Growing up in the public eye is anything but ordinary. For Owen Tyler Sussman, the son of iconic talk show host Ricki Lake and accomplished illustrator Rob Sussman, life has always come with a side of celebrity attention. But unlike many children of famous parents who chase headlines or step into showbiz, Owen has taken a quieter, more thoughtful route.
He isn’t a household name, and that’s very much by design. He’s made deliberate choices to stay grounded, keep his privacy intact, and explore life on his own terms. And honestly, in a world where oversharing is the norm, that kind of approach is refreshing.
Born Into Hollywood Buzz
Owen was born on August 29, 2001, in New York City. By then, his mom Ricki Lake had already become a staple on daytime television with her self-titled talk show, which ran successfully from 1993 to 2004. Her bubbly energy and candid style made her a favorite with viewers across America.
His dad, Rob Sussman, may not be as widely known in mainstream circles, but he’s an established illustrator whose work has appeared in respected publications like The New York Times, Wired, and Time. So, it’s safe to say Owen grew up surrounded by creativity and expression from both sides.
He’s also the younger brother of Milo Sebastian Sussman, born in 1997. The two siblings have always shared a close bond, navigating the highs and lows of having a celebrity parent together.
Childhood in the Spotlight (Whether He Liked It or Not)
Being Ricki Lake’s son came with some uninvited attention. From baby photos to birthday outings, paparazzi often caught candid moments of their family. It wasn’t unusual to see tabloid photos of Ricki pushing a stroller or walking hand-in-hand with her sons.
That kind of visibility can be overwhelming, especially for a child. Ricki herself has been open about how fame affected her emotionally, and she worked hard to create a sense of normalcy for her boys. She even explored homeschooling for a period to give Owen and Milo a more grounded, private education experience.
She wanted them to grow up not as “celebrity kids” but as kids first. That mindset clearly had an impact.
What It’s Like to Be a Celebrity’s Kid
It’s easy to assume life is glamorous when you have famous parents. And sure, there are perks—financial comfort, travel, and access to unique opportunities. But it also comes with challenges: constantly being watched, judged, or compared.
According to research from the Pew Research Center, children from well-off or high-profile families often experience greater access to extracurriculars and resources, but they also face intense expectations.
Owen grew up in a home that emphasized values like humility, independence, and self-worth. Ricki often spoke about making her kids feel heard and seen for who they are, not just whose child they were.
A House of Creativity and Support
One of the coolest things about Owen’s upbringing is how immersed he was in the arts. His father’s work as an illustrator and his mother’s legacy in television likely influenced his own creative tendencies.
Both Owen and his brother Milo are said to have developed a strong appreciation for drawing and visual art, possibly inspired by their dad. It’s the kind of creative outlet that offers not just expression but also focus and calm—a balance many kids in the public eye need.
Despite Ricki and Rob divorcing in 2003, when Owen was just a toddler, they’ve reportedly co-parented well and remained in their sons’ lives. And that matters. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that kids who maintain solid relationships with both parents post-divorce tend to fare better socially and emotionally. Owen seems to be a good example of that.
Education: A Step Toward Independence
After graduating from high school, Owen made a big move—attending college in Chicago. That decision marked a clear moment of independence, away from the comfort and familiarity of home and fame.
Though he’s kept the details of his major and university mostly private (and good for him), it’s clear that education is important to him. Ricki has shared snippets on social media about visiting him on campus and beaming with pride over the man he’s becoming.
Heading off to college far from the Hollywood scene seems like a conscious move. A way to experience life without the lens of celebrity, to meet people who don’t know or care about red carpets or TV shows, and to build his identity on his own terms.
Still Exploring: Career Aspirations Yet to Be Defined
At 22, Owen is in that stage of life where nothing needs to be set in stone. While there’s always curiosity about whether he’ll follow his mom into the entertainment industry or join his dad in the visual arts, Owen hasn’t made any big public moves yet.
And that’s totally normal. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that around 30% of college students change their major at least once, and many young adults explore a variety of paths before settling.
For now, Owen seems to be focused on figuring things out, learning, trying new things, and building a foundation. That’s not just relatable—it’s smart.
Personal Life and Privacy
Owen has done something a lot of people find hard these days: he’s kept his private life private. There’s no public drama, no wild stories, no clout-chasing. In an age when oversharing is the norm, his approach feels almost revolutionary.
He’s reportedly close to both his parents and maintains a strong relationship with his brother. But beyond that, details about his dating life, social media presence, or future plans are mostly under wraps.
And frankly, that might be one of the most admirable things about him.
Final Thoughts
Owen Tyler Sussman could have taken the fame route. He could have leaned into the spotlight, done reality shows, or used his last name for instant recognition. But he didn’t.
He chose a quieter, more personal path. A path built on education, creativity, and privacy. He’s not trying to be Ricki Lake 2.0 or Rob Sussman 2.0. He’s just trying to be Owen.
And in a world where so many young people feel pressure to brand themselves or “go viral,” Owen’s thoughtful, steady pace is not just admirable—it’s inspiring. Whether he ends up in the arts, academia, or something entirely different, one thing’s for sure: he’s writing his own story, one chapter at a time.