Denise Richards discusses marriage, RHOBH exit and TV future

Following her controversial exit from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ cast, Denise Richards opens up about her future in television and why her marriage is stronger than ever.

You’re now a veteran of not one but two reality TV shows [Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, which ran for two seasons from 2008, and The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills, which she joined in 2019 and left this year].

Would you go back for a third?

[Laughs] Never say never. There are parts of reality television that I do like, and I think our business has changed so much. The audience wants to see a bit of our personal life, which is why social media has become so popular. I think it’s nice to show people a peek inside.

I enjoyed my time on The Real Housewives. My first season was much more enjoyable than the second season! [There were rumours and headlines around Richards’ alleged romantic relationship with cast mate Brandi Glanville in the second season.] I can’t say I’ll never do it again, because I did enjoy it.

“I think it’s nice to show people a peek inside.” (Picture: Gilles Toucas)

You married frequency healer Aaron Phypers in 2018. How’s married life treating you?

It’s amazing. My father even said, “What you two have been through since you got married…” Two months after we got married, bushfires happened and we were in hotels for a month – over 20 hotels, which is a lot, with kids, figuring out our dogs and everything.

So we have definitely been tested, but we are closer than ever from all of that. And then dealing with different challenges after. I definitely made the right choice marrying him, for sure.

You joined the cast of The Bold And The Beautiful last year. What’s it like filming during COVID?

It’s definitely been an adjustment with everything going on, but the plus side of it is my husband has been able to step in for any intimate scenes and kissing, and that sort of thing. I think all of us have had fun with that and it’s nice to have your significant other on set.

We’re not allowed to be closer than eight feet with cast members, so anything closer we do have a mannequin for eyeline, and then the actor is off camera reading the line. It’s hard for us all to keep a straight face [laughs].

Denise says that she and her husband are “closer than ever.” (Picture: Getty Images)

Denise Richards starring alongside Pierce Brosnan in the 1999 Bond film ‘The World is Not Enough’. (Picture: Supplied)

It’s crazy but somehow it works. I think everyone is happy we’re able to continue giving to the fans, especially since we had never had re-runs until now. We’re just happy to be back.

Soap operas are renowned for having interesting and fantastical storylines. What do you hope your character gets up to?

Well, I will say there’s a surprise twist with my character that even I was surprised by. When I got sent the script, I learnt a lot of things about my character. I was like, “Oh wow, that’s not what I expected.”

My character is so much fun to play. I love doing this show. I originally signed on for three months, but continued a two-year contract after that because I loved it so much.

Denise Richards starring in her breakout role alongside Neve Campbell. (Picture: ‘Wild Things’, 1998)

People have seemingly been learning languages and making sourdough during this pandemic. Have you been able to tick off anything from your to-do list?

I wish I’d learnt a second language, but no. Although my youngest daughter [Eloise, 9, who has special needs] started learning sign language before the pandemic, so we’ve been helping her with that. We’ve had more quality time with the family and it’s actually been really wonderful. I will say, though, that the challenging thing is definitely the schooling.

Denise Richards features in this Sunday’s Stellar.

You adopted Eloise as a single mother in 2011, while raising your other two daughters [Sam, 16, and Lola Rose, 15, with ex-husband Charlie Sheen]. What has parenthood taught you?

Becoming a mother is unlike anything. It’s a love that’s beyond. Any parent would think the same thing. I worry more as they’re getting older. My oldest is driving now, which terrified me, especially in LA with the canyons and the freeways.

Someone gave me a piece of advice when I was pregnant with her: that you grow with your kids – and I feel that is so true. I hope they are safe and healthy and happy. That’s all I want for them, whatever it is they choose to do.

The Bold And The Beautiful airs at 4.30pm weekdays on Network Ten.

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