Denise Richards’ Emotional Journey on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test”

Takeaways:

• Denise Richards opened up about overcoming trauma during “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
• She shared deeply personal experiences, including surviving a sexual assault at age 15.
• Richards aims to inspire others by demonstrating resilience and addressing unresolved fears.

Denise Richards’ Emotional Journey on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test”

Denise Richards, known for her roles in “Wild Things” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” recently shared a deeply personal story while participating in Fox’s intense reality show, “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” In the premiere episode of the third season, the 53-year-old actress confronted her past traumas while facing grueling physical and mental challenges inspired by real-life Army Special Forces training.

Facing Fear Head-On

The season’s premiere showcased a demanding helicopter extraction task, where participants attempted to jump from a moving boat onto a hovering helicopter and climb into the cabin. Richards, struggling to complete the exercise, caught the attention of the show’s Directing Staff (DS), who described her as having a “deer in the headlights” look.

Acknowledging her struggles, Richards explained, “I’m completely out of my comfort zone. I’m not petrified; I’m just emotional right now.” She admitted that fear has often paralyzed her in high-pressure situations, stating, “I’ve been in situations where I freeze and can’t function. I want to learn how to stay calm and do something.”

Sharing a Painful Past

Richards’ vulnerability shone as she revealed harrowing experiences from her past, including a sexual assault she endured at 15. Speaking tearfully, she recounted, “He came up from behind me, put his hand around my mouth, grabbed my vagina, and started dragging me. I froze—I couldn’t even scream for help.”

This marked the first time Richards publicly shared this traumatic memory, emphasizing how it has shaped her desire to become stronger for herself and her three daughters, Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13. “It’s so scary to be that vulnerable at such a young age. I want my daughters to be strong and never experience anything like that,” she said.

Finding Strength Through Challenges

Richards has faced additional life-threatening situations. She recounted an incident with her husband, Aaron Phypers, where their truck was physically shot at while driving to a film set. Overwhelmed with fear, she described, “I sat on the floor and literally peed myself. I was so scared… I froze.”

By joining “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” Richards sought to address these unresolved fears and learn to confront trauma with resilience. Despite her determination, the physical toll of the challenges proved overwhelming. After completing tasks like bungee jumping from a 130-foot bridge and enduring a surf immersion challenge, Richards decided to leave the competition, citing severe back pain.

“I wanted the full experience, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I’m not physically capable of some things,” she admitted while removing her armband.

Inspiring Others

Richards’ journey serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the ongoing process of healing. Her courage in sharing her story aims to inspire others to address their fears and find strength in difficult times. As she said, “I want to learn how to not be overwhelmed by fear. I’ve been through traumatic situations that were terrifying, but I’m committed to becoming stronger.”