Heather Locklear: Love, Struggles, and Life in the Spotlight
Heather Locklear was one of the most recognizable faces on American television across the 1980s and 1990s. With her striking blue eyes and charismatic on‑screen presence.
She became a pop‑culture fixture — starring in massive hits like Dynasty, T.J. Hooker, Melrose Place, and later Spin City. But behind the glamour and fame was a life marked by private hardship, emotional pain, and ongoing challenges with mental health and addiction.
This is the full story of how a Hollywood star rose to international fame, navigated high‑profile relationships and heartbreaks, and faced years of legal and personal struggles — and where she stands today.
A Stardom Built on Classic Television Roles
Heather Locklear was born on September 25, 1961, in Los Angeles, California, a city already steeped in the entertainment world. She began acting as a teenager, and by the early 1980s had secured her first major roles.
Her breakout came with T.J. Hooker, where she co‑starred alongside William Shatner. But it was her role as Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place — a prime‑time soap opera that became a defining show of the 1990s — that truly cemented her status as a television star.
Her portrayal of the cunning, ambitious, and glamorous Amanda captivated audiences and made her one of the most talked‑about actresses in Hollywood.
She also became a familiar face in Dynasty, where she played Sammy Jo Carrington, further boosting her profile and celebrity status on the small screen.
At the height of her career, Locklear commanded significant paychecks and enjoyed a lifestyle many aspire to — high‑profile projects, media attention, and widespread recognition.
Relationships, Marriage, and Family
Tommy Lee — First Marriage (1986–1993)
In 1986, at the height of her early fame, Heather Locklear married Tommy Lee, drummer of the hard‑rock band Mötley Crüe.
Their union drew major media attention; Lee was known for his wild rock‑and‑roll lifestyle, and Locklear’s career was mainstream television royalty.
Their marriage lasted about seven years. While they were a glamorous couple in public, Locklear later said that the relationship “didn’t really have a good foundation” and that Lee’s infidelity contributed to their split. They divorced in 1993.
Richie Sambora — Second Marriage and Daughter (1994–2007)
Just one year after her divorce from Lee, Locklear met Richie Sambora, lead guitarist of Bon Jovi. The two married on December 17, 1994, in a ceremony in Paris.
In 1997, Locklear and Sambora welcomed their only child, daughter Ava Elizabeth Sambora. As a devoted mother, Heather often spoke about how much she loved being a parent and how central that role was to her life.
Their marriage seemed stable for many years, with friends and media praising them as a grounded Hollywood couple.
But in 2006, Locklear filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was contentious — Sambora later insisted he was unaware of the filing, and media coverage highlighted confusion around the announcement. Their divorce was finalized in April 2007.
Sambora and Locklear have since maintained a respectful relationship centered around co‑parenting their daughter. Sambora has publicly stated he will “always be there” for Heather and Ava, and has supported them through health challenges.
Later Relationships and Engagement to Chris Heisser
After her divorce from Sambora, Locklear had a relationship with actor Jack Wagner; the couple announced an engagement in August 2011, but they later called it off.
More recently, Locklear reconnected with her high‑school sweetheart, Chris Heisser. They became engaged in April 2020, around the time Locklear celebrated one year of sobriety. While their relationship had emotional significance for her, People magazine reported in May 2025 that the couple had separated after several years together.
Personal Struggles With Mental Health and Addiction
While Locklear’s early life and career appeared glamorous to fans, she has openly grappled with mental health issues and substance abuse — challenges that became widely reported and sometimes sensationalized in the media.
Longstanding Mental Health Concerns
Locklear has personally faced anxiety and depression, which her representatives confirmed as early as 2008, when she voluntarily checked into a treatment facility in Arizona for evaluation and care.
In March 2008, an emergency call prompted responders to her home after someone — reported to be her doctor — expressed concerns that she might be suicidal. Emergency personnel determined she was not in imminent danger.
Locklear later explained publicly that she entered treatment to manage anxiety, depression, and to re‑evaluate her medications — an important step toward her longer‑term health.
Arrests and Legal Issues Linked to Struggles
Over the years, several legal incidents highlighted the severity of Locklear’s struggles:
September 2008: Locklear was arrested in Santa Barbara County on suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medications after being seen driving erratically. She entered a plea deal that included probation, fines, and a drug‑education program.
2010: Locklear faced a misdemeanor hit‑and‑run charge after hitting a sign and leaving the scene.
2012: A 911 call from her sister resulted in Locklear’s hospitalization after she reportedly ingested a dangerous mix of prescription drugs and alcohol. She was released the next day and received medical care.
June 2018: Locklear was arrested in Ventura County on multiple charges — including misdemeanor counts of battery on police officers — after a domestic incident. She was released on bail and later entered treatment.
2018 Hospitalization: Following the 2018 arrest, she was hospitalized in a suspected overdose case. Still, she continued to seek support for her recovery.
Her legal struggles were not isolated incidents but part of a longer journey with addiction, mental health treatment, and repeated rehabilitation efforts.
Official records indicate Locklear has entered treatment multiple times — reportedly more than 20 voluntary rehab stints over the years — with support from loved ones and medical professionals.
Locklear herself acknowledged in 2020 that she had been sober for one year, sharing that milestone on social media.
Impact on Family and Loved Ones
Locklear’s journey has not only been difficult for her but also for her family and inner circle.
Her daughter Ava grew up often in the public eye due to her parents’ celebrity statuses, and over the years has been involved in advocating for her mother’s health and recovery.
Ava is also a public figure in her own right, known for her work and presence in media circles. Friends and sources close to Locklear have suggested that her struggles have been emotionally challenging for those around her, including periods where family members have urged her to accept help, and times when they have supported her through both treatment and relapse.
Her ex‑husband, Richie Sambora, has spoken about helping coordinate care and support for Locklear, especially in the context of her mental health challenges and the importance of long‑term treatment plans.
Where Heather Locklear Is Now
In the mid‑2020s, Locklear has tried to maintain a lower public profile while focusing on her health and well‑being. After her separation from Chris Heisser in 2025, reports described her as being in a “good place” emotionally and continuing treatment for addiction and mental health.
Her journey reflects both the ongoing nature of recovery and the complexities of living with chronic mental health conditions — even for someone who once lived at the center of Hollywood fame.
Legacy: More Than a Celebrity Narrative
Heather Locklear’s story is not just one of celebrity rise and fall — it’s a deeply human narrative of brilliance, struggle, resilience, and the challenges many face behind the scenes of public success.
She gave the world unforgettable television performances and helped define the look and feel of prime‑time drama in multiple eras of entertainment. At the same time, she has worked to manage mental health conditions that millions of people experience in different walks of life.
Her openness — combined with her perseverance in seeking care and support — continues to resonate with fans and observers alike.