After she divorced fellow actor Charlie Sheen, Denise sued for full-custody over their two children. Even after her dubious romantic attempts, it is safe to assume that she is going to be a better mother than the character of Sandra Van Ryan. It is worth noting that in Wild Things, Richards played a spoiled rich girl, who despite the wealth, still couldn't wait for her mother to die so she can get access to her trust fund.
After her role in Wild Things, Denise starred in "American Violence" as a leading psychologist who studies a death row serial killer, which sets the dark tone of the movie. Richards also went on to star in a cult-favorite movie called Drop Dead Gorgeous after which she continued with a few TV guest spots and currently she has five films in postproduction for 2017/2018.