Denise Richards Previews What's Next for Shauna on B&B

What’s a fish-out-of-water character supposed to do with herself among the rich-and-famous members of the Forrester, Logan and Spencer families? We’re beginning to find out now that Vegas shop-girl Shauna Fulton is rubbing elbows with the fashion elite on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL. “She’s not quite as refined as the other characters,” portrayer Denise Richards acknowledged to Soaps In Depth, “but that’s also what’s endearing about her. I think a lot of fans can relate to what it must be like for her coming into this new situation.”

Having discovered earlier this year that her daughter, Flo, is actually related to the Logan family, the unexpected reversal of fortune has left Shauna a bit wide-eyed. “Imagine what that must be like, not coming from a lot of money and then all of a sudden being around the fame and the lavish lifestyle of these people,” said Richards. “She definitely gets caught up in it!”

“Shauna is fiercely protective of her daughter,” said Richards, “but she also knows that what’s good for her daughter is also good for herself!” (Photo Credit: XJJohnson/jpistudios.com)

Shauna isn’t necessarily as polished as most of the people she interacts with on the show, and, said Richards, “I’m glad they’re letting her [stay that way]. I have a tattoo on my ankle, and usually, I have to cover that, but because my character’s from Vegas, I don’t have to.”

Shauna doesn’t hide what she’s thinking any more than she does her ink. “She doesn’t have much of a filter,” her portrayer admitted. “She just doesn’t want to [mess things up] for her or Flo. Though Richards doesn’t think Shauna has a malicious streak, she concedes there may be a self-serving facet to her personality. “She has a wild past, so I definitely think she could start trouble.”

Shauna’s new obsession with Ridge is definitely setting up the newbie and Brooke as adversaries. But “what I’ve learned from being on this show so far is that everyone’s been married to each other so many times that you can’t even keep track,” Richards laughed, “so I don’t think it would be anything unusual if they started [a rivalry].” The only bridge Richards believes Shauna should be wary of burning is the one that connects her to Quinn. “Shauna is going to need an ally at some point!”

Richards’ hubby was supportive of her foray into soaps. “He’s so great at helping me balance it all,” she said. (Photo Credit: XTarroyo/jpistudios.com)

Immersed in drama both fictional (at B&B) and in real life (as the newest of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS), Richards is a decidedly “no-drama mama” when the cameras aren’t rolling. “I’m not a confrontational person,” she said. “I think you have to pick your battles.”

Nevertheless, it’s safe to say the past year has been an exciting one for her. In addition to joining two series and filming a handful of movies, she also got hitched to husband Aaron Phypers, only to be forced to evacuate their Malibu home a few weeks later during the devastating Woolsey fire. “But I’m one of those people where, when challenges come up, you get through it!” If Shauna has even a fraction of Richards’ indomitable spirit, she’s going to be a real contender in the months to come!

For more on your favorite B&B stars, keep reading the CBS edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.