20 Hot Celebrities - Denise Richards

- Personal Life Interview -	- Wild Things Interview -
- Undercover Brother Interview -

- AllCampus Media Magazine -
( Personal Life Interview )

I know you've guest-starred in ''Doogie Howser, M.D.", "Melrose Place", and "Against the Grain" in addition to your movie roles in 'NOWHERE', and 'STARSHIP TROOPERS'. Have you always wanted to be an actress?
Yes, ever since I was little. When I was in high school, I took drama, but I wasn't pursuing it as a career then. I started out modeling in high school, but I wanted to quit that type of work really young, so that I could start taking acting classes. After I graduated from high school, I moved up to L.A. and then got a theatrical agent, began studying with a coach, and started doing TV shows to build my resume, and guest spots. I did some pilots and movies of the week. And then I just kept building my
resume. Then I got ‘STARSHIP TROOPERS’ and then ‘WILD THINGS.’

You went to high school in Oceanside, CA, right?
My first year, I went to high school in Illinois, in Downer’s Grove. Then I went to school in Oceanside.

Big difference between Illinois and Los Angeles, isn’t there?
Huge. My family is all still back in Illinois, cousins, aunts, and uncles. They’re excited, because they’re not around the business at all. To them, even a little part is exciting. My parents and my sister have been especially supportive.

What do you find most rewarding about acting?
I like doing the work, but I’m not comfortable seeing my work. I would be more comfortable just doing it and then moving on to the next project. I saw ‘WILD THINGS’ two or three weeks ago, and it was so hard to watch myself on the screen; really hard.

Really? Harder than watching some of the other work you’ve done?
It’s very difficult to watch anything I do. It's hard to be objective because I’m so critical. I’d like to get to the point where I can watch my performance, and just critique it objectively. I love doing the work, though.

That must be tough, but I’m sure it will get easier the more work you do.
I don’t know. I’ve talked to other actresses who are older, and have been working for a long time, and they say the same thing. I don’t know if you ever get over that.

How is it interacting with the other people on the set? It probably differs from film to film.
Yeah, on ‘STARSHIP TROOPERS’, we were all the same age, we were all at the same level in our career, which was really great. We were all very excited. ‘STARSHIP’ really helped me. So many times, directors don’t want to hire a new face. The studio doesn’t want to take the chance. That’s why I’m so grateful to Paul Verhoeven, because he really took a chance on me. On all of us, because we were all new faces. Because of that, it helped me get ‘WILD THINGS’. ‘WILD THINGS’ was good because I got to learn from actors who’ve been working for a very long time. All of them were very generous, Kevin Bacon especially. He was the most professional person I’ve ever worked with. He is incredible, and I would love to work with him again. Neve was great to work with too. It was a great experience; I learned a lot on ‘WILD THINGS’.

Could you tell us, in a few sentences, what ‘WILD THINGS’ is about?
It’s basically a film noir, a thriller. The film is about revenge, and lust, and greed. It starts out where Neve and I set up Matt Dillon’s character for rape, but that’s not really what the film is about. That’s just the beginning. Everything happens after that. It has lots of twists and turns in it. It’s like a ‘SCREAM’ meets ‘BODY HEAT’.

Can you tell me a little about your character, Kelly?
She’s very wealthy, and Theresa Russell plays my mom. On the outside, she’s very much put-together, but she’s also manipulative, and has a very dark side to her. She has a different kind of strength. In ‘STARSHIP TROOPERS’, my character was a fighter pilot, very strong, and ambitious, and driven, but this character, Kelly, She’ll do anything! And I think it takes a different kind of strength to do that, but on the other hand, it’s also a sign of weakness. But I had a lot of fun playing her. It was fun to play an evil woman. You know, everyone has a little evil in themselves.

Are there any similarities between you and your character, Kelly?
Well, I’ll tell you. I wouldn’t trust anyone in this movie. If I knew all these people in real life, there’s no way I’d be friends with any of them.

What was the hardest part for you about playing Kelly?
Our characters are all basically lying, and that was hard. We spent two weeks of rehearsal in Miami before we started shooting, and we all sat around, Kevin, Matt, Neve, and I, going over the script, to figure out who knows what at what point, so that we weren’t confused. It was like lying on top of lying. The whole role itself was a challenge. I’ve never played a character like this, I’m totally opposite from her.

In ‘WILD THINGS’, you obviously have more than a schoolgirl crush on Matt Dillon, who plays your guidance counselor. Did you ever have a crush on any of your high school teachers?
Oh yeah, Mr. Griffin. He taught science and looked like Christopher Reeve.

Denise, do you know what's coming up for you next?
Well, right now I’m trying to find a romantic comedy, or a really nice period piece. I’m just looking at scripts, and there are a couple things we’re trying to figure out. I haven’t committed to anything, at this point. I would love to work with some of the female actresses. I would love to work with Susan Sarandon, Jessica Lange, or Michelle
Pfeiffer. They’ve all got really great careers. They all seem like very classy women, have made great choices, and they’re amazing actresses. I’ve seen interviews with them, and they seem very professional.

Do you know where you would like to be 10 years from now?
I would eventually love to get to the point where I can create my own projects. I'd like to have a little more control and maybe produce some films. That probably won't happen for a while; right now, I’m working towards getting established.

Did you have someone in Hollywood that you knew, that sort of took you under their wing?
No, I moved here by myself. It was hard, but it was something that I really wanted to do. I got an agent, and just started the building process.

Did you ever wish you had the college experience?
Sometimes, I wish I went to college, but at the same time, I've learned a lot in the years that I’ve been working. Everyone has a different learning experience. I was on my own, and I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I focused on acting classes. A college education would have been nice, but I’m happy with the way things have worked out. I never lived in a dorm, but I lived in a model’s apartment with six girls in New York. That was fun. I learned a lot, because a lot of them were older than I was, and they were from all over the world. I learned a lot that way. Sororities and football games would have been fun, though.

Changing direction a little bit, aside from your career, what do you like to do when you have time off?
My parents live in San Diego, and my sister has a little boy; I have a nephew, so I like spending time with them. And my friends. I’m very girly. I like to shop, and get massages and facials.

Do you have a favorite movie?
Well, this year, of course, it’s ‘TITANIC’. I love that movie. And ‘AS GOOD AS IT GETS’. Those are my favorite movies this year.

What is your idea of a perfect evening? How would you spend your time?
I’m not big on clubs, so I like going to a really nice restaurant with a group of friends and having a big group dinner with good food and good wine.

Do you have a favorite kind of food?
My favorite restaurant in L.A. is The Ivy. Their grilled vegetable salad is my favorite. The salads are great there. So that’s what I like to do. Once in a while, I’ll go out for a drink after dinner, but I don’t go to clubs very often.

One last question. You obviously keep in good shape. What is your secret?
Pilates!! It’s the best. I’ve tried every form of exercise, but Pilates really elongates your muscles. Of course, every girl says they don’t want to build their legs, and this doesn’t build at all. It really lengthens the muscles. I do Pilates a lot. Before that, I was doing kickboxing, which is good. And spinning. I do Pilates four times a week, and when I was doing kickboxing, I was going five to six times a week. But I definitely have to work out. I’m not one of those girls that can eat whatever I want and still weigh 100 pounds. Pilates was originally designed for dancers, so you do a lot of plies on the machines. It really works your buns and thighs. It’s great!!

Denise Richards is being kept busy these days. The sexy 31-year old is not only flat out promoting her new film, the farcical spy spoof Undercover Brother, but she is also busy planning her upcoming wedding to Charlie Sheen. Trying to be as tight-lipped as possible on the nuptials, Richards does concede that
"it will be a small ceremony, not the big wedding I fantasized about when I was younger."

She has a date, but of course won't reveal it during our interview, except to add admit that the wedding "will be happening this year and in Los Angeles."

The plans are going well with Denise happily supervising every facet of the wedding.
"Thankfully, Charlie and I have agreed on just about everything. We really like similar things, which make it much easier. I think when couples when couples disagree on the band and the food, you have a little bit of a problem," Richards laughingly adds.

And she is happily balancing those plans with her high-profile professional life, avoiding the stress associated with the former.
"I don't want it to be stressful and even though sometimes it is hectic, I don't want the wedding to be a frantic thing. It should be a happy time and easy."

Richards won't allow her private life to become media fodder, and says that she has learned how to balance the public and private aspects of her life.
"It's just keeping what I want private, private, and the same with Charlie. We are both private people in the public eye. There are certain things we won't talk about and we have to have some privacy in order to have a successful relationship."

Richards managed to keep her relationship with Sheen quiet from the press,
"by not going to places where there are paparazzi, since we know which restaurants the photographers hang out at."

Richards also knew that
"in my heart of hearts, on our second date, that this was the one. My mom told me that would happen one day and it did."

As busy as Richards is with her wedding plans, she also finds time discussing her equally busy career. In Undercover Brother, a parody of both Black exploitation actioners of the seventies and hip spy flicks, Richards plays a sexy bombshell who epitomizes Black fantasies. The actress clearly has a ball poking fun at her own sexuality,
"because I've played a Bond girl and played vixen girls before. In Bond it wasn't poking fun, so this was a chance to have fun with it."

Asked how playing a role as this ultra-sexy femme fatale helps how she is perceived as a serious actress, Richards adds that
"if the movie bombs, it will probably hurt me while if it is a hit, it will probably help me, regardless of the character. Heather Graham did pretty well after Austin Powers, so I think this business, whether it's good or bad, if a movie does well, you have options.

It's a comedy and I got to do something so broad and ridiculous that I've never done before, so I don't look at it and base it on whether critics will love me in it or whatever; I did this because I wanted to do it.

Richards will next be seen opposite Ben Affleck in The Third Wheel, not to mention that little production of her own - that small LA wedding.

Hello. Denise you are so beautiful. How are you going to deal with all this attention from the success of your movie 'Wild Things'? Have more and more people started to recognize you?
I'm not getting a lot of attention but I'm doing a lot of press for the film and the people that are coming up to me have been polite and nice and I like they appreciate the film--Wild Things that is.

Did you get to go to the Academy Awards? Who did you think looked the best? Which film did you want to win for best picture?
I didn't go to the Academy Awards, but I thought Helen Hunt looked the best, and I'm happy Titanic won. I saw all the films and thought they were all incredible.

Denise are you a Leonardo D. fan? Who is your favorite actor?
(Denise laughs.) I am a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio and I loved watching him in 'Titanic' and I was disappointed that he wasn't nominated for best actor. I have quite a few favorite actors...Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks. I can go
on and on (laughs).

What actors or actress have inspired you?
Actresses Susan Sarandon, Jessica Lange, Kim Basinger, Michelle Pffeifer. They are strong women who have made brilliant choices with their careers.

Hi and welcome online. Denise do you have any singing abilities? How about dance?
I can't sing a tune, I wish I could, if I wasn't an actress I'd love to sing. I wish I studied singing as a kid. I would have loved to sing.

Hi Denise how are you doing? What do you think of Kevin Bacon? I think he is so cool. Have you ever seen his band play or heard their music?
Kevin Bacon is an amazing person. I was very intimidated when I got 'Wild Things' but I was pleasantly pleased to work with him. Yes, I've heard his music, and I think he's great.

Hey Denise, what's up? Did you think Neve Campbell or you were more comfortable with the kissing scenes?
Those scenes were difficult for both of us. I was more comfortable, but having to take my clothes off, because I've never done any sort of nudity (laughs). Well since everyone has talked about Neve and I drinking alcohol...we had margaritas, and I also sat down with the director beforehand and how he was going to do the scene, so I would be
comfortable performing and he'd be comfortable getting the shot that he needed.

Hi Denise, I am a huge fan -- are you dating anyone? I read that you are seeing Patrick Muldoon is that true?
Where did you read that!!! Laughing. Patrick and I are very good friends, and I am single at the moment.

Hi Denise. Who is your favorite singer, band, movie, food, and TV show? I want to see if we have anything in common before I ask you out!
Well if you ask me out I'm not going to go out with you anyway so I won't bother answering your question -- dude! Just kidding.

What is the most difficult part of acting? I think it would be hard to remember all those lines!
Learning the lines is the easiest part. I think it is hardest to get into character.

Which do you enjoy playing more, the fresh-faced "girl-next-door" type as you portrayed in 'Starship Troopers,' or a more sultry role like the one you play in 'Wild Things?'
I had fun playing both. Both roles were a challenge for me, we look for that as actresses if we're passionate about it. I really enjoyed playing both characters.

What would you really like to do next?
I would like to do a romantic comedy or a period piece next.

Can you tell us how Matt Dillon is for a lover in the movie?
Doing a love scene in a film is difficult so, he did a great job and we all had chemistry together.

Hi Denise! You are very attractive! :) If you don't mind my asking, how long were you modeling before you started to make it big as an actress?
I modeled for two years. Then I shelved it completely to focus on acting.

Did you enjoy modeling?
Acting is what I really wanted to do so I quit modeling to pursue the acting. It was pretty fun but I had to get on and focus on what I really wanted to do.

Hey Denise how did you get such a fabulous figure? You looked great in Wild Things (no cellulite at all) how do you do it! Signed a cute but fat chick in Miami.
First of all I work out, second of all the Director of Photography on our film is amazing and I told him if any cellulite shows I will kill him! Thanks for asking! And thanks for the compliment

Hi and welcome online Denise. Where you embarrassed to get naked on the set? Were there lots of people around during the shooting of those scenes?
I had them clear the set and only had the people who needed to be there the actors, director and DP. No cameras allowed! (Laughs)

I heard that Kevin Bacon goes "the full monty" in the movie. Is it true? Did you get to witness the shooting of that scene?
It is true, Kevin goes the full monty and I didn't witness cause I had already wrapped the film when they shot that. But go see for yourself--he looks pretty good:)

Do you have any serious interests besides acting?
Acting is my main focus. I don't have kids, or a husband and this is my career and this is what I'm focusing on. I like to hang out with my friends when I have any free time. But I really do focus mostly on acting.

How old were you when you got started in the business? And is this something you always wanted to do?
It was something I always wanted to do and I started after high school. My career really didn't take off until I did 'Starship Troopers.'

How much different is it working in films compared to some of your early guest roles on television?
I like film a lot more. I can spend three or four months on one character and the work is a little more intense. TV they shoot a whole episode in a week so it's pretty quick.

Are there any TV shows you love to watch, and any movies that you loved to see?
My favorite TV show is "Ally McBeal." I love going to the movies too.

What type of music do you like?
I listen to all kinds of music but right now I've got Madonna's
new CD "Ray of Light" that I love.

Are you touring around for 'Wild Things' or can see you in anything soon? Maybe a talk show appearance or a morning radio show?
I'm doing Jay Leno on Tuesday the 31st. I did KROQ this morning.

How does it feel to be the new heartthrob of America's male population?
I didn't know I was the new heartthrob of American population (laughs)! Thanks for the compliment.

Was this movie demanding physically?
Laughs. Well in what way! Just kidding. No, not like 'Starship Troopers,' that was a lot more physically challenging than 'Wild Things.'

Denise, which film did you have more fun staring in, 'Starship Troopers' or 'Wild Things?' Or do you see them as equal?
I had fun doing both. 'Starship' was fun I got to work with actors who were at the same level in our careers. It was fun. A six month shoot with 'Wild Things' was a great experience. I had very seasoned actors to work with. Besides it was great to
work with talented actors instead of a green screen.

Are you planning on doing any future parts that are as controversial as 'Wild Things?' (by the way for any of you who haven't seen it is a must see!)
Thanks for saying it's a must see. I'd like to find a character totally opposite from 'Wild Things.' Something sweet and light. We will see.

Denise, thanx for being such a beautiful and talented actress! Hollywood needs more like you :) Keep up the great work!
Thanks!

Have the pressures of being a movie star influenced you in anyway?
Well I actually don't really consider myself a movie star. My parents do a great job on keeping me very grounded so I don't think I've changed much.

Denise do you have any family in the business? How many siblings?
I'm the only one in the business in my family and I have one
sister.

Neve Campbell has been reported as saying you both were nervous about your nude scene in Wild Things and needed to have a bottle of wine before you both could film it. Was it really that tough for you?
It was Margaritas (laughs). It was Patron tequila to be exact. But yes we were very very nervous! You don't mix wine with tequila. We would have been sick! (laughs).

Denise you are a great actor!!! How did you get discovered?
I got an agent and just had to keep auditioning and keep getting rejected and taking classes and just keep doing it. 'Starship Troopers' was my big break in feature film.

Do you have any plans to work with Neve Campbell again?
At the moment we don't have any plans to work together again. But I would definitely work with her again. We had great chemistry and I learned a lot from her.

What advice would you give to someone who wants a good start in the movie business?
Um, if it's something you really want to do you just have to keep going for it even with the ups and downs and you need a thick skin (laughs).

You are so cool. Who do you wish you could act with?
I could go on and on. There are a lot I'd like to work with. Kevin Bacon, I really wanted to work with...and finally had the opportunity. I have a very long list!

Will there be a 'Starship Troopers' sequel? And will you reprise your role?
They have been talking about doing a sequel. I haven't seen the script yet, but if they do I would more than likely do the film.

Hi, what is the worst date you have ever had?
Oh, I'm sure I can come up with something...This is too bad I can't even tell you!

How did your parents feel after seeing the movie 'Wild Things?'
Oh yeah, they were proud to see me rolling around with Neve (laughs). My parents saw it opening night and they closed their eyes doing the love scene. They didn't even see that scene. But yes they are very proud of me.

Denise do you like to go out dancing? What do you do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do is get a huge group of friends together and go to a really great restaurant and drink wine (laughs). I'm not into the club scene much.

Denise, now that you are famous, do you still have time for a social life, boyfriend etc.? Or is the movie biz as busy as they say?
Right now I'm busy but I find time to socialize so that I have a balance. I spend a lot of time with my family who live in San Diego.

Denise, to get back to 'Wild Things'--what was one of your most memorable scenes in the film?
It has to be the scene with Bill Murray. The scene where Matt goes in and wants him to represent him. The whole intercom scene (laughs). Every scene Bill is in he steals the scene. Go see the movie...laughs. If you want to see Kevin, go see the film (laughs)

Thank you everyone. Denise has to go now. Thanks for all those
great questions! Wild Things is in theaters nationwide!
Thank you everyone. I had a really good time ! Go see my movie-- 'Wild Things.'