Denise Richards Believes Mario Lopez Could Excel in Special Forces
Denise Richards believes that one of her former co-stars is fully capable of succeeding on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly published on Saturday, January 11, Richards, 53, shared, “Actually, I just interviewed with him and he is my very first co-star from Saved by the Bell, Mario Lopez.”
During their discussion, Richards mentioned that she asked Lopez, 51, about the possibility of him joining Special Forces. “I said to him, ‘When are you going to do it?’” she recounted. “I’m certain he would excel at it. He would reach the finish line, no doubt.”
The two shared screen time in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell, where Cynthia (Richards) attempts to connect with A.C. Slater (Lopez). The show ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1993, portraying a group of teens, including Lopez, navigating the ups and downs of high school life.
In her time on Special Forces, Richards made daring jumps from a moving boat to a helicopter and leaped off a bridge, later claiming injury to her back. She also disclosed that she had ruptured her breast implants. During a grueling Navy SEAL exercise known as surf immersion in the second episode, Richards initially requested to withdraw. Ultimately, she took off her armband, signifying her departure from the challenge.
Despite leaving the competition early, Richards expressed pride in her accomplishments. “I found the courage to leap off a bridge, and I did it. I was thrilled. Although I couldn’t manage to get into that helicopter, I was genuinely happy,” she stated to the outlet. “I was able to at least grab on and hang there. I never imagined I could do that.”
Richards was also the first participant on the show to discuss her vulnerable past experiences, admitting that she has encountered moments of “freezing” due to being overwhelmed by fear. At a conversation with the staff, she revealed that her first experience of “freezing” occurred when she was 15 years old.
“I noticed a man stalking me. He approached from behind, covered my mouth, grabbed me, and attempted to pull me away,” she shared. “I was paralyzed with fear, unable to call for help.”
Denise Richards is keeping her comments minimal regarding her participation in Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 3, but she did offer some insights into her experience. “It was the most difficult challenge I’ve ever faced, ever,” Richards, 53, told Us Weekly on Sunday, December 1, while attending The Hollywood Christmas Parade in support of Marine Toys for Tots.
Prior to opening up during Special Forces, Richards had only confided in her husband Aaron Phypers about her traumatic experience. “It’s frightening to be in that type of situation at that age and feel so vulnerable,” she elaborated. “I have three daughters and it’s my hope that they will never face something similar. Moreover, if anything were to happen, I want them to have the strength to stand up for themselves.”
Reflecting on Richards’ honesty, Directing Staff instructor Billy Billingham highlighted during a joint interview with fellow soldier Rudy Reyes the importance of contestants sharing their stories.
“Before we proceed with the mirror room, even after just 12 hours, participants have already gone through a phase of deprivation,” he explained at Us Weekly’s NYC studio on Thursday, January 9. “When you’re exhausted and hungry, you become more open. There’s something about that, particularly during the mirror room exercise. We’re not psychologists and can’t predict what story will come out at that moment.”
Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test airs on Fox on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
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