Denise Richards Talks New "Wild Things" Show, Charlie Sheen and More

Summary

Bravo's Hot Mic: Denise Richards Talks New "Wild Things" Show, Charlie Sheen and More

Release Date: February 18, 2025

In this engaging episode of Bravo's Hot Mic, host Alex Baskin sits down with the multifaceted Denise Richards to delve into her journey with Bravo, her latest venture "Wild Things," and her personal life, including her relationship with ex-husband Charlie Sheen. The conversation offers an intimate look behind the scenes of Denise's participation in the Real Housewives franchise and the creation of her new show, providing fans with a comprehensive understanding of her experiences and insights.

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1. Return to Bravo and Joining Real Housewives

Denise Richards' return to Bravo marks a significant milestone in her career. Initially hesitant due to mixed reactions from her team, Denise ultimately decided to follow her instincts, despite some advisors fearing it might be a career misstep.

• Denise Richards (00:16): “Half of my team was so supportive of me doing the show. The other half was like, this is going to be the biggest mistake in your career.”

Denise’s determination to stay relevant in the ever-evolving entertainment industry led her to join the Real Housewives, which she views as the unscripted counterpart to iconic scripted shows like Friends and Seinfeld.

• Denise Richards (03:10): “Housewives is a phenomenon of this time. It's the unscripted version of the soaps that my parents used to watch...”

Alex Baskin (01:24) reflects on Denise's strategic pivot to reality TV, highlighting her ability to stay pertinent in an industry that often sidelines long-term careers.

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2. On-Set Experiences and Memorable Moments

Transitioning to reality TV brought a mix of excitement and nervousness for Denise. From navigating the unfamiliar dynamics of the Real Housewives cast to dealing with the practical challenges of filming, Denise shares candid anecdotes that showcase her authentic self.

• Denise Richards (05:25): “I was just thrown into something... It was daunting, exciting, and I definitely was just thrown into something.”

One particularly humorous incident involved Denise's expectation of craft services while filming in the Bahamas, leading to her raiding a mini-bar for snacks.

• Denise Richards (07:00): “There's no craft services here... I raided a fucking mini bar.”

Her straightforward approach to fashion on the show also set her apart. Denise opted to wear what she felt comfortable in, resisting the pressure to dress up excessively, which led to some memorable on-screen fashion mishaps.

• Denise Richards (08:05): “I wore your Guns N Roses shirt and jeans... I'm a jeans and T-shirt girl.”

A standout moment was Denise’s infamous "Bravo, bravo, bravo" incident, where her genuine reaction became a legendary snippet cherished by fans.

• Denise Richards (11:13): “Bravo, fucking Bravo... Because I even have a jacket now that was given to me, my Bravo with that on there.”

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3. Navigating Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics

Denise opens up about her complex relationship with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, emphasizing their mutual commitment to maintaining a stable family environment for their children despite past turmoil.

• Denise Richards (27:09): “People have seen in the tabloids over the years, obviously, all the turmoil... we were able to capture us having that moment of sharing that.”

Their ability to maintain a friendship post-divorce is highlighted as a testament to their resilience and dedication to their children.

Alex Baskin (27:05) admires Denise’s nurturing nature, noting her ability to balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments.

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4. Launching "Denise Richards and Wild Things"

Denise’s new series, "Denise Richards and Wild Things," focuses on her family life, showcasing her children Sammy, Lola, and Eloise as they navigate their own paths in the spotlight. The show offers a blend of comedy and drama, capturing the unpredictable nature of family dynamics.

• Denise Richards (18:01): “They are complete opposites, but they do have a lot of similarities with each other, which they don't even realize.”

The series provides an unfiltered look into the lives of her children, highlighting their unique personalities and the challenges of growing up with famous parents.

• Alex Baskin (19:13): “They're half hour episodes. And it's a little bit of comedy, a little bit of drama because it's real life and so completely unpredictable.”

Denise emphasizes the authenticity of the show, stressing that nothing was scripted and the moments captured are genuine reflections of their lives.

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5. Raising Children in the Public Eye

Balancing motherhood with a public persona presents its own set of challenges. Denise discusses the difficulties of shielding her children from media scrutiny while allowing them to express their individuality.

• Denise Richards (21:21): “It's crazy, you know, as much as I try to think that our life is normal, it really isn't.”

She shares heartfelt moments, such as staying with Sammy during a high fever, illustrating the ongoing need for support even as her children strive for independence.

• Denise Richards (21:31): “She still needs her mom, even though she wants her independence.”

The conversation touches on the constant negotiations parents face in the public eye, highlighting Denise’s awareness of her imperfections and her efforts to foster open communication with her children.

• Denise Richards (23:28): “I tell the girls that, like, I am obviously perfect parent, and I handled it the way I thought was best at the time. And maybe I should have shared all this.”

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6. Interactions with Other Bravo Personalities and Friends

The podcast also delves into Denise’s interactions with other Bravo personalities and longstanding friends, adding richness to her narrative. Her relationships with figures like Lisa Rinna, Camille, Tori Spelling, and Patrick Muldoon provide depth to her experience on the network.

• Denise Richards (29:09): “I've known Patrick since we were kids growing up in Hollywood...”

These interactions are portrayed as genuine and supportive, with Denise appreciating the longstanding bonds she has maintained despite the ups and downs of their careers.

• Denise Richards (31:31): “Being able to hear what people that we all look up to, what they really say to each other and hang out... it’s so great.”

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7. Embracing Authenticity and Social Media Influence

Denise discusses the importance of authenticity on reality TV, contrasting it with the more guarded personas often seen in scripted media. She acknowledges the role of social media in shaping audience expectations and desires for genuine connections with celebrities.

• Denise Richards (31:46): “With the viewers and audience and fans, they want to connect with everyone...”

Her openness about her interactions with the crew and fellow cast members reflects her commitment to transparency and relatability.

• Denise Richards (13:07): “I'll see them. Like, how are you? Well, the camera.”

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8. Reflections and Future Outlook

As the conversation wraps up, Denise expresses her excitement for the future projects and her gratitude towards the Bravo team. She reflects on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what lies ahead.

• Denise Richards (34:03): “I'm so happy, though, that we did it together. Thank you so much.”

Alex Baskin echoes this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the show and its alignment with the Real Housewives' legacy.

• Alex Baskin (34:17): “Good to have you on Hot Mic.”

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Denise Richards (00:16): “Half of my team was so supportive of me doing the show. The other half was like, this is going to be the biggest mistake in your career.”

• Denise Richards (03:10): “Housewives is a phenomenon of this time. It's the unscripted version of the soaps that my parents used to watch...”

• Denise Richards (07:00): “There's no craft services here... I raided a fucking mini bar.”

• Denise Richards (08:05): “I wore your Guns N Roses shirt and jeans... I'm a jeans and T-shirt girl.”

• Denise Richards (11:13): “Bravo, fucking Bravo... Because I even have a jacket now that was given to me, my Bravo with that on there.”

• Denise Richards (27:09): “People have seen in the tabloids over the years, obviously, all the turmoil... we were able to capture us having that moment of sharing that.”

• Denise Richards (18:01): “They are complete opposites, but they do have a lot of similarities with each other, which they don't even realize.”

• Denise Richards (21:21): “It's crazy, you know, as much as I try to think that our life is normal, it really isn't.”

• Denise Richards (31:46): “With the viewers and audience and fans, they want to connect with everyone...”

• Denise Richards (34:03): “I'm so happy, though, that we did it together. Thank you so much.”

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Conclusion

Denise Richards' conversation on Bravo's Hot Mic offers a deep dive into her professional and personal life, revealing the complexities of balancing fame with family and the courage it takes to embrace new ventures. Her candid reflections and humorous anecdotes not only entertain but also provide valuable insights into the realities of life in the public eye. As Denise embarks on her new show "Wild Things," listeners are left with a sense of anticipation and admiration for her unwavering authenticity and dedication to her craft.

Transcript

[Alex Baskin]

We have a very special guest on this edition of Hot Mic. It is none other than Denise fucking Richards. Denise, thank you for coming by today.

[Denise Richards]

Well, thank you for having me, Alex fucking Baskin.

[Alex Baskin]

And it's fun to record this in the same studio in which you and your family did all of their interviews for your upcoming series, which obviously we will talk a lot about. So it's pretty cool. Same location, very familiar.

[Denise Richards]

Thank you so much. And thank you. Yeah, walking in here, it's surreal. We talked about on the couch and everything, which is very light colored with all the body makeup and everything.

[Alex Baskin]

Shows all the makeup.

[Denise Richards]

Shows all the makeup.

[Alex Baskin]

Can't hide anything.

[Denise Richards]

It was really so much fun and a lot of, you know, and challenging, as you know.

[Alex Baskin]

Yes, yes. And we will. We will cover it. There is a ton to talk about, and I can't wait for the audience to see the new series. And it's a real full circle moment because it's you going back to Bravo, and I think that is super exciting. But I want to start actually by talking about your first run with Bravo in the first place, which was the Real Housewives.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah.

[Alex Baskin]

So let's talk about that, because when we first started talking about you doing Housewives, you and I were kind of flirting around it. And Andy and I had spoken about the cast at that time, and network wasn't sure that they were going to add another cast member. And once we started having conversations, then it was an exciting prospect to be able to add Denise Richards. But what did that look like from your point of view? I know you had a team of reps that didn't love the idea of you jumping onto Housewives.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah, no, they didn't. Yeah. Half of my team of, you know, some people know this. When we're acting and stuff, we have a team of people, publicists and agents and managers and lawyers and all this and ultimately whatever. Half the team was so supportive of me doing the show. The other half was like, this is going to be the biggest mistake in your career. And I told that half, you know what? I'm going to follow my gut, and if it is, I will take full responsibility. I'm not going to blame you and say, you know, whatever. And it turned out to be the opposite of what they thought. So what.

[Alex Baskin]

What was it? That you've made a bunch of pivots in your career, which is why you've done, you know, something that's very difficult to do, which is to be relevant and to build a career over this many years in a business that usually doesn't allow people to do that. What was it that enticed you to do Housewives? What was it that you saw that not all of your advisors saw?

[Denise Richards]

It's Housewives, to me, is the. It's a phenomenon of this time. And if I were to compare it to the scripted world of back in the 90s, of those shows that were so relevant, that changed careers. It was Friends, it was Seinfeld, it was all those shows that, you know, even, you know, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, all of those shows that I feel that are iconic. This, in the unscripted world is Housewives is iconic. And so. And I knew some of the women that were on the show. Obviously, Lisa Rinna was very close with her and just seeing and asking her, her experience on it, and I just think that it's. You have to. As for me, throughout my career, I have done different things. Like when YouTube started to become popular, I did a YouTube show at the time. And I think we have to stay relevant and do different things. And so I thought, this is something that's very special, and it's different. It's like the unscripted version of the soaps that my parents used to watch, like Dallas and Dynasty and Nas Landing, like all of those soapy, you know, heightened dramas that are fun to watch. So to me, I felt like this was the unscripted version of that, and that's what I feel like. Why that the franchise has taken off so much?

[Alex Baskin]

Well, it's, as a viewer, very compelling to watch because you know that it is real and it's right in people's lives. So it starts to become hard to compare scripted because it feels, you know, like the stakes are less and you become really invested.

[Denise Richards]

Right, Right. Absolutely.

[Alex Baskin]

So tell me what it was like when you first. So you jumped in, you took the leap. There was trepidation on the part of some of your team, and then all of a sudden, you were thrown in the lion's den. What was that like?

[Denise Richards]

I think my second or third day of filming was going on a cast trip to the Bahamas, and I was so nervous to go, and I don't know why. Like, I've been on location everywhere with so many a huge crew and different actors, and. And I. And yes, I would be, like, nervous, but it was excited nervous. Like when you get a new acting job and you have to be on location. But this was a little different. And so I told Aaron, my husband, he was my boyfriend at the time when I started the first season, That I think I need to look at this as though I'm going on location. Otherwise, I don't know how. I'm like, I'm going with a bunch of women I don't know. And I obviously knew Lisa, and I had met Kyle a few times prior to that, but still, it wasn't. You know, it was very intimidating to go on that trip, and I didn't know what to expect, but it was. And I knew Camille, too. I've met her quite a few times, but it was daunting, exciting, and I definitely was just thrown into something.

[Alex Baskin]

And then one of my favorite small stories from that trip is, I remember at one point you had asked the crew, we were in the middle of filming, and you're like, where's craft services? And they're like, oh, there is no craft services here. Like, if you want food.

[Denise Richards]

Sabrina told me. I'm like, what do you mean?

[Alex Baskin]

It's so cool.

[Denise Richards]

I thought she was joking. I'm like, there's gotta be some fucking craft service around here somewhere. I think even on Survivor, the crew has craft service. Yeah, no, I almost shit the bed. I'm. And Lisa knows me. I'm a grazer. Yeah, I always have snacks. And I'm like. She goes, we need. When Denise is around, we need to make sure there's.

[Alex Baskin]

There's something. There's like, yeah, at least a box.

[Denise Richards]

I raided a fucking mini bar. The next outing, when we had to go on a boat, I'm like, I'm gonna take every pretzel and potato chip here.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, my God. The other thing that I. That you brought to the show right from the beginning was that you weren't playing dress up. And so, like. Cause we constantly tell the women, like, wear whatever you would wear if we weren't there. And I understand that they're on camera. I really do get it. But we just want everybody to dress like they would in real life, because that's what we're capturing. And you didn't give a shit. Like, you were just.

[Denise Richards]

Do you remember what I wore when I first met you guys?

[Alex Baskin]

I do, I do. You wore your Guns N Roses, like, shirt and jeans.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah, I did put some lip gloss and mascara on, but I wanted. Because obviously, meeting you guys. Yeah, if you Google me, you'll see me on the red carpet and stuff like that. And that's why in the meeting, I believe I said this, that this is how I really am. If you want me to be that, obviously, I can do that. Otherwise, you know, I'm a jeans And a T shirt girl. Yeah. So, yeah, no, I remember that meeting. And then when I went to the Bahamas, I. Even though I watched the show, I didn't realize until being on it what was all involved with the outfits and all that shit. And I'm like, okay, we're going to the Bahamas. My fanciest outfit were sparkly shorts. That was the fanciest I had. Everything else was just, like, cutoffs. The Daisy Duke cutoffs with tank tops and a sarong and shit.

[Alex Baskin]

And a lot of AV interage.

[Denise Richards]

Oh, my God. And I remember the breakfast we had at Dorit's room. I walked out wearing a Led Zeppelin T shirt. And one of the producers that you can't wear that, otherwise we have to blur it. And I'm like, okay, I think I've run out of fucking outfits at this point.

[Alex Baskin]

What do I do?

[Denise Richards]

No food, no clothes. I was gonna wear a flannel. And Teddy goes, I'm not gonna let you go on camera like that. I go, I don't care. I was told it was pajamas. So I wear my husband's boxers and a tank top and no bra, so they're lucky I get a bra with this. So I'm gonna wear a bra at least. So it was so funny. And I'll never forget, at that breakfast, this part didn't air, by the way. There was oatmeal. And I'm like, there's no bowl or spoon here. And. And I saw. Or there may have been a bowl, but there was no spoons. I remember Lisa Rinna eating the oatmeal with a fork. And I was like, is this how these bitches eat oatmeal is with a horn? I like my milk and my brown sugar and my raisins. You're.

[Alex Baskin]

You know, you're describing great deprivation like it's torture.

[Denise Richards]

Oh, but I thought, they're trying to be all fancy with an oatmeal with a fork.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, that's funny.

[Denise Richards]

Who the hell eats it like that?

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, my God. That's really funny.

[Denise Richards]

That was room service. They were. I had to ask the guy, I think the. The wonderful gentleman that was delivering our food. I think I'd ask him for half and half for my coffee. And then I asked for butter. I remember that because I was like, I guess they don't eat the shit that I do.

[Alex Baskin]

Among your legendary moments on the show was, bravo, bravo, bravo. So explain to me where that came from.

[Denise Richards]

I think I was in a limo or something with one or two of the women, and one of Them said they were talking about their kids school or something. And I believe. But forgive me if I am wrong, it was either don't want your receipts or whatever, but which. That's a whole other story. But it was. One of the women said something and then they. They did the Bravo whatever and they told me, if there's something with your family or this or that, you know, to do that and Bravo will know, we need to not air that.

[Alex Baskin]

Like, they won't be able to use. It was the idea because they'd have to cut around it.

[Denise Richards]

I had to make that up. I am so glad I got the credit for the coin term of Bravo. Bravo, fucking Bravo. Because I even have a jacket now that was given to me, my Bravo with that on there. But I didn't make it up. Well, the fucking part I. But the other part I did not. So that's where it came.

[Alex Baskin]

The thing that makes me laugh is the idea that, like, you wouldn't have known because you were new to the show, but the idea that there's like a cheat code that you could use if you ever wanted to get out of a situation.

[Denise Richards]

Right.

[Alex Baskin]

So funny, because then it would just be a whole show of Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, no shit.

[Denise Richards]

And I'm like, well, these bitches have been on for eight to 10 years, so they know what they're talking about. So that's why I was like, okay, I was the idiot. And then they're like, oh, we haven't done that in years. Denise doesn't know what she's talking about.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, my God.

[Denise Richards]

You're the one that told me about.

[Alex Baskin]

I didn't make this up. Yeah, well, also now we break the fourth wall so much that it doesn't make a difference anyway. It's like, okay, if you want to say that, then cool.

[Denise Richards]

I broke the fourth wall so much on my seasons on the show. Just because that's how I am.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

And everyone's like, don't, don't talk. You guys all know I talk to the crew. I love everyone. I do. I'll see them. Like, how are you? Well, the camera.

[Alex Baskin]

You're not going to pretend the crew doesn't exist?

[Denise Richards]

No, I'm like, everyone, let's embrace that. I think that's the thing that also the audience likes, which is why social media is so huge. It's like a peek into our, you know, they wanna see behind the scenes of us filming this shit. I think, you know, Although it's very funny.

[Alex Baskin]

So we were in talks one season of the show to bring on a pretty prominent actress and looked like we were. It was gonna happen. And she and I had a conversation at one point and she said, is it okay if we're filming with the group? Can I just look at the camera sometimes and say, why am I here? And I'm like, no, you can't do that. You can't be on a different show than everyone else. You can't be on Curb youb Enthusiasm while everyone else is on Housewives.

[Denise Richards]

Well, I think that was me half the time.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

Honestly, I wouldn't say, why am I here? I would be like, I don't know what's going on here. Yeah, I don't know what they're talking about.

[Alex Baskin]

Which is very funny. Very, very endearing. But I also want to hit your legendary comeback to the Real Housewives. And let's talk about the party at Kyle's.

[Denise Richards]

Oh, yes.

[Alex Baskin]

People still talk about this dinner incessantly.

[Denise Richards]

I don't remember the dinner.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah, so barely.

[Denise Richards]

No, I do, but I don't.

[Alex Baskin]

So tell me and. Well, first of all, did you watch it on television?

[Denise Richards]

No, I did not. First of all, I don't watch myself ever. I hate it.

[Alex Baskin]

Will you please watch our new. I mean, you know, you've watched cuts of our new series, so you have to watch it on television.

[Denise Richards]

On the cuts.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah, you do have to.

[Denise Richards]

I'm terrible.

[Alex Baskin]

We're locking the cuts. You have to catch up.

[Denise Richards]

No, I know. No, I told Aaron. I go. I have to. I know.

[Alex Baskin]

Why are you here talking to me?

[Denise Richards]

I don't know. I'm kidding. Because I love you. No, I have a hard time. I haven't seen a lot of my projects and I've seen, like, the movies from 100 years ago. You know, I was stupid to have to. You know, I would go on the red carpet and we would sit there. Now I knew. Oh, you can sit down when the lights go out. You can leave and go to dinner.

[Alex Baskin]

It's the best. What time do you make if you have a premiere? Let's say the red carpet is at 7:00. What time is your dinner reservation?

[Denise Richards]

When the. Well, when the. When it starts. Usually the cast will go to dinner because we probably. Some people have seen it.

[Alex Baskin]

You've seen it a thousand times.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah, I usually.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah. Well, not other than you.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah, I know. That's terrible. I want to support the projects and the movies and TV shows and all that. I really do. I just love being on set. I love doing the work. I love the process of it. I just. I just. It's hard for me. However, I couldn't turn on my Instagram without seeing a fucking clip of myself. I was like, oh, Jesus, I'm glad I'm not watching.

[Alex Baskin]

It was so funny when you were. You had reached out to me. You're like, like, how bad is it? And I was getting updates at the time from the very excited team. They're like, oh, this is good.

[Denise Richards]

Which I knew it was bad for me.

[Alex Baskin]

It depends on your perspective.

[Denise Richards]

Right? So I was nervous meeting the girls. I did take, I don't know what, cold medicine. I don't take a lot of medicines either. So I took some cold medicine when I was getting my hair and makeup done. I had a margarita before I went. I literally only had one drink while I was there. And halfway through the drink at dinner, I'm like, I don't feel right. I don't know what the fuck happened. But I was like, the moment with.

[Alex Baskin]

Jacket and like, yeah, was. And, you know, putting it on the wrong side, whatever, was so funny because Dorit was trying to help you. You were snapping at her.

[Denise Richards]

I didn't give a shit if my jacket was on my legs at that point. I just want to get that out of that.

[Alex Baskin]

And you did not want to hear it from her.

[Denise Richards]

No, not. No. I don't care. Who are you to say this to me?

[Alex Baskin]

Well, it was a great moment in television, so thank you for that.

[Denise Richards]

Oh, you're welcome. It was a cringe worthy moment for myself, but I was like, you know what? Whatever, everyone. You know, what I didn't understand is how the women were making such a big deal. Denise was like, so sideways. You guys fall down all the time anyway.

[Alex Baskin]

Well, right around that same time, you and I were hatching a plan for something else, which ultimately would become Denise Richards and her Wild Things, which is premiering this spring on Bravo. So do you want to talk a little bit about what that series is?

[Denise Richards]

I'm so excited about it. And it's so. You know, the first time I did a reality show was years ago when Sam and Lola were 2 and 3 years old when they started. And then people saw them a little bit on the Housewives when they were coming, you know, 13, 14.

[Alex Baskin]

Teenagers. Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

You know, they were still young. And now to do a show with them where Sammy's 20, Lola's 19, they're adults and Eloise is 13. Eloise wasn't even born when I did our first reality show. So it's so fun to see the dynamic with them. They're complete opposites, but they do have a lot of similarities with each other, which they don't even realize. And just. It's crazy, you know, as much as I try to think that our life is normal, it really isn't. And so it's fun to capture certain moments. And some of the clips that I did see, which I do have my homework, but watching them when I'm not there, seeing the two of them together, they're hilarious. Without realizing it.

[Alex Baskin]

No, they're not trying. And what I love about it that I think is really fun is they're half hour episodes. And it's a little bit of comedy, a little bit of drama because it's real life and so completely unpredictable. We did not know what we were going to shoot before we did the girls, who I've grown to really love, but wouldn't listen to us anyway. So, I mean, there's no telling them what to do. We were on sort of a ride and you were in a tough spot because you are. You're their mom, you're a producer on the show. You're trying to wrangle all of it. And we just kind of went with wherever, you know, life took us, wherever their hijinks took us. And I think it's a lot of fun. I think that it's super relatable because it's family dynamics and also it's sort of unlike any other family because it's a uniquely Hollywood story because they're growing up in a very different place and they have two famous parents. And part of it is making their own way through life in light of that. And it's all of it. It's like I said, you know, funny and full of dramatic moments. We have a lizard's funeral, kind of a little bit of everything in it.

[Denise Richards]

We do. And I think the thing that is different, the girls have no filter. So which sometimes I wish they'd have a little bit of a filter with the show. They really don't. They also went into the show of wanting to be themselves and just being out there because even, you know, Sammy, she can't have a filter. And that's the thing I love about her. But it's also the thing. Sometimes I'm like, concerned. I'm like, oh, geez, maybe you should right now. Or, you know, and Lola too, in different ways. And I think that's the thing, that nothing was set up, not at all, at all.

[Alex Baskin]

And I think it's almost too like, you try to raise strong girls and you ended up getting your wish and now you've met your match.

[Denise Richards]

I did.

[Alex Baskin]

And it's hard, too, right? Because now they're young adults. And so part of what we talk about as well on the show is you tried to shield them from all of the media frenzy surrounding their dad, and you kind of can't protect them. Once they're young adults, then they have to make their own way.

[Denise Richards]

They're young adults that they want to be independent, but then at the same time, they still need me. Last night, I slept at Sammy's place. She had a fever of 104, and she, you know, she was scared because it was so high. So I stayed at her place and was with her. So she still needs her mom, even though she wants her independence. And growing up with everything so public and me shielding them from that at the time and now them discovering certain things, they at times got mad at me, like, why didn't I tell them this? And we just had a conversation even a couple days ago about it. And obviously on the show, we address it a lot. And I try to explain, you know, how can I talk about this? Like, please put yourself in my position. You know, how do I. If you girls, being little girls, could you imagine if I shared this with you?

[Alex Baskin]

You were doing the best that you could, and it's impossible to know. And, you know, I know that you make the joke, but you're serious about what is underlying that. Like, I probably was gonna fuck you up either way. Right? I mean, and, you know, so it's a judgment call at the time, and you were right in it. I mean, that was a very trying time for you.

[Denise Richards]

Very trying and trying to navigate that and raising them and having things public and having them not see shit. It was really hard. And look, I made a lot of mistakes during that.

[Alex Baskin]

Every parent does.

[Denise Richards]

And I tell the girls that, like, I am obviously perfect parent, and I handled it the way I thought was best at the time. And maybe I should have shared all this. Maybe, you know, I don't know. But that's a lot of stuff that we do address. And I think that's something that I do think that people will find really interesting is a lot of people. You know, I was on the COVID of magazine when Sammy was born with Charlie. I think we did the COVID of People at the time with her birth. And then, you know, I. With Lola on the COVID or if. Or if it's US Weekly. I think I've done. We've done. I'm sorry. I don't know which ones. It was a long time ago.

[Alex Baskin]

19, 20, no one hold this against Anise.

[Denise Richards]

Thank you. But my point is, is that the public and us being in the press, their whole life, these kids, their whole life, they have, from birth, their picture has been out there. And being raised with parents who are in the public is. I think I wasn't raised this way. It's very different. And so to hear them now, I think it's also a nice perspective for people to see that too.

[Alex Baskin]

Do you worry about them putting themselves out there and getting hurt by it, doing the show?

[Denise Richards]

Yeah, absolutely. And that's so. And you and I talked about this like before we did do the show. This was not an overnight decision. You had conversations with the girls. Too many of many conversations. I did too, because you and I both wanted to make sure that they were.

[Alex Baskin]

They knew what they were getting into.

[Denise Richards]

And they were comfortable. They really wanted to do it. They were not forced to. It was nothing. They really had to be on board for us to do this. And they are, and they are excited and they feel their life has been out there anyway. And they want to be able to share from their perspective because they do know stuff's been written about their dad, stuff's been written about their mom. People say stuff about them, and so they want to be able to have.

[Alex Baskin]

People have their own voice in that. And one of the things that I love about them and appreciate about them is I don't think I've met siblings, especially siblings that are close in age, that are more different and they look different. They look different.

[Denise Richards]

I know.

[Alex Baskin]

And they are about as different personality wise as possibly could be. And I think that's fun to see, sort of the study in contrast.

[Denise Richards]

They're funny. Watching the clips. Erin was laughing out loud, too. They're so straight and dry.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah, they are.

[Denise Richards]

And they're not trying to be funny, but the shit that comes out of their mouth to each other is really funny.

[Alex Baskin]

So good.

[Denise Richards]

Lola has such an innocence about her and Sammy gets so annoyed by it and stops.

[Alex Baskin]

Well, they drive each other crazy and they know how to push each other's buttons.

[Denise Richards]

Oh, God, they do.

[Alex Baskin]

And they do the entire season. And we went from as a production originally, when we started filming, we thought, you know, they were at odds with each other and we thought they would make up and get over it and they would, and then they wouldn't. And, you know, it all plays out. The other thing is a surprise for the audience, which I think will be fascinating for them to see that you get together with Charlie.

[Denise Richards]

Yes.

[Alex Baskin]

In the show. Tell me a little Bit about that.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah. So, Charlie, I think the thing is, people have seen in the tabloids over the years, obviously, all the turmoil, and then people would hear stuff that, you know, we went on vacation with the girls together, or we were, you know, have dinner and stuff like that. And it was always to keep a family unit when we could, for the girls. So. And I'm sure, like, for me, I would be like, how does that work? You know? So I think no one's ever seen Charlie and I, after our divorce, sitting in a room, talking. And I think that's one of the things that I love that we were able to capture was us having that moment of sharing that.

[Alex Baskin]

I was there the day that we filmed you guys getting together for a meal, and it was riveting. So interesting to see because you've been through so much together, and I've always admired that you did keep the unit together. And also just. I think that you're just a nurturer in general, which is why you take in so many animals and you're there for people who are going through hardship in their lives. I thought to get to the other side with him is pretty extraordinary because you have been through the wringer.

[Denise Richards]

Yes. And I think people will be. And you saw it because you were there. We still joke around with each other.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, yeah.

[Denise Richards]

And we can have a sense of humor about all the shit we went through.

[Alex Baskin]

You have to. It's the only way to get through it, Right?

[Denise Richards]

Absolutely.

[Alex Baskin]

You can't pretend it didn't happen so.

[Denise Richards]

Bad that we have to laugh at it. No.

[Alex Baskin]

Your Thanksgivings did not look like most people's.

[Denise Richards]

No. At all.

[Alex Baskin]

No. I thought that was really fun to see, and it was. Glad that we were able to capture that.

[Denise Richards]

I am, too.

[Alex Baskin]

That's a. That's a part of your life that is, you know, the. The girl's father. So I thought that was pretty cool to see. We have other big guest stars, too, throughout. So we have Kathy Hilton, which is really fun.

[Denise Richards]

Yes.

[Alex Baskin]

We have Camille.

[Denise Richards]

I love her.

[Alex Baskin]

We have Erica. And I think the audience will be interested to see how that plays out between you guys.

[Denise Richards]

I think so, too.

[Alex Baskin]

Tori Spelling, your longtime friend.

[Denise Richards]

Yes.

[Alex Baskin]

Your ex, Lisa Rinna's ex, Patrick Muldoon.

[Denise Richards]

Patrick Muldoon, who's a dear friend of mine. And, you know, we've been friends since we were, I say, kids since we started growing up in Hollywood.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

And we've remained friends. We knew each other before we were working. So it's nice to still have that friendship before. And During. And all of our ups and downs and with our careers and, you know, with each other and relationships on the outside. So it's. I think I'm so glad that he is also that I was able to have him on because he's such a special person to me too.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah. Yeah. No, it's really fun that we see, you know, so many of your longtime friends that have been with you in sort of navigating the minefield of all of this.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah. And I think it's the thing with all of Camille and Tori and everyone. There's such a history there that's really genuine, and I think that that's something people are going to see. And, you know, there's nothing like the 90s. I'm sorry. So for all of us to be able to talk about that, I think.

[Alex Baskin]

We'D all love to go back to.

[Denise Richards]

The 90s right about now, you know, so when you were so young. But.

[Alex Baskin]

No, but it's. It's nostalgia.

[Denise Richards]

It's nostalgia.

[Alex Baskin]

It is. And it feels like a simpler time. And it was.

[Denise Richards]

And it's fun to talk. That's what was so great. Talking to Tori and Patrick and Camille. You know, she used to be on MTV as a dancer. And.

[Alex Baskin]

And you and Camille had a lot in common, too, because you had these larger than life. The husbands.

[Denise Richards]

The husbands. And we would always meet in the bathroom at all of the awards shows.

[Alex Baskin]

God, that whole circuit.

[Denise Richards]

I know. It was. It's. Those are those fun moments. Like, even when you see an awards show, the stuff when the cameras are down with everyone talking to each other and bts, it's bts. There's nothing like it. It's so great. You're a fly on the wall. And being able to hear what people that we all look up to, what they really say to each other and hang out. It's fun.

[Alex Baskin]

It's the best part of any of the shows. I mean, it's like we're talking about. With the. With anything unscripted is when people really forget the cameras are there. Let their hair down. They're at their most interesting.

[Denise Richards]

They are. And they're just vulnerable and raw and real.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

And that's where people love that. Back when I started acting, when we would do talk shows, the perception was to have a little bit of a mystery. Don't talk too much about your personal life.

[Alex Baskin]

A little inaccessible.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah. So that people could see us as that character. And now with the viewers and audience and fans, they want to connect with everyone, obviously with social media and stuff. And Be a fly in the wall and see, have an in. That's why, obviously, all these shows are doing so well, where people want to see how people live and see them, talk to each other. And that's also like with Housewives, for there to be familiar faces on the show.

[Alex Baskin]

Yes.

[Denise Richards]

And all those reality shows, because they've seen different people as actors or musicians or whatever, and then to see them as real people or how are they really with each other, it's that people love to watch that.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh. I think it's endlessly interesting to them, very much. And they. That's. That's. You're right. I mean, that's why they really invest in the lives that they're seeing play out in front of them.

[Denise Richards]

And even people that they've never seen before that are on the show, they.

[Alex Baskin]

Become a part of their lives.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah. They think they know them.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah.

[Alex Baskin]

It's true.

[Denise Richards]

Oh, and also, Charlie's other ex is on, too.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, that's right. That's right. We gotta give Brooke her due.

[Denise Richards]

Brooke.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah, Brooke is on. And she's great for the reasons that we were just saying. Brooke is real.

[Denise Richards]

Yeah. There's a real relationship with her.

[Alex Baskin]

Yeah.

[Denise Richards]

Everyone that's on the show, there's a real relationship.

[Alex Baskin]

And that's sort of part of how this started, too, was there was a lot of interest in you and Sammy at the time because of OnlyFans.

[Denise Richards]

Right.

[Alex Baskin]

Because Sam Lee got on. Onlyfans took a lot of criticism. So you joined OnlyFans just to, like, support her. But. But really what was interesting to me was this super unconventional extended family, and that's what's on display in the series.

[Denise Richards]

I think that was more than you thought.

[Alex Baskin]

Yes. Yeah. No, we got more than we bargained for, for sure.

[Denise Richards]

I'm so happy, though, that we did it together. Thank you so much.

[Alex Baskin]

Oh, it was a blast. It was a lot of fun, and I think people are gonna love it, and they'll be able to see it really soon. And it has the Real Housewives as its lead in, which is perfectly fitting. Very exciting.

[Denise Richards]

I'm very excited.

[Alex Baskin]

And thank you for coming by, Denise fucking Richards.

[Denise Richards]

Thank you. Alex fucking Baskin.

[Alex Baskin]

Good to have you on hot mic.

[Denise Richards]

Thank you for having me.

[Alex Baskin]

For an exclusive segment of my interview.

[Denise Richards]

With Denise Richards, if Charlie and I could ever have a friendship again, it's possible for anybody.

[Alex Baskin]

There's always hope.

[Denise Richards]

There's always hope.

[Alex Baskin]

You're saying there's a chance?

[Denise Richards]

There's a chance, yeah.

[Alex Baskin]

Go to bravo tv.com podcast.