Heather Locklear: Navigating the Highs and Lows of Life

Heather Locklear is known for her role as Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place. She has been nominated for Golden Globe’s Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for four consecutive years. People may also recognize her from the TV show Dynasty in the 80s, but they may not recognize her today. Twice she was named in People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, in 1994 and then in 2001. However, the actress suffered through mental health issues, and substance abuse, and has been arrested on numerous occasions. Today, her fans are relieved to see her recovering and thriving.

Heather Locklear’s Romantic Life

Heather Locklear was twice married and divorced. At age 24, she married Mötley Crue singer Tommy Lee in 1986. They divorced seven years later in 1993. A year later, she married Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora after seven months of dating. They had one child together, Ava Elizabeth. The couple split in 2006 and they finalized their divorce in 2007. Soon after, she began dating Jack Wagner, getting engaged four years later. However, they broke off the engagement only a few months later.

Struggling with Mental Illness

In June 2008, Locklear checked herself into a mental health facility in Arizona. “Heather has been dealing with anxiety and depression. She requested an in-depth evaluation of her medication and entered into a medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment,” said Locklear’s representative. “This is a confidential medical matter and no further statement will be released.”

She stayed for four weeks, receiving medical care while getting spa treatment and riding horses. After leaving, a close friend of hers reported, “Heather’s feeling really great. And she looks beautiful, just radiant.”

Run-Ins with the Law

By September 2008, she was arrested for suspicion of a DUI after “driving erratically,” according to a concerned witness. She was formally charged in November and pleaded no contest to reckless driving. In April 2010, she was arrested for a misdemeanor hit-and-run with a no-parking sign, although she was not formally charged with it later on.

Substance Abuse

In 2012, an ambulance took Heather Locklear to the hospital after her sister called 911. The actress had reportedly mixed alcohol with prescription medicine. The next day, the actress was discharged to the care of her family. An anonymous source claimed that “Heather became a different person on drugs.” 

However, she entered rehab in January 2017 and released the following statement: “I am feeling great and am taking steps to enrich and better my life. Currently I am working on tying up some loose ends regarding certain issues so I can hit 2017 full steam ahead.”

Domestic Violence

Sadly, her life continued to decline when she was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic battery. “I don’t have any information as to whether or not an alcohol was involved, but she was extremely uncooperative right off the bat,” Sgt. Eric Buschow of Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. “She became combative with the deputies to the point where she was arrested not only for felony domestic battery but three counts of battery on a police officer.” 

She was released from jail after posting bail. The domestic violence charges were later dropped although she still faced four counts of battery on a police officer.

Back to Rehab

In March 2018, Heather Locklear returned to rehab. “Heather is in treatment for addiction,” stated an anonymous friend. “Everyone hopes she gets well, that she gets better. Addiction is obviously a strong disease and as much as friends and family who love her and want her to get better and be happy, no one can do the work for her. Hopefully she is getting the help she needs.”

Back to the Hospital

However, an ambulance responding to a 911 call came back to Locklear’s home that June when she was threatening to hurt herself and looking for a gun, according to the dispatch operator. She was taken to the hospital for treatment. Her downward spiral continued when Heather Locklear was arrested for attacking a police officer while intoxicated only a week after her hospitalization.

Picking Up the Pieces

But over the next few years, Heather Locklear began to turn her life around. She became engaged to Chris Heisser. The pair had been high school sweethearts before reconnecting several years ago and dating on-and-off as Locklear struggled with addiction. But as she set out on her sobriety journey, their romance rekindled and he proposed after she celebrated one year of sobriety. Although they later broke up, the two remained on good terms.

Heather Locklear Today

Now in her 60s, Heather Locklear is thriving, enjoying time with her daughter and returning to acting. “I’ve always loved getting older because it means I’m alive,” Locklear told People Magazine. “I’m so grateful. I don’t really give a hoot. I don’t give a hoot about how I look. My parents still love me. My daughter loves me. I feel young. It’s all about perspective.” This year, she has mourned the loss of her father and has celebrated the engagement of her daughter.