Denise Richards, the acclaimed actress and reality television personality, has navigated a high-profile romantic life marked by passionate beginnings, public scrutiny, and significant transitions. Her journey through love has often played out in the media spotlight, from early Hollywood flings to two marriages that captivated public attention, each relationship contributing to the rich tapestry of her personal narrative.
One of Richards' earliest rumored connections was with actor Mario Lopez in 1991, reportedly after meeting on the set of Saved by the Bell. While details remain scarce, it marked a very early chapter in her public dating life. Around 1994, rumors also linked her to the late actor Paul Walker, with whom she starred in the film Tammy and the T-Rex. This reported romance was a brief, unconfirmed period in her burgeoning career.
A more significant early relationship was with actor Patrick Muldoon, her Starship Troopers co-star. Reports indicate they dated in 1998 and had an on-and-off relationship for approximately five years. Richards herself discussed their connection on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, noting that Muldoon remained a close friend, even attending her later wedding to Aaron Phypers.
Richards' most widely publicized and tumultuous relationship began with actor Charlie Sheen. They first met while filming Good Advice in 2000, but their romance truly ignited when Richards guest-starred on Sheen's series Spin City in 2001. Their courtship was a whirlwind; they were engaged within months of their first date, with Sheen proposing during a vacation in Arizona.
Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen tied the knot in June 2002. Their marriage quickly became a subject of intense media interest, marked by the arrival of their two daughters: Sam J. Sheen, born in March 2004, and Lola Rose Sheen, born in June 2005. However, the union was short-lived and fraught with challenges. Richards filed for divorce in March 2005, while six months pregnant with Lola, citing irreconcilable differences.
The divorce proceedings were highly publicized and contentious, with both parties making public statements about their struggles. Their divorce was finalized in November 2006. Despite the difficulties, Richards and Sheen have maintained a complex co-parenting relationship over the years, with Richards often speaking about her efforts to prioritize their daughters' well-being. Sheen was even invited to Richards' second wedding, though he did not attend.
Following her divorce from Charlie Sheen, Richards entered into a high-profile relationship with Richie Sambora, the guitarist for Bon Jovi. Their romance began in 2006, not long after Sambora's own divorce from Richards' friend, Heather Locklear, which caused considerable media buzz and speculation about the dynamics between the three. This initial period lasted until 2007.
The couple rekindled their relationship in late 2011, but their second attempt was also short-lived, concluding in mid-2012. During this period, Richards also had a rumored brief romance with actor Dean Cain in 2007. Around the same time, she was linked to John Stamos after her split from Sheen, with Richards clarifying that while they "casually dated," she never called him "the greatest lover" as some reports claimed.
In late 2010, Richards was reported to be dating Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx. This relationship was also relatively brief, with Richards confirming on Watch What Happens Live that they had gone on a "couple dates." After these various relationships, Richards focused on her family, adopting her youngest daughter, Eloise Joni Richards, in 2011.
Richards met her current husband, Aaron Phypers, at his healing center in Malibu in June 2017. Their connection was immediate, with Richards describing him as "hot as balls" upon their first encounter. Their relationship progressed rapidly, and they became engaged in January 2018.
Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers exchanged vows in a spontaneous ceremony in Malibu on September 8, 2018, which was notably filmed for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Phypers quickly integrated into Richards' family, and in 2019, he began the process of adopting her youngest daughter, Eloise, a testament to their deep bond and commitment.
Their marriage, which spanned six years, was often featured on reality television, showcasing their unique dynamic and Phypers' supportive role in Richards' life, including her venture into OnlyFans. However, recent reports indicate a significant change in their relationship status. According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly and People, Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from Denise Richards on July 7, 2025, citing "irreconcilable differences" and listing their date of separation as July 4, 2025. This marks the latest chapter in Denise Richards' evolving romantic journey, bringing an end to her second marriage as she continues to navigate her personal life in the public eye.