Denise Richards is an American actress and former fashion model. She was born on February 17, 1971, in Downers Grove, Illinois, USA.

Richards began her career as a model, and she appeared in numerous magazines, including Playboy. She made her acting debut in the 1990s, appearing in small roles in various films and TV shows.

In 1998, Richards gained wider recognition for her role in the sci-fi action movie "Starship Troopers." She went on to star in other movies such as "Wild Things," "The World Is Not Enough," and "Valentine."

Richards also appeared in various TV shows, including "Melrose Place," "Friends," and "Two and a Half Men." In 2008, she starred in her own reality TV show, "Denise Richards: It's Complicated," which documented her personal and professional life.

Aside from her acting career, Richards has been involved in various charitable causes, including animal rights and cancer research. She is also a mom to three daughters, whom she had with her ex-husband, actor Charlie Sheen.

In recent years, Richards has continued to act in films and TV shows, including the TV series "The Bold and the Beautiful."