E! True Hollywood Story Season 9 Episode 4 Heather Locklear
- June 27, 2004
Heather Locklear was one of the biggest stars of the 80s and 90s, known for her TV roles on shows like T.J. Hooker, Dynasty, and Melrose Place. But her personal life has been just as dramatic as the characters she's played on screen. In this episode of E! True Hollywood Story, we take a closer look at Locklear's rise to fame, her struggles with addiction and mental health, and her ongoing legal troubles.
The episode begins by discussing Locklear's early years in California, where she grew up as the daughter of a wealthy family. She was a cheerleader and attended UCLA, but dropped out to pursue acting. After a few small roles, she was cast in T.J. Hooker in 1982, playing the daughter of William Shatner's character. The show was a hit and gave Locklear the exposure she needed to land more high-profile roles.
We then learn about Locklear's time on Dynasty, where she played Sammy Jo Carrington. She was initially brought onto the show as a love interest for Steven Carrington, but the character quickly became a fan favorite. Locklear's form-fitting outfits and sharp-tongued one-liners made her a memorable addition to the cast, and she became a sex symbol in the process. However, she struggled with the pressure of maintaining her appearance and would later admit to developing an eating disorder.
After Dynasty ended, Locklear struggled to find steady work. She appeared in a few forgettable films and TV shows before landing the role of Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place in 1993. The show was an instant hit and helped to rejuvenate Locklear's career. Her character was a power-hungry advertising executive who was always one step ahead of her rivals. Locklear's nuanced performance earned her critical acclaim and several awards.
But behind the scenes, Locklear was dealing with a different kind of drama. She began dating her Melrose Place co-star, Jack Wagner, but the relationship was tumultuous. They broke up and got back together several times, and Locklear was accused of assaulting Wagner in 2011. She was also arrested for driving under the influence in 2008 and entered rehab for alcohol abuse.
Throughout the episode, we hear from Locklear's friends and colleagues, who describe her as a talented and charismatic woman who has struggled with addiction and mental health issues. They trace her troubles back to her childhood, where she was raised by parents who were often absent. Locklear has also spoken publicly about her struggles with anxiety and depression.
The episode concludes with a discussion of Locklear's recent legal troubles. In 2018, she was arrested for domestic violence and assaulting a police officer. She later pleaded guilty to eight misdemeanor charges and was placed on three years' probation. She has since stayed out of the public eye and has been focusing on her health and well-being.
Overall, this episode of E! True Hollywood Story gives viewers a deeper understanding of Heather Locklear's career and personal life. It shows that even the most glamorous and successful celebrities are human and have their own struggles and challenges to overcome.