IN CONVERSATION WITH DENISE RICHARDS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author Denise Richards is returning to E! for ‘Denise Richards and the Wild Things’. In the 30-minute episodes, cameras will capture Denise navigating work and family life, premiering on 4th March.

photography BRONSON FARR

‘Denise Richards and the Wild Things’ is set to premiere soon. How did the concept for the docuseries come about, and what can fans expect from this new chapter of your life? 

After ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, producer Alex Baskin asked me if I would want to do a family reality show, and I agreed. Our show is slice of life. I'm dealing with what many parents sometimes struggle with when our kids are coming of age, sibling rivalry, and my youngest daughter is special needs. People may not relate to a family being in the public eye, but they might relate to the challenges within the family. 

What made you decide to return to the spotlight with a show that captures your personal life with Aaron and your kids? 

I wanted to make sure my daughters wanted to do the show. When they said they did, we all felt it was an opportunity to share their voice. They've lived in the shadow of their parents without a choice. This has given them an opportunity to have a platform to share their stories. 

Having been a part of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, what lessons did you take from that experience and apply to your new series? 

When I met the producers of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ before I joined the show, I went to the meeting in jeans and a Guns N' Roses T-shirt and said to them “This is how I am at home. I wear jeans, I wear T-shirts, I wear sweatpants. I am mom.” I asked if they wanted me to be me, or be the woman that's an actress, in magazines, and on the red carpet. And they encouraged me to be myself and that is also what I tell my daughters, “Be you.”  

How do you balance the comedic aspects of the show with the more intimate moments that showcase your personal life? 

We are just us.  Through some challenges, I have always tried to have a sense of humor. I don't know if there is a balance, I truly didn't go into filming trying to find one. Sometimes life isn't balanced and I'm good showing that side of us.  

As a fan favorite on RHOBH, you’ve shared quite a bit about your personal life already. What new sides of you do you think viewers will discover in ‘Denise Richards and the Wild Things’? 

I think many parents may relate to having challenges with sibling rivalry, having to let go, children grow up and coming into their own. I'm a parent of a child of special needs and there are beautiful challenges with that.  

Being a mother and wife while navigating your career can be challenging. How do you manage the balance of family life, work, and filming a reality show? 

It's not always balanced. I've learned to be ok with that. 

You’ve had ups and downs in the public eye, but you’ve always been candid with your audience. How important is authenticity to you in the new show, especially with your family involved? 

It's very important to me. I encourage all of us to be ourselves and know it’s ok. Not everyone is going to love us and not everyone is going to hate us. And those that do, who cares? 

You’ve had a successful career in acting, reality TV, and writing. Looking back at your journey, what’s one thing you wish you had known when you first started out in the entertainment industry? 

To keep something tangible from my project,  whether it was something from my wardrobe, makeup, my chair with my name on it, or a prop. It can become nostalgic and memorable for yourself, fans, and your family.  

With so many different facets to your career and life, from acting to entrepreneurship to philanthropy, how do you stay grounded and focused on what matters most to you? 

My mom always taught me to be grounded.  

Being constantly so busy, what are some of your favorite ways to unwind and take care of yourself outside of work? 

Outside of work and my human family, I love unwinding with our animals. I love our furry babies so much.

What’s coming up next for you, and what other projects are you excited about? 

I'm producing a project, and I have some projects that I've acted in that will be released soon.