Ricki Lake Reflects on Ex-Husband's Suicide on "Watch What Happens Live"
The television personality shared her own experiences with loss while speaking with Mary Cosby, who recently lost her son.
Ricki Lake appeared on Wednesday's episode of "Watch What Happens Live," where she spoke about the loss of her ex-husband, Christian Evans, who died by suicide in February 2017.
Lake, who was married to Evans from 2012 to 2015, made the comments as she commended "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby for handling her son's death with "such grace." Cosby's son, Robert Jr., passed away on February 23 after a battle with substance abuse.
"I am someone who is very accustomed to loss," Lake told Cosby and host Andy Cohen. "I lost my husband almost 10 years ago... And having to rise in the public and just, you know, go through this, it's really a testament to you and your strength. And it's an honor to be here with you tonight."
Lake's former husband suffered from bipolar disorder. She has previously spoken about the profound impact of his death, calling it the "darkest period of my life." She noted that while the loss was devastating, it also brought her empathy for mental health issues and ultimately made her a better person. She is now remarried to Ross Burningham, with whom she exchanged vows in January 2022. Lake also recently experienced the loss of her Malibu home to wildfires, an event she described as "traumatizing" and "harrowing."
Cosby's son died three weeks after his release from prison. Police initially responded to the scene described as a "possible overdose," which later became a death investigation. An official cause of death has not been publicly released by the Utah medical examiner’s office.
When asked about returning to work shortly after her son's death, Cosby stated, "I didn't want to sit around and sulk. I didn't want to sit around and have it swallow me. So, I thought, be distracted, keep going, my son would want me to go and just push. And I did."
Lake still carries a tattoo dedicated to Evans that reads: "I vow to continue loving you." She explained in a 2022 appearance on "Good Morning Britain" that the phrase was Evans' wedding vow to her, and it serves as a reminder for her to continue loving herself.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.