Celebrity News

Denise Richards beats Charlie Sheen stigma

Denise Richards had to overcome massive hesitation from ABC Family execs over her ties to bad-boy ex Charlie Sheen to land a starring role in the pilot “Socio,” sources tell Page Six. But she nailed the audition and landed the part.

The pilot’s an hourlong drama centering on a teen, Danny Ryder, who’s freed from jail after serving time for killing his aunt. Richards has signed on to play the role of Danny’s mom, Karen.

Sources say suits at the family network — home to “Bunheads” and “Switched at Birth” — were so wary over Richards’ association with Sheen, they didn’t want her to audition.

“ABC Family didn’t want to even consider her for the role, and actually turned her down for an audition [because of Sheen],” a source said, explaining that, “Press like that can hurt an actress.”

Richards stood by Sheen after his infamous Plaza Hotel 2010 rampage, even though she and the couple’s kids were in a nearby room. But after Sheen’s bizarre “winning” escapades following his 2011 firing from “Two and a Half Men,” which provided months of media fodder, Richards — who divorced Sheen in 2006 — kept a low profile, concentrating on raising kids Sam and Lola.

Despite ABC’s reservations, a casting director for “Socio” liked Richards so much, they pushed for producers to see her.

And when Richards came in to audition, sources tell us she “killed it” — and impressed execs then offered her the part in the show from “Gilmore Girls” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” executive producer Gavin Polone.

Richard’s character is reportedly described as a mother “who once ruled the town’s social scene but now struggles to put on a brave face with her son’s return.”

Sources tell us “Socio” will film in Rochester beginning next month, where location scouts have been scouring for spots to shoot.

A rep for Richards had no comment. An insider told us: “Denise will bring great depth to the role of Danny’s mother and is a wonderful addition to the cast. ABC Family is thrilled to have her as part of the drama pilot.”