Denise Lee Richards is an American actress, television personality, and former fashion model. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s with memorable performances in films such as Starship Troopers (1997), Wild Things (1998), and as the Bond girl Christmas Jones in The World Is Not Enough (1999). Over the years, she has built a diverse career in both film and television.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Denise Lee Richards |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Downers Grove, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse(s) | Charlie Sheen (2002–2006), Aaron Phypers (2018–present) |
| Children | Three (two daughters with Sheen, one child with Phypers) |
| Occupations | Actress, television personality, model |
| Net Worth | Approximately $6 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on February 17, 1971, in Downers Grove, Illinois, Denise Richards is the daughter of Joni, who owned a coffee shop, and Irv Richards, a telephone engineer. She has one younger sister, Michelle. At age 15, her family relocated to Oceanside, California.
Denise graduated from El Camino High School in 1989, where she was recognized for her looks and athleticism, notably as the only female on her baseball team.
Raised in the Catholic faith, she began modeling after high school, traveling internationally before pursuing acting.
Career
Richards started her professional journey as a model before transitioning to acting, initially appearing in guest roles on TV shows like Saved by the Bell and Seinfeld.
Her breakout roles came with Starship Troopers and Wild Things, which established her as a rising star. She gained widespread attention playing Christmas Jones in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.
Her film career spans various genres, including comedy (Scary Movie 3), drama (Jolene), and thrillers (Valentine).
On television, she has starred in series such as Blue Mountain State and The Bold and the Beautiful, and reality shows like Denise Richards: It’s Complicated and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
In 2011, she released her memoir, The Real Girl Next Door, which became a New York Times bestseller. She starred in Madea’s Witness Protection (2012) and joined ABC Family’s Twisted the same year.
Denise Richards appeared in films like American Satan (2017), The Toybox (2018), and The Prayer Box (2018). Richards joined The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2018, leaving in 2020 after two seasons. She acted in The Bold and the Beautiful (2019), BH90210, and several TV movies.
In 2024, she joined Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test and will star in Bravo’s Denise Richards & Her Wild Things in 2025.
Personal Life
Denise Richards was married to actor Charlie Sheen from 2002 until their divorce in 2006, and they share two daughters.
In 2018, she married Aaron Phypers, with whom she has one child. However, on July 7, 2025, Phypers filed for divorce in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences and noting their separation date as July 4, 2025.
She is also known for her candidness on reality television and her involvement in various charitable causes.
Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is around $6 million, earned through her acting roles, modeling, and television appearances.
Selected Filmography
- Starship Troopers (1997)
- Wild Things (1998)
- The World Is Not Enough (1999)
- Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
- Valentine (2001)
- Undercover Brother (2002)
- Scary Movie 3 (2003)
- Love Actually (2003)
- Madea’s Witness Protection (2012)
- American Satan (2017)
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actress for The World Is Not Enough (1999)
- Featured in Maxim’s 50 Sexiest Women (1999)
- Ranked in FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women (2001)
- Despite mixed critical reception, she remains a well-known figure in entertainment.
