Denise Richards can’t help but gush over her “great” marriage to Aaron Phypers.
“I love being married. I love my husband. I know not everyone does,” Richards, 53, told Us Weekly exclusively at The Hollywood Christmas Parade, which supports Marine Toys for Tots on Sunday, December 1. “I don’t understand them. But we like each other, and love being with each other.”
Richards told Us that she and Phypers, 52, are “best friends” and always make time for themselves.
“I say this to other couples with children, I always say you have to have time for yourself. Don’t feel guilty,” she added. “If this ain’t working, it starts at the top and s— rolls down. If [your marriage] stays strong, your family is intact.”
The former Bravo star added, “Have a staycation with your husband or wife. Just keep your connection.”
Richards is returning to reality TV with Denise Richards and the Wild Things coming to E! next year, alongside her three daughters, Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13. The star told Us that Phypers will be “in the show” more than people expect.
“He likes it too,” she said of being in front of the camera. “It’s definitely our life that people will see.”
Richards noted that viewers will get a “big glimpse” into her family life.
“We’re finishing up everything,” she continued. “I’m excited, but I’m also like, ‘Oh my gosh, everyone’s gonna see my family.’”
This is hardly Richards’ first foray into reality TV. Other than her brief stint on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills from 2019 to 2020, she had the E! show Denise Richards: It’s Complicated in 2008. Prior to her return to reality TV, Richards said she had certain “conversations” with her daughters.
“I wanted to make sure that that was something that they wanted to do, because they didn’t have to be part of it,” she explained. “It was a process, but they were onboard.”
Richards teased that filming her new show is “very different” — especially now that her daughters are older. However, the actress promised “some familiar faces” would make appearances.
She also told Us what she hopes viewers will take away from the series.
“I’m not perfect and that they will see I make mistakes,” Richards said. “Our family is not perfect by any means, but hopefully, they can relate to some things that our family goes through.”
The Hollywood Christmas Parade airs on The CW Network Saturday, December 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Mike Vulpo