Owen Tyler Sussman, born June 18, 2001, is the youngest son of talk show host Ricki Lake and illustrator Rob Sussman. Unlike many celebrity children, Owen has maintained a private life while pursuing interests in music, technology, and environmental activism.
Growing up as a celebrity child comes with unique challenges. Cameras follow your every move. Strangers recognize your face. Your private moments become public property. Owen Tyler Sussman experienced this reality from birth when his water birth in 2001 was featured in The Business of Being Born, a documentary his mother Ricki Lake produced.
Yet despite this early exposure, Owen has carved out a remarkably private existence. His story offers insight into how celebrity children can maintain their identity while respecting their family legacy. This article explores the life of Owen Tyler Sussman, from his famous birth to his current pursuits in young adulthood.
What You’ll Learn: This guide covers Owen’s background and family dynamics, his approach to handling fame, his educational journey and personal interests, and how he maintains privacy while being Ricki Lake’s son.
Early Life and Famous Birth
Owen Tyler Sussman was born on June 18, 2001, to talk show host Ricki Lake and illustrator Rob Sussman. His arrival wasn’t just another celebrity birth. It became a public event that would shape conversations about natural childbirth for years to come.
Owen was born in the family bathtub weighing 8 pounds 7 ounces with the help of a midwife and two assistants. The water birth was documented and later featured in the documentary The Business of Being Born. This film, which Ricki produced, sparked national conversations about home births and midwifery.
From his first breath, Owen’s life was different. While most babies come into the world privately, his birth became educational material. This early exposure set the stage for a childhood lived partly in the public eye.
Growing Up Sussman
Owen has an older brother named Milo Sebastian Sussman, who was born in 1997. The four-year age gap between the brothers created a protective dynamic. Milo understood the challenges of celebrity life before Owen did, offering guidance as they both navigated growing up with a famous mother.
Their mother Ricki Lake was at the peak of her career when Owen was born. Her talk show ran from 1993 to 2004, making her a household name. At 24, she became the youngest person to host a syndicated talk show, bringing fresh energy to daytime television.
Their father Rob Sussman brought a different perspective to the family. As an illustrator whose work appeared in publications like The New York Times and Wired, he offered the boys a connection to the visual arts world. This artistic influence would later shape both brothers’ interests.
Family Dynamics and Divorce
Celebrity marriages face intense scrutiny. Ricki and Rob filed for divorce in August 2003, which was finalized on February 25, 2004. Owen was just two years old when his parents separated, too young to remember a time when they were together.
Following their divorce, Ricki told Hometown Life in 2015 that dealing with a broken family was harder than being in the spotlight. She described herself as a divorcee who had been a single mom for many years. Despite these challenges, both parents committed to effective co-parenting.
Co-Parenting Success
The Sussman family managed what many divorced couples struggle with: putting their children first. Owen and Milo maintained strong relationships with both parents. Regular time with their father kept that bond alive, while Ricki provided stability as their primary caregiver.
Ricki focused on giving her sons as much normalcy as possible throughout their childhood, telling Hometown Life that her children are grounded and have a sense of the big picture. This approach paid off. Both boys developed into well-adjusted young adults despite their unusual circumstances.
The family dynamic shifted again when Ricki married jewelry designer Christian Evans in 2012. Christian became part of Owen’s life during his pre-teen years. The marriage ended in 2015, and tragically, Christian died by suicide in 2017 after battling bipolar disorder. These experiences taught Owen about mental health struggles and the importance of compassion.
Education and Personal Growth
Unlike many celebrity children who pursue entertainment careers, Owen chose a different path. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Chicago, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. His mother shared photos visiting him on campus, proud of his academic achievements.
Owen attended the University of Chicago, though details about his major remain private. Those close to the family suggest his interests lean toward technology and environmental studies. This academic focus reflects his desire to make meaningful contributions outside the entertainment industry.
Building His Own Identity
At 24 years old in 2025, Owen is at a pivotal life stage. He’s old enough to have established his own identity but young enough that his future remains wide open. His choices so far suggest someone thoughtful about his path forward.
Owen goes by his middle name Tyler in some circles, perhaps as a way to create distance from his famous last name. This small choice reflects a larger pattern: he wants to be known for who he is, not whose son he is.
His approach differs dramatically from other celebrity children who leverage their parents’ fame for social media followings or reality TV shows. Owen has actively chosen privacy, keeping his social media accounts restricted and avoiding public appearances when possible.
Personal Interests and Passions
Music and Creativity
Owen shares a fondness for music like his brother Milo, and Ricki posted throwback photos of her sons jamming out with late songwriter Allee Willis in her recording studio. This musical inclination runs in the family, combining his mother’s performance background with his father’s artistic sensibilities.
Owen plays guitar, a skill he’s developed over years of practice. Unlike performers who crave the spotlight, he prefers intimate settings. Local venues and small gatherings suit him better than large productions. His music is personal, not a career strategy.
Environmental Activism
Climate change and ocean preservation interest Owen deeply. He’s involved in environmental efforts, though he keeps this work relatively quiet. His activism stems from genuine concern, not a desire for publicity or praise.
Photography complements his environmental interests. He captures landscapes and natural beauty, documenting the very ecosystems he wants to protect. These images reflect an artistic eye inherited from his illustrator father.
Technology and Innovation
Owen has explored coding and app development, demonstrating technical skills many of his generation possess. This interest in technology aligns with his generation’s digital fluency but goes deeper. He sees technology as a tool for solving problems, particularly environmental ones.
The combination of environmental concern and technical ability positions Owen uniquely. He could work in green technology, environmental advocacy, or tech entrepreneurship. His options remain open as he completes his education and explores career possibilities.
Life in 2025
On January 8, 2025, Ricki Lake lost her home in the Palisades Fire. This devastating event reminded everyone, including Owen, that celebrity status doesn’t shield families from real-world tragedies. The fire tested the family’s resilience and brought them closer together during difficult times.
Owen has successfully transitioned from childhood celebrity to independent young adult. This achievement shouldn’t be understated. Many celebrity children struggle with identity issues, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. Owen appears to have avoided these pitfalls through strong family support and personal determination.
His relationship with his mother remains close. They share interests in classic films and outdoor activities. Their bond includes humor and mutual respect. Ricki has spoken openly about her own mental health challenges, creating an environment where honest conversations happen.
The Relationship Between Fame and Privacy
Owen’s story raises important questions about celebrity children’s rights to privacy. He didn’t choose his mother’s career or the publicity that came with it. Yet from birth, his life has been partially public.
How he’s handled this situation offers lessons:
Set Boundaries Early: Owen established that he wasn’t interested in fame. This clear boundary helped others respect his privacy.
Choose Your Moments: He appears at family events when appropriate but doesn’t seek additional exposure. This selective approach works well.
Develop Your Own Interests: By pursuing passions unrelated to entertainment, Owen created an identity separate from his mother’s career.
Maintain Strong Family Connections: His close relationships with both parents and his brother provide emotional support and stability.
Value Education: Attending a prestigious university gave him skills and credentials independent of his family name.
Comparing Celebrity Siblings
| Aspect | Owen Tyler Sussman | Milo Sebastian Sussman |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 2001 | 1997 |
| Public Profile | Very private | Moderately private |
| Education | University of Chicago | Oberlin College |
| Primary Interests | Technology, environment, music | Music production, arts |
| Social Media | Restricted accounts | Limited presence |
| Career Path | Still exploring options | Creative industries |
| Public Appearances | Rare | Occasional |
Both brothers share similar values around privacy and authenticity. Yet their four-year age difference means they’ve approached adulthood at different times and with different perspectives.
Mother-Son Bond
Ricki Lake’s relationship with Owen goes beyond typical celebrity parent-child dynamics. She’s been refreshingly honest about parenting challenges, admitting mistakes and discussing difficulties openly.
In June 2020, Ricki shared a throwback photo for Owen’s 19th birthday, writing that she was proud to watch him evolve and grow into the exceptional young man he is today. These public displays of affection are careful. Ricki celebrates her son without exposing him excessively.
Her openness about mental health has created space for honest family conversations. After Christian Evans’ death, Ricki discussed bipolar disorder and suicide prevention publicly. This courage likely influenced how Owen thinks about vulnerability and authenticity.
Looking Forward
What does the future hold for Owen Tyler Sussman? At 24, he has countless possibilities ahead. His education at the University of Chicago has provided a strong foundation. His diverse interests offer multiple potential career paths.
He might pursue tech entrepreneurship, combining his coding skills with environmental concerns. He could work for advocacy organizations fighting climate change. Music might become a more serious pursuit. Or he might choose something completely unexpected.
What seems certain is that Owen will continue prioritizing authenticity over publicity. He’s demonstrated consistent values throughout his young adult years. This pattern likely continues as he matures and takes on new challenges.
His approach to life offers hope for other celebrity children seeking their own paths. You can respect your family legacy without being defined by it. You can appreciate opportunities that come from privilege while building your own credibility. You can be grateful for a platform without feeling obligated to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Owen Tyler Sussman?
Owen Tyler Sussman is the younger son of talk show host Ricki Lake and illustrator Rob Sussman, born June 18, 2001.
How old is Owen Tyler Sussman?
Owen Tyler Sussman is 24 years old as of 2025, having been born in 2001.
What does Owen Tyler Sussman do?
Owen attends the University of Chicago and pursues interests in technology, environmental activism, and music while maintaining a private life.
Does Owen Tyler Sussman have siblings?
Yes, Owen has an older brother named Milo Sebastian Sussman, who was born in 1997.
Is Owen Tyler Sussman on social media?
Owen maintains private social media accounts and avoids public attention, preferring to keep his personal life separate from his mother’s fame.
The Bigger Picture
Owen Tyler Sussman’s story matters because it challenges assumptions about celebrity children. Not everyone born into fame craves the spotlight. Some people genuinely prefer privacy, meaningful work, and authentic relationships over publicity and recognition.
His choices demonstrate that celebrity children can forge independent identities. They can honor their families while building separate lives. They can appreciate opportunities without feeling entitled. They can use their platforms selectively or not at all.
As Owen continues his journey into adulthood, he represents a quieter kind of success. Not measured in followers, headlines, or red carpet appearances. Instead, measured in personal growth, authentic relationships, and contributions to causes he cares about.
The world will always be curious about Ricki Lake’s son. But Owen has shown that he’s much more than a famous last name. He’s a thoughtful young man with his own dreams, values, and path forward. That’s the real story worth telling.
