Basic Information
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eloise Joni Richards |
| Date of Birth | May 2011 |
| Adoptive Parents | Denise Richards (actress), Aaron Phypers |
| Genetic Diagnosis | Deletion on chromosome 8 (8p deletion syndrome) |
| Developmental Milestones | Sat with support: 12–15 months; Walked independently: ~24 months; First words: ~30 months |
| Current Age | 14 (as of June 2025) |
| Television | Bravo’s Denise Richards & Her Wild Things (2025) |
Biography & Early Life
Born in May 2011, Eloise Joni Richards was welcomed into Denise Richards’s family through adoption in the same month, and legally joined Aaron Phypers as her father in 2019. Her given name honors Denise’s late mother, Joni Richards, while the first name “Eloise” was chosen with help from her older sisters, Sami and Lola, as detailed in an InStyle feature. From the beginning, Eloise faced unique medical hurdles due to an uncommon deletion on chromosome 8, a rare genetic syndrome that can affect physical and speech development.
With early intervention—a team of pediatric specialists, occupational and physical therapists, and weekly speech therapy sessions—Eloise began to close developmental gaps. By age two, she was walking steadily; by age three, she had begun forming simple phrases. Her parents have credited consistent therapy and a nurturing home environment for her progress, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and family support in rare chromosomal conditions.
Medical Journey & Developmental Milestones
Chromosome 8 deletion syndrome, sometimes referred to as 8p deletion, can manifest in a spectrum of cognitive and motor delays. Eloise’s medical team tracked her growth through standardized developmental checklists: she achieved head control by 6 months, independent sitting by 12 months, and first steps around her second birthday. Speech emerged more gradually; simple words appeared near age 2½, and short sentences followed by age 4.
Her parents—and later the public via interviews on People.com—have emphasized Eloise’s extraordinary determination. At each milestone celebration, the Richards–Phypers household has underscored the broader message: with early intervention, targeted therapies, and unwavering family love, children with rare genetic syndromes can flourish.
| Milestone | Typical Age | Eloise’s Age |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Sitting | 6–9 months | 12–15 months |
| First Steps | 12–15 months | ~24 months |
| First Words | 12–18 months | ~30 months |
Family Dynamics & Siblings
Eloise’s older sisters, Sami and Lola, have played instrumental roles in her life—from selecting her name to cheering her on at therapy sessions. The family’s dynamic also includes Denise Richards’s daughter Sami Sheen (often conflated online with a “Sammy Sheen” persona). For more on that distinction, see the “Sammy Sheen” discussion, clarifying there is no separate public figure under that moniker.
Denise Richards frequently shares glimpses of the girls’ bond on Instagram, highlighting shared crafts, backyard playdates, and supportive sisterly encouragement. These moments reinforce a message of inclusion—that every member, regardless of ability, is an integral part of the Richards–Phypers household.
Public Image & Advocacy
Although Eloise maintains a private life without personal social media accounts, her story has resonated with fans and medical advocates alike. Denise’s candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage on Bravo have raised awareness of 8p deletion syndrome, prompting discussion among parents of children with rare genetic conditions. Eloise’s progress is often described as inspirational: a testament not only to her own resolve but also to the impact of informed, compassionate caregiving.
Media coverage—most notably in a Bravo profile on the forthcoming Denise Richards & Her Wild Things series—has positioned Eloise as a bright light in her blended family narrative. By sharing triumphs and challenges alike, the Richards family invites audiences to see beyond the diagnosis and celebrate Eloise’s personality, humor, and resilience.
Media & Upcoming Projects
In May 2025, Bravo released an exclusive preview of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, showcasing Eloise’s daily life alongside her mother and sisters. The series promises to balance candid family moments with broader conversations about health, adoption, and sisterhood. Eloise’s screen time highlights her vibrant personality—whether dancing in the living room or practicing new speech exercises—underscoring that representation of differently-abled children in mainstream television remains rare and valuable.
Fans can follow Denise’s official Bravo profile for episode updates, and behind-the-scenes content often appears on her Instagram account, including a touching tribute celebrating Eloise’s 14th birthday in June 2025: “an angel & a ray of sunshine.” That post, shared without filtration, reaffirmed the family’s pride in Eloise’s journey and the hope that her visibility will encourage other parents navigating similar diagnoses.
FAQ
What is 8p deletion syndrome?
8p deletion syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in which part of the short arm of chromosome 8 is missing, often leading to developmental delays and distinctive medical needs.
How did Eloise get her name?
Eloise was named “Joni” in honor of Denise Richards’s late mother, with “Eloise” chosen by her sisters Sami and Lola during the adoption process.
When did Eloise achieve major developmental milestones?
She sat independently around 12–15 months, walked near 24 months, and began speaking simple words by around 30 months with ongoing therapy support.
Does Eloise have social media?
No; Eloise does not maintain personal public accounts, though family updates appear on Denise Richards’s Instagram and Bravo’s official channels.
Where can I watch the new family series?
The Richards–Phypers family appears in Denise Richards & Her Wild Things on Bravo, with previews and episode guides available on the network’s website and app.
