Eloise Joni Richards Got Her Middle Name from Her Grandmother Meet Denise Richards' Daughter

Publish date: 2024-05-18

Denise Richards, Eloise Richards, Lola Sheen and Sam Sheen | Source: Getty Images

Denise Richards became a mother for the third time when she adopted Eloise Joni Richards as a baby in 2011. Her desire to expand her family meant choosing to become a single mom.

Eloise Joni Richards was a blessing to Denise Richards, who had a rough few years, including filing a restraining order against her ex Charlie Sheen while pregnant with their second child. She now has the loving support and partner in parenting in Aaron Phypers.

The actress revealed that her youngest suffers from a developmental condition. She said that while she does not know if the little girl would ever be capable of everyday speech, every child is different, and she wants the best for all her daughters.

Denise Richards, Eloise Richards and Lola Sheen attend the 3rd Annual Santa's Secret Workshop Benefiting LA Family Housing at Andaz Hotel on December 7, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Denise Initially Adopted Little Eloise as a Single Mom

After her painful divorce, Denise realized that she was not done growing her family, and with no partner on her horizon, she decided to take the journey alone. Her daughters, both under ten at the time, were part of the adoption process.

After a two-year process, the "Drop Dead Gorgeous" star adopted Eloise Joni Richards, born May 24, 2011. The youngest Richards' middle name is in honor of her grandmother, Joni Richards, who passed away in 2007.

The "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum remarried in September 2018 to fellow actor Aaron Phypers, who is an "amazing" father. She revealed in 2019 that he adopted her youngest kid and got along well with the older children.

Eloise Has Special Needs Because of the Rare Condition

Denise noticed early on that Eloise was not reaching developmental milestones, and after a long, arduous process, the little girl was diagnosed with Chromosome 8 Monosomy 8p. The rare disorder stunts the girl's growth and speech.

The Bravo reality star broke down in tears when discussing the diagnosis on a "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" reunion episode in 2019. She said it was "hard to see it in black and white" after all the testing her little girl underwent.

She shared in a magazine profile that Eloise had trouble sitting up and only started walking at two with the help of physical therapy. At seven years old, she could only say a handful of words, and her mom experienced her comprehension as that of a toddler.

The Family Nicknamed Eloise the "Animal Whisperer"

In the Richards/Phypers/Sheen household, Eloise is known as the "animal whisperer." Denise shared this cute family nickname in an interview and disclosed that the young brunette has a unique way of communicating with their pets.

Lola kicked off 2022 with a significant milestone.

On April 10, 2020, in an Insta post, the proud mommy shared how her daughter made a plate, carefully pulling off the strawberry stems, for a wild bunny they spotted in the backyard. The actress said, "She's so unbelievably thoughtful and loves animals."

Denise Richards, Eloise Richards, Lola Sheen and Sam Sheen attend the 3rd Annual Santa's Secret Workshop Benefiting LA Family Housing at Andaz Hotel on December 7, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The Love of Older Siblings Surrounds Eloise

Denise's daughters with her first husband, Lola and Sam, have adapted to their new family situation to the extent that they also want to adopt someday.

She once gushed over her two older kids, calling them the best big sisters, even if they don't help with the diapers:

"I'm so very proud of them that they've really embraced Eloise. They're so protective of her, they play with her, they love watching her grow and change, and so far, I haven't seen any jealousy."

Actress Denise Richards (C) with daughters Sam Sheen (L) and Lola Rose Sheen (R) on June 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sami Sheen, who also answers to Sam, was born on March 9, 2004. The teen rebelled against her mother's strict house rules and moved in with her more lenient dad, Charlie. Sources say he is a "total girl dad" and loves having his girls around.

Lola Rose Sheen was born on June 1, 2005. Lola kicked off 2022 with a significant milestone, getting her driver's license. According to a source close to the family, the middle child splits her time between her parents, but Denise is the primary guardian.