Since appearing briefly several seasons ago, Denise Richards is part of a small crop of women who has been on every fans dream cast of The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. Her established connections with some of the cast, as well as her Hollywood pedigree (and storied romantic entanglements) would surely make great reality television. When it was announced that she was joining the show for the show’s ninth season, fans were rabid with anticipation about her potential interactions with her new cast-mates. As the new season started to get deeper and deeper into the drama surrounding Lucy Lucy Apple Juice (among other issues), I caught up with Richards to talk about jumping into the deep end on reality television, how her daughters (and sudden new favorite House-husband, Aaron) are enjoying the ride, and what Bold and Beautiful projects she may have coming up soon.
(Courtesy of Bravo)
Michael Cook: As the newest cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, it can sometimes be a baptism by fire experience for a new Housewife. You actually knew some of the ladies prior to joining the cast though, correct?
Denise Richards: I did! It is actually like going to your first day of school and immediately joining the popular girls (laughs)!
MC: What surprised you the most about the experience when you look back on filming the season?
DR: That it’s not scripted at all. I thought it was at least lightly scripted, so I was really surprised by that. Also, it was a definite adjustment going into restaurants with everyone. On scripted projects, everyone that is there, production, etc are all extras. When the Housewives are there, it is real people having dinner and some are filming us or taking pictures, while also hearing the arguments that are going on at the table. When I go to restaurants without the ladies, I am a little bit more low-key, so that was a definite adjustment for me (laughs).
(Courtesy of Bravo)
MC: On your previous reality show foray Denise Richards: It’s Complicated you got a taste of reality television, but being on the Housewives could be a little different. Are there any misconceptions that you think you may have the opportunity to dispel with this platform?
DR: You know, I didn’t really do it to dispel any misconceptions about me as much as I did to have fun. I am myself and this is a slice of my life, and then also being integrated with these wonderful women Whatever people’s perception of that is at least me being myself on the show.
MC: You have been low-key on the first few episodes and have really been soaking up the entirety of what has been going on, especially with Lucy Lucy Apple Juice, who has been taking the lion’s share of the attention. Will we start to see you mixing it up with the ladies soon?
DR: Possibly…You know, I did not really know a lot of them in real life when I started filming. So in real life, I would not step in if I saw two people getting into it and say something, I just felt that it wasn’t my place. I am just getting to know them, and I don’t even know even half of what was going on or what they were fighting about. It was definitely hard to have an opinion about it; I think the viewers might still be confused (laughs)!
MC: How is your family adapting to reality television fame? I hope you know that your new husband Aaron is suddenly going to be getting a great deal of attention from his own fanbase!
DR: (Laughs) Thank you, I like to think he is too! I don’t think he knew what he was getting into with the show, but he is adjusting just fine. I told my girls from the beginning that they could film when they wanted to and I did not want them to do anything that they were not comfortable with. I think that they thought it was fun; they have friends and friend’s parents watch the show, so they were excited to do it.
Photo Courtesy of Bravo
MC: Since Wild Things and beyond, the LGBT community has absolutely adored you. Where do you think that undying loyalty comes from?
DR: I have been a really big supporter and even both of my girls, from a very young age, I have raised them to support equality. I was extremely proud of my oldest daughter, it was maybe in first or second grade, she spoke about it. Some kids were confused by it, but she stuck to her guns and what she believed in. I am proud of her for that, and I definitely think that is a part of it.
MC: From a Bond girl to your movie career, when can we expect to see you back on the screen in a scripted role?
DR: I have been doing some projects, I was actually just doing show in Miami and I am also doing three months on The Bold and The Beautiful and I have a couple movies coming out also. I absolutely love acting. I’ve already done one day on “Bold” and I am really excited for everyone to see it.
Denise Richards & Erika Jayne
MC: You have had a very public life, and through the ups and downs, you have always shown such a hunger to push boundaries and try new things. What do you think it is that really keeps you inspired?
DR: That’s just my personality. I like doing different things, I like variety, and I like being spontaneous. I like challenges, and I am always up for anything. Lisa Rinna is a very good friend of mine and she enjoys doing the show. I thought to myself “why not this could be fun”. I was a fan of the show and I thought it would be a really fun thing to be a part of!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs on Tuesday on Bravo (check local listings)
