Heather Locklear was one of the most recognized and in-demand actors in the 1990s, but her star power began to erode in later years. Is this because of poor career decisions she made or because of personal difficulties?
The “Money Talks” actress has had numerous issues over the years, some of which landed her in rehab multiple times. She’s also had her share of heartbreak, romantic trouble, and run-ins with the law.
“She has so much talent and beauty, and we would hate to see that wasted,” a source close to Locklear told Page Six in 2018. “But she’s up against a lot of demons. She has no choice except to return to treatment and try again.”
Locklear’s life has been full of ups and downs, with devastating times as fans saw their favorite star fall from grace. She may have needed to reach rock bottom before she could bounce back, but the actress’s life appears to be turning around…
Heather Locklear’s substance misuse problems have been well publicized, and she has been said to have sought treatment several times. In 2019, she was admitted to a treatment facility for the second time, and a source told People magazine that those who cared for Locklear were optimistic about her future.
“Everyone is hoping that this time will be different, but it’s difficult to predict,” the person said. “The problem is that she’s not doing anything new; she’s just doing something she’s done before. She’s been to rehab at least 20 times, possibly 25.”
The source also mentioned how expensive these programs were and how treatment frequently entailed detoxes.
What were Locklear’s specific issues? According to a source, she was seeking treatment for difficulties involving “alcohol, pills, and her mental health,” and “she doesn’t want anybody to hold her accountable.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, treatment is available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
The disadvantage of living in the public eye is that whatever difficulties or transgressions you have become tabloid fodder. Every blunder an actor makes is extensively documented, and every obstacle they confront becomes a sensational headline. Heather Locklear, whose personal difficulties with substance addiction and mental health issues have become widely publicized, was no exception.
Instead of being able to deal with these difficulties discretely, Locklear’s admission to an Arizona rehab facility in 2008 was widely publicized. Her representative told E! News then, “There is no statement, and we will not comment about Heather’s location.”
While she was given some solitude, the publication states that her stay lasted nearly four weeks. Locklear was said to have checked into the Sierra Tucson treatment facility to focus on her mental health.
“Heather has been dealing with anxiety and depression,” a spokesperson for the actress said at the time. “She requested a thorough medication review and entered a medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.”
Heather Locklear is blessed to have many individuals that care for her and want to see her well. But her recovery is solely her responsibility, and the desire to seek help had to come from her.
She made news again in 2018, this time not only for her battles with addiction and mental health issues but also for allegedly refusing help from her friends and family. The news was heartbreaking, and her family’s agony was palpable.
“Heather is not receiving the necessary medical and mental health care. It’s not just about getting rehab for addiction issues. Still, also about getting a proper evaluation and treatment for the underlying mental health issues,” a person close to her told People. “She isolates herself, which exacerbates the other issues. Of course, you can’t force someone to get care; they must want to, but it’s difficult for someone sick to make wise decisions and persevere. She has family and friends that are desperate to assist.”
The bright side of this predicament is that Locklear eventually got her help and celebrated her first year of recovery in 2020. She took to Instagram to express herself (or, more accurately, she uploaded a quote attributed to Maya Angelou). “Hugs will come later!” she wrote in the post. “Today marks one year of sobriety!!!”
Heather Locklear has been unable to escape public interest in her private life, and fans have kept tabs on her over the years. This includes the challenges she faced when trying to deal with her addiction. Luckily, she had constant support from family and friends who wanted to see her get better.
At the time, this was not something Locklear wanted to share with the world (which was her decision), and although she would later celebrate her sobriety publicly, in general, she has been much quieter about the journey it took to get there.
There was nothing to suggest Denise Richards and Heather Locklear were best friends, but they did appear to be on good terms. They were also neighbors. The friendship part of their relationship would change very quickly after Richards began dating Locklear’s ex-husband, Richie Sambora. But how did Richards and Locklear know each other? Their connection was initially through Charlie Sheen, a friend and former co-star of Locklear’s — the pair worked together on the series “Spin City.”
The relationship between Richards and Sambora isn’t believed to have begun until after Sambora’s divorce. (At the time, Richards and Sheen were also breaking up.) Still, the news must have been a sting to Locklear. “Unfortunately, our friendship had to end, and I’m sad about that. The last thing I want to do is create a media frenzy like this, especially as I’m trying to get through a divorce,” Richards told People in 2006.
“We [Richards and Sambora] were friends, and we were both going through divorces, and that’s what drew us to each other… I did not steal someone’s husband,” she told Us Weekly. “Did I date a former friend’s ex-husband? Yes. Did I break up a marriage? No. If I were still friends with Locklear, that never would have happened with Richie. There was no friendship anymore before Richie, and I got together.”
Her career has slowed down, but she’s kept fighting for a comeback.
Heather Locklear was a prominent figure in the 1980s and 1990s, probably most famously for her role as Amanda Woodward on the television show “Melrose Place.” While she continued to land roles after the program ended, there has been a distinct drop in the number of leading roles she landed in subsequent years. Hollywood is seldom kind to elderly actors, but Locklear had to deal with her problems.
Was she willing to give up her job for good? Nope. Locklear was thrilled to be cast in the TV film “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story” in 2021. Many saw this part as her comeback and expected great things from her — another landmark achievement, besides being sober for almost two years.
“I’ve always loved getting older because it means I’m alive,” she said about her upcoming 60th birthday in 2021. “I’m overjoyed. I couldn’t give a damn. I don’t give a damn about my appearance. My parents still care about me. My child loves me.”