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Heather Locklear
Heather Locklear 1993 (cropped).jpg
Locklear in 1993
Born
Heather Deen Locklear

(1961-09-25) September 25, 1961 (age 63)
Education University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation Actress
Years active 1980–present
Known for Dynasty
T. J. Hooker
Melrose Place
Spin City
Spouse(s)
Partner(s) Chris Heisser (eng. 2020)
Children 1

Heather Deen Locklear (born September 25, 1961) is an American actress. She is well-known for her role as Amanda Woodward on the TV show Melrose Place from 1993 to 1999. For this role, she was nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.

She also gained fame for playing Sammy Jo Carrington on Dynasty from 1981 to 1989. This was her first big TV role and started a long working relationship with producer Aaron Spelling. Other important TV roles include Officer Stacy Sheridan on T. J. Hooker (1982–1986) and Caitlin Moore on Spin City (1999–2002). She received two more Golden Globe nominations for Spin City.

Heather Locklear has also appeared in movies. Some of her film roles include the science-fiction thriller Firestarter (1984), the action comedy Money Talks (1997), and the family-friendly comedy Looney Tunes: Back in Action (2003).

Early Life and Beginnings

Heather Deen Locklear was born on September 25, 1961, in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Diane, was a production executive, and her father, Bill Locklear, worked at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her father was also a former colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Heather has Lumbee ancestry.

While attending UCLA, Heather started modeling and appearing in commercials. In the early 1980s, she had small roles in TV shows like CHiPs, 240-Robert, and Eight Is Enough.

Acting Career Highlights

Rising to Fame with Dynasty and T.J. Hooker

In 1982, Heather Locklear began working closely with TV producer Aaron Spelling. She was cast in a recurring role as Sammy Jo Dean on Spelling's popular show Dynasty. The next year, while still on Dynasty, Locklear also took on a main role as Officer Stacy Sheridan in the police drama T.J. Hooker.

She worked on both series until 1986, when T.J. Hooker ended. After that, Locklear became a full-time cast member of Dynasty and stayed with the show until it finished in 1989. She once explained how busy she was, saying she would go from filming her police show to being "all glammed up" for Dynasty.

After Dynasty became a hit, Locklear appeared in her first major film, Firestarter (1984). She played the mother of a character played by Drew Barrymore. She also starred in the 1989 film The Return of Swamp Thing.

Becoming a Global Star with Melrose Place

In 1993, Heather Locklear took on another one of her most famous roles: Amanda Woodward on Aaron Spelling's drama series Melrose Place. She was originally hired for just four episodes to make the show more exciting. Her character, Amanda, quickly became very popular and helped boost the show's ratings.

Because of her success, Locklear became a full-time cast member. She was even credited as a "Special Guest Star" in the opening credits for many seasons. The show's creator, Darren Star, said that Heather's character brought a new energy to the show. The New York Times noted that playing Amanda helped Locklear's career reach new heights. She earned four Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a TV Drama between 1994 and 1997 for her work on Melrose Place.

Locklear was a guest host on Saturday Night Live in May 1994. She also made a brief appearance in the movie Wayne's World 2 in 1993. In 1996, she was a special guest on Muppets Tonight, where she appeared in a funny spoof of Melrose Place.

Heather Locklear was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in May 1994, when Melrose Place was at its most popular. She was also named one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People twice.

In 1996, Locklear starred in the TV movie Shattered Mind. Critics praised her effort in the role. She later said that this movie helped her feel like a true actress. The next year, she appeared in the action-comedy Money Talks with Charlie Sheen, who would later become her co-star.

When Melrose Place ended in 1999, it marked the end of Locklear's many collaborations with producer Aaron Spelling. He often called her his "lucky penny" because she brought success to his shows.

Transitioning to Comedy

After Melrose Place finished in 1999, Locklear joined the cast of the ABC sitcom Spin City. She starred alongside Michael J. Fox and later Charlie Sheen. Locklear moved to New York for filming, and Spin City became very popular in its new time slot. She earned two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress in a TV Comedy for her role before the series ended in 2002.

Spin City opened a new chapter in Locklear's career, leading to more comedy roles in TV and movies. In 2002, she had a short recurring role in the hit sitcom Scrubs. She also made a guest appearance in the final season of the legal comedy-drama Ally McBeal.

In 2004, Locklear made a guest appearance on the sitcom Two and a Half Men, reuniting with her former Spin City co-star Charlie Sheen. In 2005, she appeared in the movie The Perfect Man with Hilary Duff. That same year, she had a recurring role on the drama series Boston Legal, working again with executive producer David E. Kelley.

Recent Roles and TV Movies

Since 2006, Heather Locklear has continued to appear in various TV movies and guest roles. In 2007, she starred in her first Lifetime movie, Angels Fall, which was one of the most-watched movies on the network at the time. In 2008, she starred in another Lifetime film, Flirting with Forty, which also had many viewers.

In 2009, Locklear returned to the world of Melrose Place by joining the cast of The CW's updated version of the show. She reprised her role as Amanda Woodward for eight episodes. Even with her return, the new show was not a big ratings success and was canceled after one season.

In 2012, Locklear began a recurring role on the TV Land comedy series Hot in Cleveland. In 2013, she became a regular on the comedy-drama Franklin & Bash. In 2016, she appeared in the TV movie The Game of Love and had a recurring role in Tyler Perry's drama Too Close to Home.

In 2021, Locklear played Kristine Carlson in the Lifetime TV movie Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story. In 2024, she starred in another Lifetime film, Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story.

Other Ventures

Business and Endorsements

From 1997 to the mid-2000s, Heather Locklear appeared in commercials for L'Oréal hair and cosmetic products. She was also an ambassador for the company at the Cannes International Film Festival in France in 1999.

In 2006, Heather Locklear appeared in the music video for country singer Toby Keith's song "Crash Here Tonight." When Toby Keith passed away in 2024, she shared a tribute on Instagram, remembering her experience working on the video.

In 2020, Locklear joined Scrubs actors Zach Braff and Donald Faison on their podcast, "Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald." She had previously made guest appearances on the Scrubs TV show. In September 2024, Locklear made a public appearance at 90s Con in Florida.

In 2025, Locklear appeared on the "Still the Place" podcast with her former Melrose Place co-stars Daphne Zuniga, Laura Leighton, and Courtney Thorne-Smith. She also joined TV personality Jillian Barberie as a guest on Armie Hammer’s podcast, "The Armie HammerTime Podcast."

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

RichieSamboraHeatherLocklear
Locklear with Richie Sambora in 1994

Heather Locklear was married to Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee from May 10, 1986, to 1993. After their divorce, she married Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora on December 17, 1994, in Paris.

Heather and Richie had one child together, a daughter named Ava Elizabeth Sambora, born on October 4, 1997. Locklear filed for divorce from Sambora in February 2006, and their divorce was finalized in April 2007.

In April 2020, Locklear became engaged to Chris Heisser, a former motocross racer whom she had dated in high school.

Awards and Nominations

Year Association Category Nominated work Result
1983 Bravo Otto Awards Best Female TV Star Dynasty Won
1984 Nominated
1986 Soap Opera Digest Awards Outstanding Actress/Actor in a Comic Relief Role on a Prime Time Serial Nominated
1989 Bravo Otto Awards Best Female TV Star Dynasty Won
Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Actress The Return of Swamp Thing Won
1990 Bravo Otto Awards Best Female TV Star Dynasty Nominated
Soap Opera Digest Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress: Prime Time Nominated
1991 Bravo Otto Awards Best Female TV Star Nominated
1994 Golden Globe Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama Melrose Place Nominated
First Americans in the Arts Best Actress in a Television Series Won
1995 Golden Globe Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama Nominated
1996 Nominated
1997 Nominated
2000 Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy Spin City Nominated
2002 Nominated
2004 TV Land Awards Favorite Teen Dream – Female Melrose Place Won (5th place)

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Episode(s) Viewers (in million)
1980 CHiPs Teenager TV series "Satan's Angels" N/A
1981 240-Robert Jean TV series "Hostages" N/A
1981 Eight is Enough Ingrid TV series "Yet Another Seven Days in February" N/A
1981 Twirl Cherie Sanders Television film N/A
1981–1989 Dynasty Sammy Jo Carrington TV series 127 episodes (Recurring S2–5; Main S6–9) Here
1982 The Fall Guy June Edwards TV series "Scavenger Hunt" N/A
1982 Fantasy Island Lorraine Wentworth TV series "Thank God, I'm a Country Girl" N/A
1982 Matt Houston Cindy McNichol TV series "Stop the Presses" N/A
1982–1986 T. J. Hooker Officer Stacy Sheridan TV series 84 episodes (Main S2–5) N/A
1983 Tales of the Unexpected Pat Ward TV series "Youth from Vienna" N/A
1983 Hotel Miranda Harding TV series "Choices" N/A
1983 The Love Boat Patti Samuels TV series "Youth Takes a Holiday/Don't Leave Home Without It/Prisoner of Love" N/A
1983 The Fall Guy Paige Connally TV series "Just a Small Circle of Friends" N/A
1984 City Killer Andrea McKnight Television film
1988 Rock 'n' Roll Mom Darcy X Television film
1990 Jury Duty: The Comedy Rita Burwald Television film
1990 Rich Men, Single Women Tori Television film
1990–1991 Going Places Alexandra "Alex" Burton TV series 19 episodes (Main) N/A
1991 Dynasty: The Reunion Sammy Jo Carrington Miniseries 23 (Part 1); 20.3 (Part 2)
1991 Her Wicked Ways Melody Shepherd Television film 24.5
1992 Batman: The Animated Series Lisa Clark (voice) TV series "Prophecy of Doom"
1992 Body Language Betsy Television film
1992 Highway Heartbreaker Alex Television film
1992 Illusions Jan Sanderson Television film
1993–1999 Melrose Place Amanda Woodward TV series 199 episodes (Recurring S1; Main S2–7) Here
1993 Fade to Black Victoria Television film
1995 Texas Justice Priscilla Davis Miniseries
1996 Shattered Mind Suzy / Bonnie / Ginger / Victoria / D.J. Television film
1997 Muppets Tonight Herself TV series Guest star
1999 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards Herself / Hostess TV special
1999–2002 Spin City Caitlin Moore TV series 71 episodes (Main S4–6) Here
2000 King of the Hill Peggy Donovan (voice) TV series "Old Glory"
2002 Ally McBeal Nicole Naples TV series "Tom Dooley" 8.1
2002 Scrubs Julie Keaton TV series "My First Step"; "My Fruit Cups" 17.5; 19.9
2003 Once Around the Park Alex Wingfield TV series Pilot
2004 Two and a Half Men Laura Lang TV series "No Sniffing, No Wowing" 16.2
2004–2005 LAX Harley Random TV series 13 episodes (Main)
2005 Boston Legal Kelly Nolan TV series "The Black Widow"; "Schadenfreude" 12.4; 11.8
2006 Women of a Certain Age Barb TV series Pilot
2007 Angels Fall Reese Gilmore Television film 5.0
2007 Hannah Montana Heather Truscott TV series "Lilly's Mom Has Got It Goin' On"
2007 Rules of Engagement Barbara TV series "Audrey's Sister"; "Engagement Party" 10.1; 10.8
2007 See Jayne Run Jayne Doherty TV series Pilot
2008 Flirting with Forty Jackie Laurens Television film 4.0
2009–2010 Melrose Place Amanda Woodward TV series 8 episodes Here
2011 He Loves Me Laura Television film
2012–2013 Hot in Cleveland Chloe TV series 3 episodes
2013 Franklin & Bash Rachel King TV series 10 episodes (Main S3) Here
2016 The Game of Love Frankie Television film
2016–2017 Too Close to Home The First Lady TV series 8 episodes (Recurring S1-2) Here
2017 Fresh Off the Boat Sarah TV series "The Gloves Are Off" 3.85
2021 Don't Sweat The Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story Kristine Carlson Television film Lifetime film
2024 Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story Jodi Hildebrandt Lifetime film

Film

Year Title Role Studio US gross Worldwide gross
1984 Firestarter Victoria 'Vicky' Tomlinson McGee Universal $17,080,167
1989 The Return of Swamp Thing Abigail "Abby" Arcane Lightyear Entertainment $192,816
1991 The Big Slice Rita SC Entertainment International N/A
1993 Wayne's World 2 Herself (cameo) Paramount $48,197,805
1996 The First Wives Club Sharon Griffin (cameo) Paramount $105,489,203 $181,489,203
1997 Double Tap Agent Katherine Hanson HBO N/A
1997 Money Talks Grace Cipriani New Line $40,922,619 $48,407,611
2003 Looney Tunes: Back in Action Dusty Tails WB $20,991,364 $68,514,844
2003 Uptown Girls Roma Schleine MGM $37,182,494 $44,617,342
2005 The Perfect Man Jean Hamilton Universal $16,535,005 $19,770,475
2006 Game of Life Irene Mesquite Entertainment Group N/A
2009 Flying By Pamela ARTE & Encore Partners N/A
2013 Scary Movie 5 Barbara Dimension Films & DZE and Brad Grey Pictures $32,015,787 $78,378,744

Producer

Year Title Role Notes
1998–1999 Melrose Place Co–producer 28 episodes
2004–05 LAX Producer 12 episodes

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Heather Locklear para niños

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