Denise Richards: MAXIM Rewind
In this series, we delve into the MAXIM archives to revisit our iconic shoots from the past quarter of a century and catch up with the women who’ve helped make MAXIM the biggest and most exciting men’s magazine brand in the world…
On screen and in life, Denise Richards has had a plethora of roles. For 007 fans, she’s Bond Girl, Dr Christmas Jones from The World Is Not Enough. For millennials, it’s homicidal Beauty Queen Becky Leeman in cult favourite Drop Dead Gorgeous. And for a few avid tabloid readers, she’s the high profile ex-wife of bad boy actor Charlie Sheen. Nowadays, this mum of three juggles motherhood, a new husband, acting and starring in reality TV juggernaut The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where she’s a fan favourite — it might just be her greatest role yet.
Back in 2001, ahead of the release of her slasher film Valentine, a young Denise Richards sat before Antoine Verglas’ camera and posed for the cover in the February edition of MAXIM U.S.. Wide eyed, and dressed in just an unbuttoned white shirt, a thousand fantasies were born. Here, Denise reminisces about the now iconic MAXIM photo shoot and talks Housewives, when she feels sexy and her expert tips for finding love.
Hey, Denise, has there been one highlight moment in your career so far?
My memories of each film are usually what was happening behind the scenes or where I was personally in my life. Starship Troopers stands out as being very memorable. All us actors were at the same level in our career and we were so excited to be in a movie that was going to be a big budget film! There was a great bond and comradery with us and I’m still close with many of them.
You’ve played so many iconic roles. Is there one you’ve yet to do that’s on the bucket list?
My husband would love for me to be in a Marvel comic movie playing a villain or superhero and I would have to agree!
Your 2001 MAXIM cover shoot by Antoine Verglas made quite an impression the first time it hit newsstands. What was the energy like on set?
The energy was great on set and I loved having Antoine shoot me for it — these are some of my favourite pictures of all the magazines I have done.
What does MAXIM represent to you?
MAXIM is a sexy magazine and I’m honoured to have been one of the cover girls.
When do you feel at your sexiest?
I’m a beach girl, so I feel sexiest natural, in a bikini and right out of the ocean with salt water in my hair and on my skin.
You’ve quickly become a new fan favourite on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. How do Housewives fans compare to your movie fans?
Of all the movies and TV shows I’ve done, I can’t believe the amount of attention around Housewives of Beverly Hills. I think one difference is fans of the show feel like they know me and my family and feel a connection.
Yes, viewers have really loved getting to know you on the show, particularly your efforts to remain cordial with Charlie Sheen and meeting your new hubby Aaron. What advice do you have for people going through a divorce or break-up who are looking to find love again?
My advice would be to stay open and not think of the break-up as a failure. Life’s a journey, I was never bitter about my divorce. I believe people come into each other’s life for a reason. Charlie is very much a part of my life, we will always have children together. Our journey had shifted and gone in another direction – had it not I wouldn’t have met my husband Aaron.
