Ricki Lake Reflects on Ex-Husband's Death, Praises Mary Cosby's Strength
The television host shared her personal experience with loss on "Watch What Happens Live," drawing parallels to the 'Real Housewives' star's recent grief.
Ricki Lake, a familiar face in daytime television, has spoken publicly about the profound loss of her ex-husband, Christian Evans, who died by suicide nearly ten years ago. Lake shared her reflections on Wednesday's episode of "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," drawing a connection to the experiences of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby, who recently lost her son.
Lake, 58, commended Cosby for her resilience, stating, "I also am someone who is very accustomed to loss. I lost my husband almost ten years ago." She added, "And having to rise in the public and go through this, it’s really a testament to you and your strength." Lake praised the Bravo star for handling her son Robert Jr.'s passing at age 23 with "grace," and suggested that Cosby's public journey was helping others who have experienced similar grief.
Christian Evans, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 45. Lake and Evans, a jewelry designer, began dating in 2010 and eloped in 2012. They divorced in 2014 but remained close until his death. Lake announced his passing on Instagram, writing, "The world didn’t understand this man, but I did. He succumbed to his life long struggle with bipolar disorder."
In previous discussions about Evans' death, Lake revealed her efforts to support him through his mental health struggles. In 2024, she recalled trying to "save" him, noting that "We were together four years before he had his first psychotic break. It was almost more shocking seeing him turn into another person than his ultimate death." She emphasized the lengths she went to seek help for him, calling the experience "really challenging."
Lake has since remarried, wedding Ross Burningham in January 2022. However, she has continued to honor Evans' memory, posting a tribute on the fifth anniversary of his death in February 2022. "He was and continues to be my greatest teacher. I am a far better version of myself having been loved so deeply by him," she wrote on Instagram, adding, "Missing Christian and honoring his memory today and everyday."