Denise Richards is an American actress, model, and television personality who became a household name in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for her standout roles in Starship Troopers, Wild Things, and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, she quickly rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.
Over the years, Richards has built a diverse career across film, television, and reality TV, while also becoming a bestselling author with her candid memoir The Real Girl Next Door. In this article, we’ll explore her journey from her early life and family background to her personal life, career highlights, and reality-TV reinvention.
Early Life & Education, Parents
Denise Richards was born on February 17, 1971, in Downers Grove, Illinois, to her parents Joni, who ran a coffee shop, and Irv Richards, a telephone engineer. She grew up alongside her younger sister Michelle, spending her childhood in Downers Grove and Mokena, where she was famously the only girl on her local baseball team.
When she was 15, the family moved to Oceanside, California, where Denise attended El Camino High School and was voted “Best Looking” in her class before graduating in 1989. Raised Catholic and proud of her German and French roots, she began modeling right after high school, traveling to major fashion cities like Paris, New York, and Tokyo to shoot campaigns and commercials marking the start of her path into entertainment.
| Full Name | Denise Lee Richards |
| Date of Birth | 17 February 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Downers Grove, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Father: Irv Richards
Mother: Joni Richards |
| Husband | Aaron Phypers (m. 2018), Charlie Sheen (m. 2002–2006) |
| Children | Sami Sheen, Eloise Joni Richards, Lola Rose Sheen |
| Siblings | Michelle Richards |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter – Facebook |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Denise Richards has an estimated net worth of around $12 million, earned through her long career in acting, modelling, reality TV, and brand partnerships. She was raised Catholic, a faith she has mentioned throughout her life. In terms of background, Denise is of German and French ancestry, which comes from her parents’ family roots.
Personal life, Husband & Children
Denise Richards’ personal life has included several significant relationships and her journey as a mother. She married actor Charlie Sheen in 2002, and the two welcomed two daughters, Sam and Lola. Their marriage ended in 2006 after a difficult period, and Denise later received primary custody of their children. Despite past challenges, they eventually rebuilt a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
In 2011, Denise adopted her third daughter, Eloise Joni Richards, as a single parent. Eloise was later diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder, and Denise has been deeply devoted to supporting her needs, even learning sign language to communicate with her.
Denise married Aaron Phypers in 2018, and he later began the process of adopting Eloise. However, in July 2025, Aaron filed for divorce, marking the end of their marriage. Through all of these changes, Denise has remained very family-focused and continues to care for her three daughters with love and stability.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Denise Richards is known for her striking appearance and classic Hollywood style. She stands around 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and maintains a slim, fit build with an estimated weight of around 55–57 kg. Denise has blonde hair, which has become one of her signature features over the years, and bright blue eyes.
Career Details
Denise Richards has built a long, varied career across film, television, modeling, and reality TV. She began working as a teen model, appearing in print ads, magazine covers, and commercials before moving into acting in the early 1990s. Her early acting years included guest roles on popular shows like Saved by the Bell, Seinfeld, and Beverly Hills, 90210, along with small film parts.
Her major breakthrough came with Starship Troopers (1997), followed by the cult hit Wild Things (1998), and worldwide recognition as Christmas Jones in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999). Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she stayed active with roles in comedies like Scary Movie 3, dramas such as Edmond and Jolene, and projects across many genres.
Alongside films, Richards became a familiar face on TV with appearances in Friends, Spin City, Twisted, Blue Mountain State, The Bold and the Beautiful, and several Lifetime movies. She also embraced reality television, starring in Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and later headlining Denise Richards & Her Wild Things in 2025.
Beyond acting, she has walked fashion runways, appeared in advertising campaigns, launched a perfume line, and developed her own skincare brand. Denise’s career continues to evolve, blending acting, entrepreneurship, and television in a way that keeps her a recognizable and enduring figure in entertainment.
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