Denise Richards is no stranger to the spotlight, but her recent experience on Fox's reality series, Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, has put her physical limits to the test. During filming, the actress revealed she suffered an unfortunate injury when she ruptured her breast implants after jumping off a bridge. "I jumped off a bridge, too — and that's when I ruptured my implants — off ofthat thing," she recounted during her appearance on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live on January 3, 2025.
At 53 years old, Richards admitted the challenge was far from ordinary. The actress explained how the injury occurred, stating, "the safety 'harness' I was wearing for the jump caused both of my implants to rupture." Although she had intended to have the implants replaced long before, the filming schedule prevented her from doing so. "I still have to get them redone. I was supposed to a month ago but couldn’t because we were filming, so yeah, no, I still have to get them redone," she added.
Richards went on to reveal her insurance would not cover the surgery costs. "I think we pretty much signed our life away doingthat show. It's dangerous," she said, emphasizing the risks participants take on the program. Her husband, Aaron Phypers, chimed in, humorously pondering if they could request Fox to cover the pressing medical expense. "Maybe we can workthat in after the fact," Phypers suggested.
Filmed under the stringent conditions of Wales, Special Forces puts contestants through challenges modeled after real military selection processes, which have been known to push limits and test physical endurance. It's noteworthy to mention the demands faced by previous contestants, including the need for extreme physical resilience under strenuous course conditions. Richards was not alone on this adventure; she joined other notorious names like Trista Sutter, Stephen Baldwin, and Cam Newton, all of whom braved the rigors of competition.
Richards also discussed the reaction her participation elicited from her daughters — Sami, 20, Lola, 19, and Eloise, 13 — who were understandably concerned for her safety. "They did not want me to do it. They were afraid I was going to get hurt or get killed, and they were actually really angry," Richards confessed, noting this was the first time her family had reacted so strongly about her professional choices.
Despite their fears, Richards felt compelled to challenge herself and embrace the experience. "I thought, ‘This is the most challenging thing I’ll ever do, and why not do it?'" she recalled. She acknowledged being intimidated by the athleticism of her fellow contestants but clarified her personal aspiration: "It's not about competing against anybody but myself." This introspective mindset serves as the cornerstone of her approach to the grueling competition.
Season three of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test is set to premiere on January 8, 2025, and viewers can expect heart-racing challenges as the cast navigates rigorous tasks focused on real military training techniques. Richards’ upcoming participation promises not only tests of endurance but also personal stories of resilience and growth amid uncertainty.
Audiences remain eager to witness how her competitive spirit plays out against the backdrop of extreme adversity, asking themselves whether the difficulties of the show warrant the risk. From her jump off the bridge to the very real prospect of surgery she faces, Richards’ experience on Special Forces offers ample drama for spectators. Keep your eyes peeled for how this captivating season unravels as it brings the tension of military training to the forefront, with Richards bravely leading the way.