Believe it or not, Denise Richards has been in the spotlight for more than three decades now. Richards has been an actor, model, and reality TV star. She's also been a tabloid regular, thanks to her ex-husband, Charlie Sheen...often, much to her chagrin. Having taken on roles as Bond girl and mother, Denise has a reputation for being a kind person. She has often stepped in to help Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller's children.
Although many wouldn’t think it to look at her, Richards was a childhood athlete - she was the only girl on her baseball team growing up. Richards is also a best-selling author. Her memoir, The Real Girl Next Door, made it onto The New York Times Best Sellers list. Richards is more than just a pretty face! A lot of people respect her for her grounded approach to handling fame and controversy.
Before breaking onto the big screen, Richards guest-starred on shows like Saved by the Bell, Married with Children, Beverly Hills 90210, Seinfeld, and Melrose Place. Richards has been featured many times on "sexiest women" lists, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s.
She's due to celebrate her 50th birthday early in 2021, so it’s time to learn some lesser-known facts about Charlie Sheen’s ex, Denise Richards.
15 Her Landlord Leaking Pictures
Celebs often need to worry about people selling their stories to the press. Recently, Denise Richards and her husband were sued by a former landlord, for damage to a house they had rented. Shortly after, the couple retaliated. MSN reported that the couple is suing their landlord for releasing private information about them, which caused them ‘emotional distress’.
14 1.1 Million Instagram Followers Strong
Richards is not shy about sharing the details of her life with her fans on social media. She keeps a very active Instagram account filled with many pictures of herself, her family and her friends. She has over 1.1 million followers, as of March 2020.
Celebs like Denise love posting on Instagram because they can create a narrative for their fans...and keep control of that narrative.
13 Wild Things & Beyond
Wild Things was the first starring role that Richards was given in a film, beyond smaller roles in films like Starship Troopers.
Wild Things was an edgy, sexy film that helped create a buzz around Denise.
Richards said this about trying to make it in the business: “There’s always that little word called REJECTION. It happens to everyone. There were many times that I got discouraged when I didn’t get a role, but I loved what I was doing so much, it was this love that kept me motivated. I had a passion for acting, and I wouldn’t give up.”
12 Open Marriage Rumours
Despite chatter that says otherwise, Richards wants you to know that both she and her husband, Aaron Phypers, are fully committed to a monogamous relationship with each other.
When a fan commented on their alleged 'open relationship' on Instagram, Richards was quick to set the record straight. The star wrote on her Instagram Page, “We actually don’t have an open marriage.” She added that she is, “[100 percent] monogamous to my husband.”
11 A Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills
In season nine, Richards joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and she and her boyfriend announced their intention to get married. They then planned a wedding in 10 short days.
Richards shared her thoughts about joining the show with Bravo TV: “I am so happy to officially be married to the love of my life. I can’t wait for everyone to go on this incredible journey with me this season on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It has been a wild ride so far!”
10 On Dating A Rock Star
Not too long after Charlie Sheen and Richards ended their marriage, Richards got involved in a new one...this time, with Bon Jovi guitarist, Richie Sambora. Since their relationship became public very shortly after Sambora’s separation from Heather Locklear, many (including Locklear) said that Sambora had cheated with Richards during their marriage. Both Sambora and Richards maintain that they did not get romantic until after the separation.
9 How She And Sheen Met
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards first met in 2000, when they were filming, Good Advice. They later worked together on Spin City and it didn’t take long for them to start dating...and then get engaged. Denise said of her relationship with Sheen, "I fell in love with who he was when I met him: a strong man who could admit his weaknesses and work through them."
8 Her Kids
Denise and Charlie have two kids together...daughters Sam and Lola (Sheen had another child from a previous marriage). Unfortunately, by the time Richards was six months pregnant with Lola, their marriage was falling apart.
The two released a joint statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the recent events and out of our love and concern for our daughter Sam, our unborn child and each other, we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.” Richards later adopted another daughter, Eloise, as a single parent.
7 The Restraining Order Against Sheen
The couple briefly tried to make it work again when Lola was born. Soon, things went from bad to worse. Denise went to the court with statements that Sheen was abusing prescription medication, having erratic mood swings, and constantly gambling. Richards filed for a restraining order against Sheen in 2006. She said that he was physically violent and was bringing prostitutes into their home.
6 Adoption Of Daughter
In 2011, Richards expanded her family by adopting her youngest daughter, Eloise. Denise said of her decision to adopt, “To me, it feels like I always had Eloise — there’s no difference between an adopted child or biological child, or Eloise and my older daughters. I’ve always believed that we choose our parents and she just chose me another way. She’s my daughter and she’s a part of me.”
5 Life Post-Divorce
Denise seems to be loving her life and tried to rebuild her relationship with Charlie Sheen for the sake of her children. When Richards married Aaron Phypers, she even invited Charlie to attend the wedding. She said of her ex, "It’s just, it is what it is. No matter what’s gone down with Charlie and I, I invite Charlie to anything having to do with the kids and I.” Although Charlie did not attend his rep told said, “[He] wishes them nothing but happiness!”
4 Affair Rumours
One thing about reality TV like Real Housewives is that it's all about stirring up the drama. All About the Tea reports that Brandi Glanville confessed to an affair with Denise. Brandi apparently said of Richards, “She’s not who she pretends to be.” When Denise found out about Brandi's comments, she was livid and said that cast members were trying to destroy her family.
3 Fleeing Spain During COVID-19
Richards was filming a medieval drama in Spain, but the production was shut down due to the coronavirus threat. Denise was candid about her “surreal” trip home, which ended with self-isolation.
Richards said, “I got out a day at a time. It took me two days to get home, I went through London. Landing in LAX - I will say, they were screening. It took quite some time to get out. They definitely took my temperature once they heard where I was, and the CDC was there. Going through airport LAX, they are definitely screening everyone, I will reassure everyone with that.”
2 A Natural Beauty In Self-Isolation
Taking to social media, Richards shared a photo on March 25, 2020, showcasing a natural look on Instagram. The star looks stunning at 49 years old, even without makeup and glam hair. She spoke about her teen daughters completing school online and everyone doing what they can to stay well and safe.
1 Former Cheerleader
It’s not really surprising that before she became a Hollywood star, Denise Richards was a high school cheerleader - she looks the part, even today. Having gone to high school in Oceanside, California, this West Coast girl looks at home in a cheer squad uniform, over three decades after she graduated.
Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Women's Health, All About The Tea, Mirror, Babygaga, US Magazine, Fox News, People, MSN