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Denise Richards, the renowned actress and reality TV star, made headlines earlier this year with her participation in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 3. As she gears up for the premiere of her new Bravo series, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, she candidly discusses the impact of her reality TV journey on her family, particularly her daughters, Sami and Lola Sheen.
Family concerns over reality TV risks
Richards revealed that her daughters were not thrilled about her decision to join the high-stakes competition show. In an interview with DECIDER, she shared, “They didn’t want me to do Special Forces. They were actually upset with me that I decided to do it.
They were afraid I was going to get really hurt.” This sentiment was echoed by her daughters, with Sami expressing her fears, stating, “I thought she was gonna die,” while Lola added, “I did, too.”
The rigorous training exercises featured on the show, which included everything from helicopter jumps to bungee jumping, understandably raised alarms for the Sheen sisters.
Sami articulated the emotional toll of watching their mother endure such intense challenges, saying, “It’s really hard to see your mom go through torture.” Richards acknowledged their concerns, noting, “I don’t think they even saw it.”
Physical challenges and injuries on set
Despite her determination, Richards faced significant physical challenges during her time on Special Forces. She became the second recruit to voluntarily withdraw from the competition after suffering a serious injury—rupturing her breast implants while jumping off a bridge. This incident occurred while she was also recovering from surgery for four hernias, which added to her apprehension about continuing the competition.
In a follow-up interview with Entertainment Weekly, Richards explained her decision to leave the show, stating, “I wanted to see a doctor, and I wanted to make sure that I was okay to continue with the weight and doing stuff.” She emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health, especially after undergoing multiple surgeries.
“I wanted to make sure I didn’t damage the hernias,” she added.
Support from trainers and future endeavors
While her time on the show was cut short, Richards received praise from the trainers, Billy Billingham and Rudy Reyes, for her compelling presence and resilience. Billingham remarked, “She went through a lot of physical and mental challenges that we pushed her through. A lot of them are very difficult, and she never gave up.” He acknowledged her limits, stating, “She did have a few little injuries which resulted in the leaving, but it was a good time to go, to be fair.”
As Richards prepares for the premiere of her new show, Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, on March 4 at 9/8c on Bravo, fans are eager to see how her experiences on reality TV have shaped her family dynamics and personal growth. The journey of navigating reality television while balancing family concerns is a testament to her strength and resilience.
