Ricki Lake, the beloved former talk show host and actress, has faced many challenges in her personal life, particularly surrounding the tragic death of her ex-husband, Christian Evans. Evans’ battle with bipolar disorder and his eventual suicide in 2017 deeply impacted Lake, shaping her ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy. Through her heartfelt tributes
and documentary work, Lake has not only honored Evans’ memory but has also raised awareness about mental illness, the stigma around medical marijuana, and the importance of support for those battling mental health issues.
Ricki Lake and Christian Evans: A Love Story Shaped by Struggle
Ricki Lake first met Christian Evans, a jewelry designer, in September 2010. Their love blossomed quickly, and they were married by April 2012. However, their marriage was soon tested by Evans’ struggles with bipolar disorder. Despite knowing about his diagnosis, Lake was unprepared for the impact his condition would have on their relationship.
Evans, who often self-medicated and avoided prescribed treatments, suffered his first manic episode in 2014. At first, Lake mistook his heightened energy and motivation as positive changes, but things soon spiraled out of control. Evans’ manic behavior, which included
grandiose delusions and reckless financial decisions, forced Lake to make the heartbreaking decision to file for divorce in 2014. However, their love never truly ended, and the two continued to stay connected even after the divorce was finalized in 2015.
Evans’ Battle with Bipolar Disorder and His Tragic Death
Evans’ battle with bipolar disorder was a constant struggle, as he resisted taking medication and sought alternative treatments. Lake often described him as misunderstood, with deep self-esteem issues and inner demons that clouded his judgment. Despite periods of stability, Evans would again experience severe episodes of mania, leading to unpredictable and dangerous behavior.
In 2017, after years of battling his mental illness, Evans tragically took his own life at the age of 45. His death left Lake devastated. She admitted that even after their separation, she had never stopped loving him. The pain of losing him, combined with the complexity of their relationship, drove Lake to take action, both in her personal healing and in her desire to help others dealing with similar challenges.
Weed the People: Evans’ Legacy and Lake’s Advocacy for Medical Marijuana
Before his death, Christian Evans had collaborated with Lake on a project close to his heart—a documentary called Weed the People. This film explores the use of medical marijuana, particularly cannabis oil, in treating children with cancer. Evans had firsthand experience using medical marijuana to cope with his own struggles and believed strongly in its potential benefits.
Lake has described Weed the People as Evans’ lasting legacy, a way to advocate for the
legalization of medical marijuana and challenge the stigma surrounding its use. The documentary follows families who, desperate for solutions, turned to cannabis oil in hopes of saving their children’s lives. Lake remains proud of the film’s message and its potential to influence public opinion and policy.
Through Weed the People, Lake continues to honor Evans’ memory, while also using her platform to address larger social issues. She has spoken openly about how Evans’ experience with bipolar disorder influenced his perspective on alternative treatments, and she hopes the film will encourage more research into medical marijuana’s potential benefits.
Lake’s New Love: Ross Burningham and Finding Happiness After Loss
Despite the tragedy of losing Evans, Lake has found love again. In January 2022, she married attorney Ross Burningham in an intimate ceremony at their home. The couple had been dating since 2020, and their relationship has brought Lake a sense of joy and healing during a challenging time.
Lake has shared how she and Burningham feel “like kids again” as they navigate life as empty-nesters. The couple’s wedding day was filled with love and meaningful moments, including handwritten vows and heartfelt speeches from close friends. For Lake, the day was a reminder that life, despite its hardships, continues to offer new beginnings.
Raising Awareness About Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Since Evans’ death, Lake has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She frequently shares her personal experiences to help others who are struggling, whether they’re dealing with mental illness themselves or supporting a loved one. Lake is particularly focused on raising awareness about bipolar disorder and the importance of early intervention, proper treatment, and support systems.
In interviews, Lake has often spoken about the difficulties of living with someone with bipolar disorder, especially the confusion and emotional turmoil it causes. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help reduce the stigma around mental illness and encourage others to seek help.
Additionally, Lake supports various mental health organizations and frequently promotes resources for those in need, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the National Institute of Mental Health. Her message is clear: no one should have to face these challenges alone, and there is always help available.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love, Advocacy, and Hope
Ricki Lake’s journey through love and loss has been both painful and inspiring. Her dedication to honoring Christian Evans’ memory through Weed the People and her advocacy for mental health and medical marijuana has made a lasting impact. Lake’s ability to find love again with Ross Burningham is a testament to her resilience and her belief in the power of hope, even in the face of tragedy.
As Lake continues to speak out about the importance of mental health awareness, she remains committed to helping others find the support and resources they need. Her story is one of love, loss, and ultimately, a message of hope for anyone facing similar struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Christian Evans’ relationship with Ricki Lake?
Christian Evans was Ricki Lake’s second husband. The couple married in 2012, but their relationship was deeply affected by Evans’ battle with bipolar disorder. They divorced in 2015 but remained close until his tragic death in 2017.
2. What is Weed the People about?
Weed the People is a documentary co-produced by Ricki Lake and Christian Evans. It explores the use of medical marijuana, particularly cannabis oil, in treating children with cancer. The film advocates for the legalization of medical marijuana and highlights its potential life-saving benefits.
3. How did Christian Evans die?
Christian Evans died by suicide in 2017 after a long battle with bipolar disorder. His mental health struggles, particularly his resistance to medication, played a significant role in his death.
4. How has Ricki Lake honored Christian Evans’ memory?
Ricki Lake has honored Evans’ memory through her advocacy for mental health awareness and her work on Weed the People. She continues to speak out about bipolar disorder and supports mental health organizations to help those in need.
5. Who is Ricki Lake’s current husband?
Ricki Lake is currently married to Ross Burningham. The couple tied the knot in January 2022, and Lake has spoken about the joy and love she has found in their relationship after the loss of Evans.