Denise Lee Richards (born February 17, 1971) is an American actress, TV personality, and model. She gained fame through roles in Starship Troopers (1997), Wild Things (1998), and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999). Beyond acting, Denise has appeared in reality television, authored a memoir, and actively participates in philanthropy.
Quick Facts of Denise Richards
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Denise Lee Richards |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Downers Grove, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | El Camino High School |
| Career Start | Modeling (1989) |
| Notable Works | Starship Troopers, Wild Things, The World Is Not Enough |
| Reality Shows | Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $10 million |
Early Life and Family Background
Denise Richards was born to Joni, a coffee shop owner, and Irv Richards, a telephone engineer. She grew up in Downers Grove and Mokena, Illinois, alongside her younger sister, Michelle. As a child, Denise stood out as the only girl on her baseball team.
When she was 15, her family moved to Oceanside, California. She graduated from El Camino High School in 1989, where she was voted “best looking.” Denise was raised Catholic, and after graduation, she began modeling, traveling to cities such as Paris, New York, and Tokyo for photo shoots and commercials.
Career Beginnings
Denise started her career in modeling as a teenager, appearing in Bonne Bell cosmetics ads and on the cover of Teen magazine. By the early 1990s, she transitioned to acting with guest roles in popular TV shows like Saved by the Bell, Married… with Children, and Seinfeld.
Her first starring film role came in Starship Troopers (1997), earning her a Blockbuster Entertainment Award nomination. She followed this with the erotic thriller Wild Things (1998), which critics praised for showcasing her ability to play complex, manipulative characters.
In 1999, Denise played Christmas Jones, a Bond girl in The World Is Not Enough. Despite criticism over the character’s believability, the role solidified her place in mainstream Hollywood. That same year, she starred in the satirical comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous, which later achieved cult status.
Career Highlights: 2000s to 2010s
In the early 2000s, Denise appeared in films such as Valentine (2001), Undercover Brother (2002), Scary Movie 3 (2003), and Love Actually (2003). She also guest-starred on popular TV shows, including Friends, Spin City, and Two and a Half Men.
In 2008, Denise debuted her reality series Denise Richards: It’s Complicated, offering viewers a glimpse into her personal life, including her family and daughters. She later appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2009.
Over the next decade, Denise expanded her career, appearing in TV series such as Blue Mountain State, Twisted, and The Bold and the Beautiful. She also starred in films like Madea’s Witness Protection (2012) and American Satan (2017). In 2011, she published her memoir The Real Girl Next Door, which became a New York Times Best Seller.
Reality TV and Recent Work
Denise joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2019, quickly becoming a fan favorite. In 2025, she launched Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, a reality series about her family, which aired on Bravo and E!. She also competed on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test in 2025.
Denise continues acting in films and TV, including projects like Glow & Darkness (2021) and the upcoming A Walking Miracle (TBA).
Personal Life
Denise married Charlie Sheen in 2002 and had two daughters. They divorced in 2006, with Denise gaining primary custody. She adopted a third daughter, Eloise, in 2011. Denise married Aaron Phypers in 2018, but he filed for divorce in 2025.
In 2022, Denise joined OnlyFans to support her daughter Sami, earning a significant income while promoting creator-owned content.
Business, Modeling, and Philanthropy
Denise launched her self-titled fragrance in 2012 and later developed a skincare line with CBme Beauty. She has walked the runway for designers and posed for magazine covers including Cosmopolitan, GQ, and Esquire.
Philanthropy is central to her life. Denise supports organizations such as the Best Friends Animal Society, Feeding America, and the Kidney Cancer Association. She regularly participates in charity fashion shows, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer efforts.
Legacy and Media Image
Denise Richards is celebrated for her beauty, talent, and charitable work. She has consistently ranked among the world’s most attractive women in magazines like Maxim, FHM, and Men’s Health. Beyond her on-screen roles, Denise remains an influential figure in fashion, television, and philanthropy.
