Make Page Six a Preferred Source Ricki Lake spoke about her ex-husband Christian Evans’ suicide as she commended “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby for how she’s handled her son Robert Jr.’s tragic death.
“I also am someone who is very accustomed to loss. I lost my husband almost ten years ago,” Lake told Cosby on Wednesday’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.”
Lake, 58, added, “And having to rise in the public and go through this, it’s really a testament to you and your strength.”
The “Hairspray” star praised Cosby, 53, for handling her son’s tragic passing at age 23 “with such grace.”
Lake also told the Bravo star she’s “helping” and “really doing a service” for other people dealing with loss.
“It’s an honor to be here with you tonight,” Lake added.
Evans — who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder — died by suicide in 2017 at the age of 45.
Lake started dating the jewelry designer in 2010 after meeting through a mutual friend. They got engaged in August 2011 and eloped in 2012.
The pair split in 2014, but they remained close until Evans’ death.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share that my beloved soulmate, Christian Evans has passed,” Lake wrote in an Instagram post at the time.
“The world didn’t understand this man, but I did. He succumbed to his life long struggle with bipolar disorder,” she added.
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In 2024, Lake spoke about how she tried to “save” Evans while he was struggling with his mental health.
“I know he suffered from depression and had a lot of pain,” she said at an event. “We were together four years before he had his first psychotic break. It was almost more shocking seeing him turn into another person than his ultimate death.”
The Daytime Emmy Award winner continued, “I went to great lengths to save him; I did everything I could in my power to bring him to the doctor to get him help, and it was really challenging.”
Lake has since found love again with her current husband, Ross Burningham, whom she married in January 2022.
However, the talk show host has continued to honor Evans, including by sharing a special tribute to him on the 5th anniversary of his death in Feb. 2022.
“He was and continues to be my greatest teacher. I am a far better version of myself having been loved so deeply by him,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside two pictures of the pair.
She added, “Missing Christian and honoring his memory today and everyday.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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