Denise Richards, famous for her roles in ’90s films like Starship Troopers and Wild Things, is enjoying a resurgence in reality TV following her challenging divorce from Charlie Sheen in 2005. After a less successful solo reality show, she joined Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, gaining fans but exiting after two seasons. Her new series, Denise Richards and Her Wild Things, follows her family life with husband Aaron Phypers and her three daughters, each with unique perspectives on fame. The show emphasizes their dynamics and challenges while also allowing the girls to establish their identities beyond being “Charlie Sheen’s daughters.”
Photo: Nicole Weingart/E! Entertainment
Denise Richards, known for her captivating roles in iconic ’90s films, faced a challenging path after an explosive rise to fame. In Starship Troopers, she battled aliens, while The World Is Not Enough pitted her against James Bond. Wild Things featured a memorable pool scene with Neve Campbell that has remained memorable across generations. The mixed reception of Drop Dead Gorgeous, the only film her daughters have watched, was overshadowed by intense tabloid scrutiny following her tumultuous divorce from Charlie Sheen in 2005. However, she’s now rediscovering her footing in the world of reality television.
After the not-so-successful Denise Richards: It’s Complicated in 2009, which lasted two seasons on E!, she became an instant favorite with fans when she joined the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2018. However, by her second season, her relationships with the other women soured, prompting her to leave once more after two years. Now, she’s fusing aspects of both shows for her new series, Denise Richards and Her Wild Things. Debuting tonight on Bravo, it showcases the star alongside her husband Aaron Phypers and their three daughters: Sami Sheen, a 20-year-old OnlyFans creator; Lola Sheen, a 19-year-old hostess and dedicated Christian; and Eloise Richards, a 13-year-old with developmental disabilities from adoption. The 30-minute episodes are expected to be light-hearted, featuring many of Denise’s old Hollywood friends, but the core focus will be her family dynamics, especially with her daughters, which was crucial in her decision to return to reality TV.
Having done reality TV before, what feels different this time?
In my first experience, my daughters were too young to truly remember. In Housewives, it was mostly about the women’s interactions; this time, it’s centered on my family—and friends, too—making it a whole new experience.
After Housewives, Alex Baskin from Evolution Media reached out for a family docuseries, and I needed to ensure everyone was on board. Sami was eager; she’s always believed our family needs a reality show due to our unique dynamic. Lola was more hesitant, and I didn’t want to impose it on her, I simply wanted her to feel safe during the process.
What concerns did Lola express?
Her faith is a major part of her life, and she prayed about joining the show. I emphasized that it would be a great opportunity for the girls. They’ve always been tagged as “Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen’s daughters,” and now that they’re adults, this is their chance to assert themselves. I also reassured Lola that I find it admirable for young adults to confidently share their beliefs, which made her feel this was a good opportunity.
All three daughters have different personalities. What were your concerns about them entering reality TV?
Eloise, having special needs, loves seeing herself on screen.
Really?
Absolutely! She was thrilled when we showed her scenes from Housewives; she smiled and enjoyed watching herself. She has a natural affinity for the camera, and she was excited when we asked if she wanted to participate.
My main concern is that putting themselves out there can lead to both positive and negative reactions. It’s essential for them to be prepared for criticism, but I believe they can handle it well. They are incredibly secure and level-headed, traits that I wish I had at their age. I feel confident about how they will navigate this journey.
It’s interesting that your daughters haven’t really watched your films. What’s your take on that?
I’m entirely fine with it. I didn’t turn into the kind of mom who would curate movie nights showcasing my work. It simply never crossed my mind, and they never expressed interest. For the longest time, I think they misunderstood my profession, as they frequently saw me preparing for shoots, but mostly stayed in the hair and makeup area, thinking I just operated in the trailer.
They pick up bits and pieces of my career from platforms like TikTok. Sami often finds videos that showcase my appearances, like being on Friends; they were surprised when I told them about my iconic episode! I never felt the need to list out my past roles for them.
Aaron didn’t appear thrilled about being on Housewives; how did you convince him to join this project?
Actually, during the first season, he was quite supportive. He empathized with my struggles during the second season regarding my friendship dynamics. I genuinely enjoyed my time on Housewives and would likely return. Certainly, I took a different approach in the second season, but I mostly cherished my experiences and friendships. This new project felt more family-oriented, which he appreciated.
What did you love about Housewives?
I genuinely appreciated the trips! As we accumulate responsibilities—careers, children, spouses—it’s challenging to find time for a group of women to bond without distractions. Despite the inevitable conflicts, there were many enjoyable moments that made it worthwhile.
In this new season, it seems you’ll be having a conversation with Erika Jayne. How was that interaction?
I’m truly grateful we connected; during my first season, I felt a genuine rapport with her, and we bonded. However, my second season took an entirely different path, and I sensed unresolved tensions. I’m glad we eventually addressed it.
Can we expect to see more about your OnlyFans journey in Denise Richards and Her Wild Things?
Yes, we’ll showcase a bit of everything going on in our lives. The advantage with OnlyFans is that I have full control over what I share. When Sami mentioned joining, I quickly learned about the platform.
We’ll also see some familiar friends, like Brooke Mueller and Tori Spelling. What’s your secret to maintaining friendships in Hollywood?
There’s no magic formula; it’s all about the connection. Even when time passes without communication, we can just pick up where we left off, understanding each other’s journeys despite our busy lives. Friends outside the industry often don’t grasp the same understanding, which can complicate things.
However, my friendship with Brooke has had its ups and downs. We went through a period of silence that lasted a couple of years, but reconnected about two years ago. I want her to know I’m always here for her and her sons. It’s essential to keep harmony among our dynamics. Brooke is the mother of Sam and Lola’s brothers, and Charlie’s involvement adds another layer to our relationship. It matters that he supports our daughters’ endeavors and appears on the show, as it reflects the real-life dynamics we share, which can be turbulent but also has potential for positivity in the future.