When it comes to unconventional relationships and career moves, few Hollywood families are pushing boundaries like Denise Richards and her inner circle.
From her headline-grabbing decision to join OnlyFans to her husband, Aaron Phypers, stepping in as her creative partner, and her daughter Sami Sheen being on a similar path, the Richards-Phypers-Sheen family is redefining what it means to own your narrative, embrace empowerment, and shatter societal taboos.
But there’s more to this story than risqué content and eyebrow-raising collaborations. Richards’ journey isn’t just about pushing boundaries it’s about reclaiming control, financial freedom, and creative expression.
And with the rise of OnlyFans as a lucrative platform for celebrities like Australian basketball star Liz Cambage, who reportedly made more money in her first week on the platform than her entire WNBA career, Richards’ story is part of a larger cultural shift redefining empowerment and success.
Richards, 54, shocked the world when she joined OnlyFans in June 2022, just 10 days after her daughter Sami, now 21, launched her account.
While the idea of a mother and daughter sharing the same platform, especially one known for adult content might seem unconventional, the duo has approached it with confidence and transparency.
“I wish she’d waited a bit because she started it right after me, but it doesn’t bother me,” Sami told "People".
Richards, who shares Sami and 19-year-old Lola with ex-husband Charlie Sheen, has been open about the inspiration behind her decision.
Watching her eldest daughter face backlash for joining the internet content subscription service at 18, Richards felt compelled to support her.
“At first, I didn’t understand what OnlyFans was,” Richards admitted.
“When I saw that she was getting backlash for owning her sexuality and doing what she wanted to do, it upset me as a mom and also as a woman in business.”
The backlash struck a particular nerve for Richards, who herself faced criticism for her provocative roles in films like "Wild Things", and her risqué photoshoots over the years.
"I’ve been doing sexy content my whole career," she pointed out. "Why should it be any different now?”
Husband behind the lens
Perhaps the most unconventional aspect of Richards’ OnlyFans journey is the role of her husband, Aaron Phypers.
While some might balk at the idea of a spouse assisting with adult-oriented content, Phypers has fully embraced his role as her photographer and creative partner.
"Because I'm a guy, I know what the perspective would be," Phypers explained. "I shot it more like a high-fashion Vogue… not crazy, but sexy. I thought I took some nice shots."
Richards has praised her husband’s support, noting that his involvement adds a layer of trust and collaboration to her work.
“He shoots a lot of my photos, and I value his creative input,” she said.
For Phypers, it’s not just about snapping pictures, it’s about helping his wife reclaim her image on her terms.
Together, they’ve turned what some might see as taboo into a modern-day power move, proving that success in the digital age often comes from partnership and shared vision.
Financial freedom of OnlyFans
Richards isn’t shy about the financial success she’s found on the platform.
“I will say that I'm in the top 1% of creators on OnlyFans, so I am very grateful,” she told the news outlet.
She’s not alone. The platform has become a financial game-changer for celebrities looking to diversify their income streams and connect with fans in a more personal way.
Take Australian basketball star Liz Cambage, for example, who left the WNBA and turned to OnlyFans, reportedly making more money in her first week on the platform than during her entire professional basketball career.
Richards says that the platform has not only been lucrative but also revitalised her acting career.
The actress, who hadn’t been in the spotlight as much in recent years, has seen a surge in opportunities since joining the platform.
“It’s empowering, especially for someone my age, that people still want to see me that way,” she said.
What sets Richards apart is her perspective on OnlyFans as more than just a platform for risqué content.
For her, it’s about reclaiming her narrative, connecting with fans, and exploring creative expression outside traditional Hollywood constraints.
"People think that I'm just doing whatever that's not true," Richards explained. "I actually look at it as a way of communicating with fans, and not the way that you're thinking. I do bikini, lingerie, and stuff that’s sexier because I think, ‘Why not?’"
Richards has also noted that her content isn’t too different from what she’s already shared on social media and in her career.
"I do show my boobies, my tush,” she joked. “They’re already out there if you Google them.”
Richards’ OnlyFans journey isn’t just about breaking taboos it’s about redefining empowerment, success, and family dynamics in a world that’s rapidly changing.
From her husband’s supportive role to her daughter’s parallel career path, Richards is proving that unconventional choices can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
And as platforms like OnlyFans continue to challenge traditional notions of celebrity, sexuality, and financial freedom, stories like hers are becoming more relatable and relevant than ever.