Ricki Lake Shares What “Hairspray”’s Tracy Turnblad Would Love About 2025 — Including Taylor Swift

Ricki Lake Reflects on How Hairspray’s Tracy Turnblad Would Embrace 2025

In a recent TikTok video, Ricki Lake, renowned for her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in the classic movie “Hairspray” back in 1988, shared her musings on how the character would have embraced the year 2025. Lake, now aged 56, offered insights into what Tracy, the plus-size and infectiously cheerful protagonist from the beloved film turned musical, would appreciate about the present era.

The original “Hairspray” movie directed by John Waters in 1988, was not a musical despite still revolving around music and dance in Baltimore. Subsequently, the movie was adapted into a Tony-winning musical in 2002, featuring Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy. The musical ran on Broadway until 2009. This success led to another film adaptation in 2007, with Nikki Blonsky taking on the role of Tracy. The franchise continued with a live adaptation in 2016, aired on NBC, starring Maddie Baillio as Tracy.

Ricki Lake reminisced about what Tracy would have enjoyed about the current times, mentioning trends like eyelash extensions, Russian manicures, and the immersive experience of Broadway restaurants where waiters entertain guests with song. Noting Tracy’s vibrant nature, Lake suggested that she would undoubtedly be a Taylor Swift fan, envisioning her living it up in West Hollywood or hitting the club scene in Los Angeles.

Recent social media trends have seen a resurgence of interest in “Hairspray,” with fans recreating iconic scenes, dances, and jamming out to the soundtrack on platforms like TikTok. Tayla Parx, who portrayed Little Inez in the 2007 film version, even recreated a viral dance routine from the movie, showcasing the enduring popularity of the musical.

Post her stint as Tracy Turnblad, Ricki Lake ventured into other acting roles like starring in John Waters’ film “Cry-Baby” in 1990. She then transitioned to hosting a talk show from 1993 to 2004. Reflecting on her talk show experience, Lake highlighted the significant changes in the television landscape with the advent of streaming services, remarking on the evolution of the industry.

The enduring legacy of “Hairspray” and its ability to captivate audiences across generations exemplifies its timeless appeal. The character of Tracy Turnblad continues to resonate with fans, prompting reflections on how she would navigate the contemporary world of 2025. Ricki Lake’s insights into Tracy’s hypothetical preferences offer a delightful glimpse into the character’s potential evolution and enduring charm.

In conclusion, the enduring popularity of “Hairspray” serves as a testament to the timeless themes and captivating characters that continue to capture the hearts of audiences. Ricki Lake’s reflections on Tracy Turnblad’s potential embrace of 2025 offer a nostalgic yet refreshing perspective on the character’s enduring legacy in popular culture.