Ricki Lake ditched TV glory after terrifying 9/11 experience

Ricki Lake has revealed the terrifying moment that changed her life forever, prompting her to walk away from fame, her marriage, and the city she once called home.

The 58-year-old former daytime TV star has opened up about how witnessing the horrors of September 11 attacks from her West Village apartment became a life-altering turning point. 

At the time, her hit show The Ricki Lake Show was at the peak of its success, and she admits she could have easily continued for years.

But unfortunately 9/11 changed everything.

Speaking on On Par with Maury Povich, Ricki recalled the sheer panic she felt as she watched the attacks unfold. 

“I was so freaked out… I thought the world was coming to an end,” she said, describing the shocking sight of a plane flying low before crashing.

At home with a two-month-old baby and a young child, she said her instincts as a mother took over. 

“I was protecting my cubs,” she explained. 

In that moment of fear, she had a powerful realisation that she needed to change her life completely.

Despite being tied into a long-term contract, she made the bold decision to step away from her show and eventually end her marriage to Rob Sussman. 

It wasn’t an overnight move, but she knew she wouldn’t renew her contract.

Still, Ricki looks back with pride. 

She believes her show gave a voice to the unheard and helped start meaningful conversations.

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