Denise Richards and Estranged Husband Aaron Phypers' Relationship Timeline

Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers were married for six years after meeting following their respective divorces.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum was previously married to actor Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006. They share two daughters: Sam and Lola. (Richards later adopted daughter Eloise in 2011.) More than a decade after her divorce, she met Phypers at his wellness clinic, Quantum 360.

"So, I met him at his center doing DNA repair, anti-aging, and that sort of thing,” Richards explained during a February 2019 episode of the reality series. “Then, one time we had sex in one of his rooms. We've been inseparable ever since.”

Phypers, for his part, was still legally married to actress Nicollette Sheridan when they started dating. The holistic medicine expert and the Dynasty star tied the knot in December 2015, but filed for divorce less than a year later. The paperwork wasn’t finalized until August 2018.

Days after Phypers was officially a single man again, he and Richards decided to make their union official in September 2018. After six years of marriage, Phypers filed for divorce in July 2025.

Scroll through to revisit their relationship timeline:

The twosome were first spotted together in September 2017. 

While news of their engagement didn’t become public until days before their September 2018 wedding, a source told Us that Phypers actually popped the question months earlier — before his divorce was finalized.  

“Denise has been engaged to Aaron since January,” the insider told Us. “They have just kept it quiet because they didn’t want a lot of attention leading up to the wedding.”

Richards “is very much in love with Aaron, and he is absolutely devoted to her and her three daughters,” the insider added. 

The Bold and the Beautiful actress referred to Phypers as her “soulmate” on social media in June 2018.

The duo exchanged vows in front of Bravo cameras in Malibu on September 8, 2018.

“I am so happy to officially be married to the love of my life,” Richards said in a statement at the time. “I can’t wait for everyone to go on this incredible journey with me this season on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It’s been a wild ride so far!”

Richards and Phypers grew even closer together after they nearly lost their home in the Malibu wildfires in November 2018. 

As season 9 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills aired, Richards’ NSFW comments about her husband continued to shock.

“I never took a f–king ruler to it, but he does have a big penis,” she gushed during an April 2019 episode. “I’ve seen some penises in my life, and I will say he has the biggest penis I’ve ever been with.”

The Starship Troopers actress admitted to Us in May 2019 that Phypers doesn’t always approve of her remarks on the Bravo hit.

“Well, let me just say, there have been a few things that I’ve said that [Aaron’s] been like, ‘Why did you say that, baby?’ And I’m like, ‘I know, I’m sorry,’” she explained. “But he knows me and he shakes his head and he loves me for that too and, you know, I’m a very honest person.”

Richards revealed in July 2019 that Phypers wants to adopt her youngest daughter, but the family hit a road bump after losing documents in the aforementioned fires. 

“It’s a tricky process when you lose it. We're waiting for her birth certificate 'cause you need a birth certificate to say you want to adopt a child. But Eloise adores Aaron,” she said on the RHOBH aftershow at the time. 

Phypers was at the center of the drama during season 10 of RHOBH and tension was at an all-time high during the June 3 episode when the women accused Richards of mom-shaming them.

“I’m gonna step in here because it’s, like, ridiculous,” Phypers said on the episode after Richards said she didn’t want her daughters around the women after they spoke about threesomes at a previous dinner. “I’m sorry. It’s ridiculous. … Everyone came over to our home, we shared bread with you. All we said, and it’s so simple, our kids, they’re teenagers. Just please know that they’re right there and they can hear you. Know your surroundings. That’s it.”

Teddi Mellencamp then claimed Phypers as “a—hole.” He and Richards subsequently stormed out of the party.

Richards paid tribute to her “beautiful” husband on Father’s Day in June 2020.

“I can’t imagine a better father for our Eloise & stepfather for Sami & Lola. I love you so much,” she gushed. “And the greatest gift [is] Eloise being able to say ‘dad’ for the first time a month ago🙏🏻❤️ .”

During a July 2020 episode of RHOBH, Brandi Glanville alleged that she had sex with Richards in April 2019. The Drinking and Tweeting author also claimed that Richards and Phypers had an open marriage. The actress denied all of Glanville’s accusations.

A source told Us at the time that the couple are “unbothered” by the show and “any speculation about their marriage because they know it’s solid.”

"My one and only... I’m so blessed to be going through this journey with you. You’re my forever and I cherish you... my husband, best friend, lover, and better half. I love you so much baby. Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️," Richards captioned the sweet Instagram post.

After Richards joined OnlyFans, a source exclusively told Us that Phypers supported his wife's decision. "Aaron is right behind Denise and loves how confident and empowered she’s being," the insider told Us. "They have a very healthy and secure relationship, a white-hot love life and he’s more attracted to her than he’s ever been.”

The married couple shared a smooch at the 30th Annual Race To Erase MS Gala.

Phypers filed for divorce from Richards on July 7 after six years of marriage.

According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Phypers listed the pair’s date of separation as July 4 and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their split. In his filing, Phypers asked the court to award him spousal support.

Weeks later, Us confirmed that Richards requested a restraining order against Phypers. She claimed that he physically abused her throughout the course of their marriage.

“Aaron has caused me at least three concussions. Aaron has told me that he has left recording devices to record me while I was alone in hotel rooms and at my townhouses,” she alleged. “Aaron repeatedly got within two inches of my face and screamed at me degrading profanities.”

Phypers did not immediately address Richards’ accusations.

Richards and Phypers appeared in court multiple times amid their ongoing divorce. During a hearing on October 17, for Richards’ restraining order case, the actress’ lawyer confirmed to Us that Phypers was arrested in court for spousal abuse. The pair’s proceedings were scheduled to resume the following month.