side of life and continuing her quest for Prince Charming.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: es
Release Date: 2007-10-22
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I Am Divine
2013-03-09
I Am Divine
Overview: Harris Glenn Milstead, aka Divine (1945-1988) was the ultimate outsider turned underground hero. Spitting in the face of the status quos of body image, gender identity, sexuality, and preconceived notions of beauty, Divine succeeded in becoming an internationally recognized icon, recording artist, and character actor of stage and screen. Glenn went from the often-mocked, schoolyard fat kid to underdog royalty, standing up for millions of gay men and women, drag queens and punk rockers, and countless other socially ostracized misfits and freaks. With a completely committed in-your-face style, he blurred the line between performer and personality, and revolutionized pop culture.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-03-09
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Inside Monkey Zetterland
1992-09-12
Inside Monkey Zetterland
Overview: An off beat comedy about an out of work screen writing/artist that complains about being too cool, too talented and way too gay.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-09-12
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Babycakes
1989-02-14
Babycakes
Overview: Grace is an overweight mortuary cosmetician who falls in love with Rob, a handsome subway train conductor who doesn't even know she exists. When she finally devises a way to meet him, they discover that although they are physically different, they have a lot more in common than they think.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-02-14
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It Came from... Baltimore!!
2005-07-12
It Came from... Baltimore!!
Overview: Documentary about the making of John Waters' 1990 film Cry-Baby.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-07-12
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Loving Leah
2009-01-25
Loving Leah
Overview: When Leah's husband Benjamin dies suddenly, Benjamin's brother Jake is stunned to learn he is expected to marry the childless Leah to carry on his brother's name. Jake suggests to Leah that they get married and maintain a secretly platonic relationship. The harder they try to disguise their "pretend" marriage, the more their appreciation for each other's worlds grow, and out of understanding, a real love develops.
Genres: Drama Romance TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-01-25
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The Chase
1991-02-10
The Chase
Overview: In Denver, a fleeing bank robber kills a cop and kidnaps an old man to hold as a hostage. He is chased by the police and a news helicopter, which films the entire incident. Based on a true story.
Genres: TV Movie Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1991-02-10
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Moon Manor
2022-02-25
Moon Manor
Overview: Today is Jimmy's last day alive. His Alzheimer's is worsening, so he's decided to die like he has lived - with intention, humor, and zest. In his last day on Earth, Jimmy will show an obituary writer, his death doula, his estranged brother, his caretaker, a surreal being, and the guests at his fabulous FUN-eral, that perhaps the art of living is the art of dying.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2022-02-25
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More Business of Being Born
2011-11-08
More Business of Being Born
Overview: Executive Producer Ricki Lake and Filmmaker Abby Epstein follow their landmark documentary,'The Business of Being Born', with an all-new, four part DVD series that continues their provocative and entertaining exploration of the modern maternity care system. Exploration of the maternity care system, including birthing options and celebrity birth stories.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-11-08
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer
1992-07-24
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Overview: Blonde, bouncy Buffy is your typical high school cheerleader. But all that changes when a strange man informs her she's been chosen by fate to kill vampires.
Genres: Action Comedy Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-07-24
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Embrace
2016-08-04
Embrace
Overview: Embrace follows body image activist Taryn Brumfitt's crusade as she explores the global issue of body loathing, inspiring us to change the way we feel about ourselves and think about our bodies.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-08-04
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Gemini
2017-06-14
Gemini
Overview: A heinous crime tests the complex relationship between a tenacious personal assistant and her Hollywood starlet boss. As the assistant travels across Los Angeles to unravel the mystery, she must stay one step ahead of a determined policeman and confront her own understanding of friendship, truth and celebrity.
Genres: Mystery Crime Drama Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-06-14
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Hairspray Live!
2016-12-07
Hairspray Live!
Overview: A teenage girl living in Baltimore in the early 1960s dreams of appearing on a popular TV dance show.
Genres: Romance Comedy Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-12-07
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Hairspray
2007-07-19
Hairspray
Overview: Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad auditions to be on Baltimore's most popular dance show - The Corny Collins Show - and lands a prime spot. Through her newfound fame, she becomes determined to help her friends and end the racial segregation that has been a staple of the show.
Genres: Comedy Romance Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-07-19
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The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie
2005-10-23
The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie
Overview: After making it to the top of the charts, members of the Silver Boulders, a popular tween rock band, find themselves undermined by internal squabbling as the bandmates seek different creative directions.
Genres: Comedy Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-10-23
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Park
2006-06-12
Park
Overview: Park takes place all in one day in a public park in Los Angeles, as 11 disaffected Angelenos find both love and loss in unexpected ways
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-06-12
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A Dirty Shame
2004-09-24
A Dirty Shame
Overview: Sylvia Stickles runs a convenience store with her husband and mother-in-law. One day, Sylvia is hit on the head and transforms from an uptight prude to a sex-crazed lunatic. As she goes on a rampage through town, Sylvia attracts the attention of Ray Ray, a sexual healer and tow truck driver in search of the world's greatest orgasm. Their sexual revolution, however, causes a class war in their tiny Baltimore community.
Genres: Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-09-24
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Hairspray
1988-02-26
Hairspray
Overview: 'Pleasantly plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle, as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents. The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-02-26
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Jackie's Back!
1999-06-14
Jackie's Back!
Overview: A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert.
Genres: Comedy Music TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-06-14
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