Denise Richards played the role of Kelly Van Ryan in the 1998 neo-noir crime thriller Wild Things. The film was released on July 29, 1998, in the United States. Based on standard production schedules and cast listings from industry databases, Richards was born on February 17, 1971, which made her approximately 27 years old at the time of the film’s release. This profile entry provides a verified age reference and contextual production details for quick, durable use in editorial and metadata systems.
Film context and key facts
Wild Things is a 1998 American neo-noir crime thriller directed by John McNaughton and written by Stephen Peters. The ensemble cast includes Denise Richards, Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, and Neve Campbell. Richards’ character, Kelly Van Ryan, is a central figure in the film’s intertwining arcs of blackmail, murder, and deception. The movie received mixed reviews but maintained cultural relevance through the late 1990s and into home video and streaming eras.
Denise Richards: career snapshot and role significance
Denise Richards rose to prominence in the 1990s, with notable appearances in film and television. Her portrayal of Kelly Van Ryan in Wild Things showcased her in a dramatic, dialogue-driven role within a thriller structure. The performance contributed to her visibility in Hollywood and established her as a versatile actress capable of handling morally complex characters.
Notable details about the role
- Character name: Kelly Van Ryan
- Film genre: Neo-noir crime thriller
- Theatrical release date: July 29, 1998
- Production period: principal photography took place in 1997
Age and production timeline
Given a July 1998 release and principal photography generally occurring the prior year, Richards’ age during filming aligns with late 1997 production windows. Her birthdate of February 17, 1971, places her at roughly 26 to 27 across production and release cycles. This age range is consistent with other cast member career timelines and casting reports from the period.
Reference data table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Denise Richards birth date | February 17, 1971 | Public biography |
| Wild Things US release date | July 29, 1998 | Industry database |
| Denise Richards age at release | 27 years old | Calculated |
| Principal photography period | 1997 | Production records |
| Role in film | Kelly Van Ryan | Cast listing |
Context within Denise Richards’ filmography
The role in Wild Things represents one of Richards’ prominent late-1990s film performances, bridging her early television work and later genre projects. The film’s ensemble nature allowed her to share scenes with established actors, contributing to her on-screen confidence and industry reputation. Understanding her age and career phase at the time helps contextualize the performance and its impact on her professional trajectory.
Common questions and clarifications
Viewers often seek clarification about the timeline of Richards’ involvement and how her age aligns with the story’s setting. Because the film does not specify a precise year for its events, age estimates rely on production dates and release information. Cross-referencing cast biographies and studio documentation helps confirm that Richards was in her late twenties during the film’s release window.
Comparative snapshot: cast ages at release
Including approximate ages of principal cast members at the time of Wild Things’ release provides useful reference points.
| Cast member | Age at release (July 1998) |
|---|---|
| Denise Richards | 27 |
| Kevin Bacon | 40 |
| Matt Dillon | 37 |
| Neve Campbell | 28 |
Key takeaways
- Denise Richards was approximately 27 years old when Wild Things was released in July 1998.
- She portrayed Kelly Van Ryan, a character central to the film’s plot of blackmail and murder.
- Her participation in the film represents an established turning point in her career visibility during the late 1990s.
Frequently asked questions
- What year was Denise Richards in Wild Things? She appeared in the 1998 release of Wild Things.
- How old was Denise Richards in 1998? She was 27 years old at the time of the film’s release.
- What role did Denise Richards play in Wild Things? She played Kelly Van Ryan, a key character in the film’s narrative.