Denise Richards' Emotional Interview in OK! Magazine

Denise Richards opens up in this week's issue of OK! Magazine (Hello in the U.K.) about her guilt over her failed reconciliation with Charlie Sheen, her mother's illness, how Sam and Lola's personalities differ, and why the rumors hurt.

Interview excerpts and pictures of Denise and her munchkins hanging at home after the jump...

Are your daughters [Sam, 3 and Lola, 2] aware of your mom’s illness?

"They know she’s sick [Denise's mom has terminal cancer] because she doesn’t have any hair and she can’t pick my daughters up, but they don’t know what it is."

Have your daughters seen you struggle?

"Sam walked in and saw me crying about my mom and she wiped my tear and gave me a kiss. I felt bad that she saw me that way. Then I thought, “You know what? This is life. Mommy sometimes gets sad.”

Was it important to you to try reconciling with Charlie?

"It was a personal thing between Charlie and me. I loved him very much, and I take marriage very seriously. It's very easy for people in this day and age to walk away. My parents have been married for 36 years and I believe in marriage."

Were you shocked when you saw the photographs of you and Richie?

"We thought we were being discreet and obviously we weren't."

How did you cope with being accused of stealing your friend's husband?

"The truth always comes out eventually. The only thing I can say is that I did not have an affair with Richie during my marriage - or his marriage. The truth is, Heather and I hadn't talked in a few months. I understand why Heather was upset. ...At some point, the kids have to take precedence over jealousy and egos and hurt feelings.

It was "backstabbing Denise". I just had to hold my head up. But, that doesn't mean it wasn't hurtful and horrible."

How are your daughters adapting to having their parents in different homes?

"I’m doing my best to let my daughters know that Mom and Dad don’t live together. They’ll probably be in therapy before they’re 5."

 

Do you aspire to be the kind of parent you had?

"Even though I have a nanny, it's very important for me to be very hands-on. I get up with them every morning. I put them to bed every night. I take very good care of my children. I love being a mom. I want to be there."

Describe your daughters.

"Lola looks very much like my mother. Sam is a combination of me and Charlie. There are times that she's got little facial expressions that Charlie and I have. Lola came out laughing and giggling. She's a little more outgoing. Sam's a little shy at first. They're both fun. They're so animated and they're getting to be a great age."

(It's an ice cream cone, Denise. Not a scorpion.)

The entire emotional interview hits newsstands May 21.

So, do you feel any differently about Denise after this interview?

Comments

[Sarah F.]

I liked her before and I still like her now!

[Jami]

Nope, I still think she's a little on the nutty side. Although, I would kill (KILL I SAY) for that hair of hers.

[Nic]

You know, the only time there was ever anything interesting about Denise was the time she filed the court papers about Charlie Sheen. And really, was anyone surprised that he was an asshole? Honestly? The man had an account with Heidi Fleiss. Now she's just trying too hard, and there's just nothing to care about.

PS Lena I have my fingers crossed with house selling vibes!

[Tere]

No, I don't. Remind me again why she's a "celebrity" or "famous"? Two or three crappy movies is all it takes?

What really irks me about her is that she's such a tabloid whore. This is like the 5th "exclusive, inside look" at her life, home and "secret, deep" pain and feelings. Please. How odd that the paparazzi just magically appear at the zoo when she's there, or the equestrian park, the regular park, etc. She totally uses her kids for tabloid photo ops.

[Amy H.]

how is she so thin with such full hair after 2 kids? That is such a mystery to me. I kind of think she is from another planet.

[Sils]

I really, really don't care what she says -- dating the not-yet-ex-husband of someone who's supposed to be a close friend (even if you've gornw apart a little) is wrong. WRONG.

I also really, honestly, doubt that it was as innocent as she says.

Extra marital affairs totally ruin people for me. I just look at them and think, "Homewrecker!"

[Sarah]

I'm with you 100% sils. Plus I was with her through this interview until she said she thought her kids would be in therapy before they were five.

Really? I think that implies that something other than just the divorce is going on because I wouldn't think that would be enough to put children that young in therapy.

I hope she was kidding about that. Otherwise it makes me wonder what else we don't know. Probably loads.

[Aimee]

I think the cheating and husband-stealing is also a dealbreaker for celebrities that i like. BUT, I will admit I've never liked her.

I hate the giant vein in her forehead and I always picture her as the b*tchy girl in Drop Dead Gorgeous. To me, she will always be Rebecca Anne Lemann.

[Lena]

Honestly? I thought she came across very genuine. I also read the entire interview, so maybe that's why?

[SAMMI JR]

OMG...I'LL SIGN WHAT EVER PRE-NUP DENISE WANTS ME TO SIGN...CHARLIES LOSS, AND IF SHE WANTS TO DONATE ANY OF HER EGG'S I'LL TAKE ONE DOZEN PLEASE!!!!