The Hollywood celebrity adopted her youngest daughter while she was a single mother. She noticed early on that the child was not developing as expected.
A famous Hollywood actress and reality star learned that one of her daughters has a chromosomal disorder. As a mother of three, she has spoken publicly about the experiences and challenges of parenthood.
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The actress at the Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California on March 23, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
Her personal life has evolved alongside her role as a mother. The actress was previously married to actor, producer, and writer Charlie Sheen, with whom she tied the knot in 2002. Their marriage ended in 2006, but during their time together, they welcomed two daughters.
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Charlie Sheen and the actress at the premiere of “Undercover Brother” in 2002. | Source: Getty Images
Now, she is married to actor Aaron Phypers, whom she described as “the love of my life” after their wedding in 2018. Long before they tied the knot, she embraced another chapter in her life as an adoptive mother to her youngest daughter.
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Aaron Phypers and the actress attend the Eastwood Ranch Foundation’s Wags, Whiskers and Wine Event in Malibu, California on May 12, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Parenting with Principles: Lessons Passed Down Through Generations
Parenting has always been a priority for the mother of three, and she has been open about the values that shape her approach. “I think that my daughters will tell you that I’m a strict parent,” the star said in a 2019 interview.
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The celebrity attends Bravo’s premiere party for “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” Season 9 and “Mexican Dynasties” in West Hollywood, California on February 12, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
She previously revealed that she had installed security cameras to prevent her oldest child from sneaking out to meet boys, “I definitely have rules and boundaries and there’s [sic] consequences.” According to the doting mom, she doesn’t allow her daughters to “do whatever they want.”
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The reality star during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” on March 5, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
The Illinois native’s approach to parenting is deeply influenced by the lessons she learned from her upbringing. She follows the values her parents instilled, emphasizing their belief in equality and not being judgmental.
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The actress attends “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” party in Sydney, Australia on April 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
She hopes to pass on this perspective to her daughters. Although she acknowledges that they may not always make choices she agrees with, she remains committed to reinforcing the principles of fairness and understanding in her household.
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The actress arrives at the 59th Monte Carlo TV Festival : TV Series Party in Monte-Carlo, Monaco on June 15, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Sami Sheen
The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star’s eldest daughter, Sami Sheen, was born in March 2004. In TikTok posts from September 2021, the Californian claimed she had moved out of her mother’s home and in with her father.
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The actress and Sami Sheen arrive for the celebrity preview of the retooled “Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage” Disneyland attraction in Anaheim, California on June 10, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
She described feeling “trapped” under her mother’s roof and expressed relief at her newfound independence. Sami also said she had a “spiritual awakening,” adopted two cats, and dropped out of high school.
At the time, her father publicly stated that he supported her unconditionally and enjoyed their time together, adding, “GED here we come.” A source later disclosed that his home offered more freedom, while her mother and stepfather maintained stricter rules.
The insider also noted that Sami’s younger sister, Lola Sheen, primarily lived with their mother but stayed with their father when the star was away for work.
The shift in living arrangements was not easy for the mother of three. When asked in a February 2022 interview whether she was happy with Sami living with her father, she admitted she would prefer to have her daughter at home.
However, she also recognized the difficulties of raising a teenager today, especially in California, where young people have access to many influences.
Discussing their bond, the reality TV star admitted their relationship was strained and that the situation was difficult. Despite this, she remained hopeful that the duo would reconnect in time.
Since moving out, Sami, 20, has grown close to her mother again. In 2023, she settled into her own place nearby with her famous parent’s support. A source shared that their bond is stronger than ever, and the celebrity remains dedicated to keeping her daughters close while balancing work and motherhood.
Lola Sheen
The actress’s second daughter, Lola, was born in June 2005. In January 2025, she shared a video of her baptism alongside a Bible verse.
Reflecting on her past struggles in a recent post, she opened up about battling severe depression and anxiety, describing how she had once felt lost and hopeless.
She credited her faith for transforming her life, saying Jesus renewed her purpose in her darkest moments. For Lola, her baptism symbolized her commitment to faith and a fresh start.
Along with her faith, she has pursued her own interests. Lola launched a podcast called “Heavenly Bonded” and has explored her love for music. As a fan of country singer Zach Bryan, she once attended one of his concerts, sharing her appreciation for his work.
On February 19, 2025, People magazine released video footage on YouTube of an interview Lola’s mom sat down for with her, Sami, and their youngest sister.
The ladies discussed family, fame, and motherhood. The matriarch also opened up about co-parenting her daughters with Charlie, her support of Sami joining OnlyFans, and how it’s been raising her kids in the spotlight.
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Lola Sheen speaking during the People interview as Denise Richards, Eloise Richards, and Sami Sheen look on, posted on February 19, 2025. | Source: YouTube/People
During the segment, Lola spoke about her experience having two incredibly famous people as parents and the misconceptions about her life that may come with that.
“I feel like a lot of people may assume that just because you’re famous or […] you have money or whatever it is, that you may have a perfect life. And, I always say I don’t want anyone to ever compare theirselves [sic] because, you know, it’s just really not perfect,” disclosed Lola.
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Lola Sheen speaking about how her life is being apart of a famous family. | Source: YouTube/People
She continued, “There’s a lot of sides to it that are challenging because so many things are so public and there’s so many amazing opportunities that I’m so grateful for. Also, for me, it did give me anxiety about being—just having a lot of things very public. I wouldn’t obviously trade my parents for anyone else.”
Lola went on to emphasize how it was more so the fact that she couldn’t help being born into a famous family that prompted the onset of her mental health challenges.
Eloise Richards
In addition to her older daughters, actress Denise Richards welcomed her youngest child, Eloise Richards, through adoption in 2011. The process took a year and a half and Aaron later began the process of legally adopting her following their Malibu wedding.
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Eloise and Denise Richards spotted out in Los Angeles, California on February 6, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Raising Eloise presents unique challenges. A chromosomal disorder caused developmental delays, and Denise recalled in one interview that her daughter couldn’t sit up for long or walk until age two, even with therapy.
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Lola Sheen, Eloise and Denise Richards at the 3rd Annual Santa’s Secret Workshop Benefiting LA Family Housing on December 7, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Diagnosed with a deletion in chromosome 8, Eloise, who is often bothered by noise, continues to face obstacles in speech and emotional development.
Despite the uncertainties, Denise remains hopeful. Acknowledging that every child is different, she focuses on providing the best support possible, “You take care of your children no matter what is going on with them.”
While unsure if Eloise will ever communicate like a typical child, her priority is ensuring she has the support she needs.
In another interview, Denise explained why she decided to speak publicly about her daughter’s special needs. She said the topic first surfaced on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” when viewers noticed certain things, and she felt it was important to address them.
Following the interview, she received an overwhelming response from families facing similar experiences. “I was so touched at how supportive and really wonderful everyone has been, sharing their stories and bringing it out in the open,” she said, calling the outpouring of kindness “pretty incredible.”
The support Denise received has only strengthened her devotion to her daughter. In May 2024, she celebrated Eloise’s 12th birthday with a tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of her smiling.
“Our beautiful Eloise… happy birthday!!!! I can’t believe you’re 12! We love you so much. You’re an angel & teach us so much. We love you so much. Happy Birthday girlie!!!!” she wrote, expressing her deep love and admiration.
Denise’s tribute was met with warmth from her followers. “She’s so grown up and beautiful!!” one person wrote, while another reflected, “And just like that! I blinked and all grown up, beautiful young lady.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling Eloise “so beautiful” and “so pretty.”
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Aaron Phypers, Eloise and Denise Richards at the 91st Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 26, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
During the same interview where Lola spoke about her experience growing up in the public eye, Denise divulged what it’s like to parent Eloise, who is now 13 years old. “It’s the best. Eloise is a bright light,” boasted the doting mom.
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Denise Richards holding Eloise Richard’s hand as the two smile with Lola and Sami Sheen, and the family dog behind them. | Source: YouTube/People
Continuing, Denise shared, “She is always happy. Everyone loves being around her. The girls are so amazing with her. They feel that I had her, that’s their sister. So they have a wonderful relationship with her.”
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Eloise and Denise Richards smiling for photos with Lola and Sami Sheen, and their dog. | Source: YouTube/People
Denise also spoke about how Eloise has taught her family to cherish the simple things in life. “She just loves everything, and she just embraces it and is just so happy,” noted the TV star.
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Eloise Richards smiling during the People interview. | Source: YouTube/PeopleEloise also plays the role of mediator when her older sisters get into fights. “Sometimes if they go at each other, [Eloise will] just be like…And I’m like, ‘I know.’ And then they laugh, and then they can kind of get past whatever stupid thing they’re fighting about,” mentioned Denise.
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Denise and Eloise Richards. | Source: YouTube/People
Sami also spoke about how beloved Eloise is, emphasizing her adoration for her younger sister, whom she affectionately refers to as “Wheeze.”
Sami considers her and Eloise best friends, remarking, “I like to do our makeup and we played tennis not too long ago, and we like to go shopping. She likes to babysit all my animals for me. We get our nails done together too. We do everything together.”
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Eloise and Denise Richards laughing alongside Sami and Lola Sheen and their dog. | Source: YouTube/People
According to her loving mom, Eloise is a blessing “from God” and an “angel.” Although Denise also described raising Eloise as “a journey,” given that she is getting older and reaching new milestones, she has the help of her husband and Eloise’s father, Aaron, who adopted her in 2019.
“It wasn’t even a decision. It is just is,” Aaron said of adopting Eloise. “She’s sweetheart [sic]. I love her. I think of her as my own,” explained the doting dad.
Now that Denise and her family have an upcoming reality show, as announced recently by Bravo, the public will get to see a more intimate glimpse into the family’s dynamics.
“There’s two wild sides to every story… Denise Richards and Her Wild Things drops March 4th 💕 #DeniseRichardsWildThings,” captioned the network alongside their announcement post on Instagram.
Through the joys and challenges of motherhood, Denise Richards remains devoted to her children, celebrating each milestone with love and gratitude. As her daughters grow, she embraces every moment, ensuring they feel supported and cherished.