Full Name | Kim Erica Richards |
Born | September 19, 1964 in Mineola, New York, United States |
Age | 58 Years Old |
Net Worth | $400K |
Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Kim Erica Richards is an actress and TV personality who began her career as a successful child actor in the 1970s. She starred in several hit Disney movies and TV shows before later joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Kim Richards was born on September 19, 1964 in Mineola, New York. She grew up in the entertainment business alongside her sisters Kathy Hilton and Kyle Richards. Kim got her first acting role at just six years old on the TV series Nanny and the Professor in 1970.
This launched Kim‘s career as a prolific child actor throughout the 1970s. She landed recurring roles on popular shows like James at 16, Hello Larry, and Diff‘rent Strokes. Kim‘s big break came when she won the role of Tia Malone in the 1977 Disney hit Escape to Witch Mountain opposite Ike Eisenmann. After this, Kim became a highly sought-after young star.
Some of Kim‘s most notable acting credits as a child and teen include:
- Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
- Black Sunday (1977)
- Tuff Turf (1985)
- The New Mickey Mouse Club (1977)
- Fantasy Island (1978)
- Meatballs Part II (1984)
- Magnum P.I. (1981)
- CHiPs (1981)
- Little House on the Prairie (1981)
- The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985)
Kim captivated audiences with her all-American charm and beauty, cementing her status as a fan favorite. She often played strong, intelligent characters that inspired young girls.
Later Acting Career and Motherhood
Kim took a break from acting in the late 1980s to start a family. She married supermarket heir Gregg Davis in 1988 and had four children: Whitney, Brooke, Chad, and Kimberly. During the 90s and 2000s, Kim made small appearances in TV shows and movies while focused on raising her kids.
Some of Kim‘s most notable roles as an adult include starring in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) and Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989). She also appeared in the Disney adventure The Watcher in the Woods (1980) alongside big stars like Demi Moore and Robert Redford.
In 2010, Kim decided to step back into the spotlight in a big way by joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Kim Richards was an original cast member on RHOBH for 5 seasons from 2010-2015. During her time on the show, Kim gave viewers an inside look into her struggles with alcoholism and rebuilding her relationship with sister Kyle Richards.
Kim‘s close bond with Kyle was a central storyline on RHOBH. Their emotional confrontations and heartfelt reconciliations provided some of the most memorable and raw moments from the show‘s early seasons. Many fans tuned in just to see the complex dynamic between the two sisters.
Beyond her family drama, Kim also got into feuds with other cast members like Brandi Glanville over her sobriety journey. But she ultimately earned respect and support from viewers for being so open about her addiction issues at the height of the show‘s popularity.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kim comes from Hollywood royalty – her niece is socialite Paris Hilton! She grew up surrounded by fame and the entertainment world.
Kim has been married twice – to Monty Brinson (1985-1988) with whom she had daughter Brooke, and to Gregg Davis (1988-2011) with whom she had three children. She is also a doting grandmother to Brooke‘s two kids.
Family is incredibly important to Kim despite the complex dynamics that fame often brings. She remains dedicated to her four children and relies on her sister Kyle for support.
Recent Projects
Since leaving RHOBH in 2015, Kim has pursued small acting roles in movies like The Christmas Contract while also making guest appearances on shows like Dr. Phil. She competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2015 and has shared her recovery journey at several speaking engagements.
Kim Richards has lived her entire life in the public eye, giving us over 50 years of entertainment. She grew up right before our eyes, going from child star, to Hollywood icon, to reality TV sensation. Kim has struggled at times but remains an inspiration with her honesty and willingness to share her story. Her talents and tenacity will forever make her a beloved celebrity.