Heather Locklear was once a Hollywood A-lister but just as easily as her popularity began, behind the scene troubles left the star almost uncastable. From betrayals from other Hollywood actresses to her own husband, Locklear has had a tough life.
Screenshot from “Melrose Place”
We are taking a look at all the stages of it, the ups, downs and in between to find out why Hollywood producers have forgotten about the blonde bombshell and how her daughter is trying to reverse all the wrongs done to her mom.
A Star is Born
Heather Locklear was born on September 25, 1961, in Los Angeles, California. Her father, Bill Locklear, had served as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps and later as the administrator for the University of California, Los Angeles.
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Her mother, Diane Tinsley, was a production executive, this meant that Locklear was introduced to the world of showbiz from an early age. She was known to be quite popular in school and was voted as Homecoming Queen.
High School Sweetheart
During her high school year, she also found her first love, Chris Heisser. The two of them had a high school romance worthy of a Hollywood movie and too many, it appeared as a relationship that would stand the test of time.
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Sadly though, it wasn’t true. The couple parted ways after they both graduated High School but things were still left on good terms. If only the couple knew what was in store for them, they would never have parted ways.
The College Years
After graduating from high school, Locklear enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, where her father worked as an administrator. Unlike high school, Locklear didn’t have such an easy time fitting in and was not accepted to the two sororities—Chi Omega and Delta Delta Delta she pledged to.
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After her education was complete, Locklear finally listened to her heart’s desire and started perusing her dreams of becoming a Hollywood actress. We wonder if the sororities had any idea who they had just said no to!
Getting Started
Locklear spent the next come of months working as a model, she used this time to make connections and learn more about the industry, she also appeared in small parts in shows such as CHiPs, 240-Robert, and Eight Is Enough in the early 80s.
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The small didn’t last for long and Locklear’s talent and charming personality began to garner the attention of movie and TV producers throughout the industry. While Locklear would have been happy with any stable gig, it was one producer whose interest in the blonde bombshell, that ended up changing her life.
Casting a Spell
Aaron Spelling was the man behind hit t.v shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210. Many claims that he introduced a new life into the t.v industry. It was him who cast Heather Locklear into her first major role in T.J Hooker.
Screenshot from “Dynasty”
To date, Locklear has starred in a whopping eight Spelling productions over the years, including Dynasty, T. J. Hooker, Matt Houston, Fantasy Island, and The Love Boat. While Heather would have gotten her fame and fortune on her own, Spelling made the process much easier for her.
First Marriage
In the mid-1980s, Locklear was just making a name for herself. She effortlessly fit into the typical girl next door image and that is why fans were shocked when rumours started flying that she was dating rocker and ladies man Tommy Lee, the drummer from rock band Mötley Crüe.
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Locklear’s wholesome image was shattered, the minute she stepped out with the wild and heavily tattooed musician. Many believed it to be a fling but the two surprised everyone when they tied the knot in May of 1986.
Career Ups And Downs
Around this time, Locklear was also going through a bit of a career-low with her film, The Return of Swamp Thing winning her the Razzie Award for Worst Actress! But this didn’t last long as she was cast into another Spelling project, Melrose Place.
Screenshot from “Melrose Place”
The show was originally meant to be a spin-off of Beverly Hills, 90210 but soon became a fan favourite on its own with Locklear’s role as Amanda Woodward such a hit that her initial four-episode contract was immediately changed and she remained until the show’s end in 1999.
Divorce
Not long after Locklear settled into her role in Melrose Place, she had to deal with another life-changing event. In 1993, Locklear and husband Tommy Lee confirmed that they were separating after seven years of marriage. “I gave it my best shot,” she said to Redbook magazine.
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“But when it was hurting more to be in than out, I had to do something. I was losing myself. I had to stop. I had to find myself again.” The couple had surprised everyone when they got married and no one was shocked when they divorced.
Bouncing Back
Locklear did spend too long a morning her divorce from Tommy Lee and soon after started dating another famous rocker, Richie Sambora, the guitarist for the band Bon Jovi. The two had a whirlwind romance, and less than a year later, they were married in an extravagant ceremony in Paris in 1994.
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Life was finally aligning itself for Locklear, not only was her career better than ever but she had finally found love and security in her personal life as well. And truly, the early 90s were the high point for the actresses career.
Super Stardom
Melrose Place became more and more popular with each season, cementing Locklear’s star power and turning her into a bona fide Hollywood star. She was spotted on every notable magazine cover, with each one prestigious than the last.
“People” (1994)
In 1994 she appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone. That same year, People magazine named her in its list of “50 Most Beautiful People”, an honour she would receive once again in 2001.
Next Stage
This success lasted throughout the decade and in 1999, Melrose Place finally came to an end, after seven seasons and five Golden Globe nominations—four of which were for Locklear.
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On October 4, 1997, Locklear started a new phase in her life and when she and her husband, Richie Sambora welcomed a daughter, Ava Elizabeth Sambora. “God blessed me with an angel that walks this earth,” Locklear gushed about her daughter.
End of an Era
It looked like Heather has it all – a stellar career, worldwide fame and idyllic family life but of course, this was all a facade. In 2006 her personal life came crashing down when she announced that she was divorcing her husband.
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“After 11 years of marriage Heather Locklear has filed for divorce from Richie Sambora,” a representative for Locklear told People. “This is a private matter and there will be no further comment at this time.”
Dirty Laundry
If only that could have been true. The couple’s divorce battle took a very ugly turn with Sambora refusing to pay child support. There were even rumours that he cheated on her with Heather’s longtime friend and fellow actress, Denise Richards.
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The rumours were further fueled when news got out that the two were not friends anymore and Richards had filed for divorce from Charlie Sheen, just a year before Locklear and Sambora’s separation was announced.
Denise’s Version
After months of speculation, Denise Richie finally spoke up and revealed the truth as to what happened between her, Richie Sambora and Heather Locklear. Well, she admitted that she was in a relationship with Richie but insisted that they had got together after his marriage was over.
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“We didn’t meddle in marriages and anything like that,” she said to Entertainment Tonight. “You can’t help who you fall for.” However, Richards did admit that she and Heather were no longer friends. “That friendship, unfortunately, was done and wasn’t salvageable.”
Moving On
After a lengthy legal battle, Locklear and Sambora’s divorce was finally finalized and just like before, Heather was ready to move on. Soon, she was spotted stepping out with actor Jack Wagner, her former co-star and on-screen husband on Melrose Place.
The couple had a calm relationship, which they kept away from the media. This is also the time when Locklear decided to take a step back from Hollywood and decided to focus on raising her daughter.
Dying Star
But this temporary break turned into a permanent one when Heather wasn’t able to secure any stable gigs. Her career took a nose dive to the point that Jay Leno even poked fun of it on The Tonight Show.
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While Heather wasn’t able to get any new work, her legacy still stood strong. That same year, she was placed on Entertainment Weekly’s list of “100 Greatest TV Icons”. An honourable award that started the next chapter of her life.
Mental Health Issues
It all started when news came in that due to her highly publicized divorce and media scrutiny, the actress was dealing with psychological issues and was not coping well. The pain and trauma of her separation had left a deep mark on her.
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Her agent confirmed that she was suffering from anxiety and depression, and she remained in treatment at a medical facility in Arizona for four weeks. After returning from her treatment centre, she felt ready to return back to American television.
Wedding Bells, Again
In 2011, Locklear and Jack Wagner announced that they were engaged.“Ava was so excited when we told her,” Heather said to People magazine. “She hugged Jack, said congratulations, and she immediately wanted to see the ring. Then she ran and Facebooked her new stepbrother.”
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But unfortunately, this happiness was short-lived. Only a few months after announcing their engagement, the pair confirmed that the wedding had been called off.“Jack and Heather are no longer engaged,” Locklear’s rep said to People magazine.
More Issues
In 2012, news came in that Locklear was once again struggling with her mental health, with her sister being even forced to call emergency services. Locklear was taken to Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California.
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“Emergency response personnel responded to a medical emergency call at Ms Locklear’s residence,” Mike Aranda, the Sherriff’s Captain of Ventura County, said to People magazine. “Once they arrived, it was determined that Ms Locklear needed to be transported to the hospital for further medical attention.”
And More
In 2018, authorities were once again called to her home due to a suspected disturbance, in which Locklear was unfortunately arrested. First, she was taken to hospital due to a suspected overdose and later sentenced to 30 days in a residential mental health facility.
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After completing her stay at the facility, the actresses disappeared away from the media. Only emerging in April 2020 to reveal that she was celebrating a year of sobriety. “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on,” she wrote. “And it will be better tomorrow.”
Peace
And that wasn’t the only good news waiting for her. In august of that year, she announced that she and Denise Richards had finally talked about what happened between them all these years and had reconciled.
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“Denise finally realizes that what she did was pretty awful, and she’s apologized to Heather,” a source said to OK!. “They’ve cleared the air and are now talking like good friends again.”
And Love
Denise wasn’t the only one that Locklear reconciled with, she announced that she and Chris Heisser—her long-lost high school sweetheart—were engaged to be married. It looks like Heather’s Locklear’s love life has come full circle.
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This look back at the milestones of her life, albeit they are bad or good just shows that Locklear is a resilient woman who is full of positivity and love. We can’t wait to see how her life unfolds further and wish her all the best.