Denise Richards has come a long way since her days filming the classic film noir “Wild Things” in South Florida.
The actress has gone on to get married and go through two ugly divorces (to Hollywood star Charlie Sheen and wellness expert Aaron Phypers), raise three daughters and become a member of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
But the 55-year-old beauty likely knows her obituary will lead with an unforgettable role in the 1998 steamy mystery-thriller.
Richards played Kelly Van Ryan, a spoiled cheerleader who attends Blue Bay High School, shot at Ransom Everglades in Coconut Grove. Things get weird once Kelly accuses her guidance counselor Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon) of sexually assaulting her.
One of the many twists is that Sam is Kelly’s lover and they conspired with local misfit Suzie Toller (Neve Campbell) to reap the windfall from a lawsuit against the private school.
The story of greed, teenage angst and revenge has more surprises in store, including a few alligator cameos. If you are of a generation that hasn’t downloaded it, we won’t spoil the shocking ending.
Need more motivation to pique your interest? Over the weekend, Richards shared an homage to “Wild Things” on Instagram. In a video and picture, she re-created one of her many pool scenes, her hair slicked back the way it was in the poster that no doubt hung on a few walls at the time.
Denise Richards attends the Hollywood Reporter’s Annual Women in Entertainment Gala in Los Angeles on December 7, 2022, Mario Anzuoni Reuters
What’s also noteworthy about the post is that Richards isn’t using a filter and looks as if she’s barely aged a day in 28 years. That’s thanks to a well-publicized facelift by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei.
In the comments section, followers weighed in, calling Richards “iconic,” “still a goddess” and “absolutely stunning.”
Despite the racy cult classic being a launchpad to fame, the star doesn’t want her kids to ever watch it. Last year, the Illinois native told People that the R-rated film is one project she never allowed Sami, 22, Lola, 21, or Eloise, 15, to see. (No matter that her family’s now-defunct Bravo reality show was called “Denise Richards and Her Wild Things.”)
“If there’s maybe a PG version,” Richards joked, adding, “I don’t even know how they would make it a PG version.”
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.