When you grow up as the child of a major TV personality, your life is anything but ordinary. That’s been the reality for Owen Tyler Sussman, the second son of celebrated actress and talk show host Ricki Lake and her ex-husband, illustrator Rob Sussman.
While some celebrity kids chase the spotlight, he has taken a more low-key approach, developing his own interests and quietly building a foundation for his future.
Early Life: Born into the Spotlight
Owen Tyler Sussman came into the world on August 29, 2001, in New York City. By the time he was born, Ricki Lake had already become a household name, thanks to her self-titled talk show that dominated daytime TV from 1993 to 2004.
His father, Rob Sussman, had carved out a respected career as an illustrator, with works featured in major publications like The New York Times and Wired magazine.
Growing up, Owen wasn’t the only child in the Sussman-Lake household. He shares a close bond with his older brother, Milo Sebastian Sussman, born in 1997. The two brothers have spent their formative years navigating the unique duality of privilege and public scrutiny that comes with having famous parents.
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A Childhood Under Media Gaze
Owen Tyler Sussman’s earliest years were anything but private. Paparazzi regularly snapped shots of him with Ricki at the grocery store, strolling in the park, or simply enjoying a family day out. Every birthday, school milestone, and candid moment had the potential to make its way into the tabloids.
When Ricki Lake and Rob Sussman divorced in 2003, the media focused intently on the family’s custody arrangements. Despite the attention, Ricki worked hard to give his and Milo as normal a childhood as possible, even opting for homeschooling to keep them grounded and away from the relentless gaze of the press.
The Impact of Fame on Upbringing
Being the child of a celebrity comes with undeniable perks—access to exclusive opportunities, the chance to travel, and financial stability. Data from a 2018 Pew Research Center report shows that children from affluent families are more likely to have access to extracurricular activities, advanced education, and unique experiences. Owen Tyler Sussman benefited from these privileges, but there were challenges as well.
Ricki Lake has spoken openly about the pressures fame placed on her own life, including struggles with low self-esteem and public scrutiny. Determined to give her sons a stronger foundation, she prioritized teaching values like humility, perseverance, and the importance of family. The result: Owen and Milo have grown up with a solid sense of self, despite the distractions and temptations of Hollywood.
Family Dynamics: The Influence of Both Parents
Owen Tyler Sussman’s creative side can be traced directly to his parents. Ricki Lake’s career in entertainment and Rob Sussman’s success as an illustrator meant that the Sussman household was filled with creativity and encouragement for the arts. Notably, both sons share a love for drawing and illustration, with his reportedly following in his father’s footsteps in this regard.
Even after their parents’ divorce, the brothers maintained strong relationships with both Ricki and Rob. Data from a 2014 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who maintain positive relationships with both parents following divorce are more likely to adjust well socially and emotionally—a trend that Owen and Milo seem to embody.
Education: Forging His Own Path
After graduating from high school, Owen Tyler Sussman chose to attend college in Chicago, a decision that marked his first significant step away from the family’s Hollywood orbit.
While details about his course of study remain private, it’s clear that he values education and the independence that comes with campus life. Ricki Lake has shared moments from her visits to university, expressing pride in his decision to pursue higher learning.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates earn, on average, 63% more than those with only a high school diploma over the course of their careers. His pursuit of a degree, therefore, is not just a personal milestone but also a practical step toward building a secure future.
Career Aspirations: The Road Ahead
At just 22 years old, Owen Tyler Sussman is still figuring out his career path. While speculation abounds about whether he’ll follow in Ricki Lake’s footsteps in the entertainment world or pursue a career in the arts like his father, he is, for now, content to explore his interests and develop his skills.
The flexibility to explore different paths is a luxury not available to everyone. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 30% of undergraduates change their major at least once within three years of initial enrollment—a reminder that it’s normal to be undecided at this stage of life. For Owen, the most important thing seems to be finding personal fulfillment, whatever form that may take.
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