When you grow up as the child of a daytime television icon, your life is often lived under a microscope. But for Owen Tyler Sussman, the second son of talk show legend Ricki Lake and illustrator Rob Sussman, privacy and individuality have taken precedence over fame. Now 23 years old, Owen has quietly carved his own identity away from the glare of Hollywood lights.
A Star-Studded Beginning
Born on August 29, 2001, in New York City, Owen arrived during the height of Ricki Lake’s TV career. Her self-titled talk show, which ran from 1993 to 2004, had already made her one of the most recognized faces in daytime television. His father, Rob Sussman, brought a different kind of fame to the family—his illustrations had graced major publications like The New York Times and Wired.
Growing up in such a creatively charged household meant that artistic expression was a daily norm. Alongside his older brother, Milo Sebastian Sussman (born 1997), Owen experienced a childhood that balanced public attention with a strong sense of family grounding.
Growing Up in the Public Eye
From the moment he was born, Owen’s life was partially public. Paparazzi photos often captured the young Sussman boys during outings with their mother, whether at a farmers market or family park visits. By age two, he was already a tabloid regular—though not by choice.
Following Ricki and Rob’s divorce in 2003, media speculation swirled around their custody and co-parenting dynamic. Yet, Ricki made deliberate choices to protect Owen and Milo from Hollywood pressures. Homeschooling was one way she shielded them from excessive attention, giving them the opportunity to grow up with a degree of normalcy that many celebrity kids rarely get.
Family Influence and Artistic Heritage
Owen inherited not just the media attention that came with being Ricki Lake’s son but also the creative flair of both his parents. Rob Sussman’s career in visual arts left a lasting impression. It’s reported that Owen has developed a strong interest in illustration and sketching, much like his father.
This creative streak isn’t just a hobby. It reflects the values both parents instilled—encouraging exploration, expression, and individuality. While Ricki stayed busy with her acting and TV commitments, she always emphasized the importance of staying grounded, teaching her sons humility and resilience in a world obsessed with appearances.
Owen and Milo’s ability to maintain strong bonds with both parents, despite the split, has also helped them emotionally and socially. Studies like the one conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2014 show that children of divorced parents who retain good relationships with both caregivers adjust better long term. Owen seems to be a living example of that.
College Life and Independence
After finishing high school, Owen made a significant decision that signaled his shift toward independence. He enrolled in college in Chicago, putting a fair distance between himself and the Hollywood bubble. While specific details about his major remain private, it’s evident that education plays a key role in his life.
Choosing a city like Chicago reflects a desire to be around culture and creativity without the constant pressure of Los Angeles. Ricki Lake has occasionally posted proud mentions of visiting Owen at school, reinforcing her support for his educational path.
Given his age and background, his net worth is modest and mostly linked to family support rather than personal earnings. While there are no confirmed figures, estimates suggest Owen Tyler Sussman may have a net worth of approximately $100,000, primarily from family wealth and potential artistic projects in development.
Career Possibilities and Future Plans
At 23, Owen’s career journey is still evolving. Some speculate he might pursue a career in art like his father, while others wonder if he’ll eventually venture into film or media like his mother. However, Owen is not in a rush to choose a single path.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that nearly one-third of college students change their majors within their first few years—a trend that reflects Owen’s own exploratory approach. He is reportedly taking his time to find what fulfills him rather than following a prescribed path set by family fame.
His current lifestyle is refreshingly low-profile. No flashy social media presence, no public drama, and certainly no interest in fame for fame’s sake. That choice speaks volumes in an age where many celebrity children lean into social media stardom. Instead, Owen seems focused on personal growth and establishing a life that’s authentically his own.
The Private but Promising Path Forward
Despite growing up in the media glare, Owen Tyler Sussman has built a relatively private life centered around education, creativity, and strong family values. While his last name carries celebrity weight, he’s more focused on finding personal success than chasing headlines.
As he navigates his mid-twenties, Owen may yet surprise the world by stepping into the spotlight—but if he does, it will likely be on his own terms, with a path uniquely shaped by both inherited creativity and personal conviction.
