15 Must-See Kim Richards Movies And TV Shows: From Disney Child Star To Reality TV Icon

Few Hollywood careers span the decades with as much transformation as that of Kim Richards. As of December 2025, Richards remains a compelling figure in the entertainment world, known equally for her iconic work as a child actress in classic Disney films and her later, often tumultuous, run on reality television. This article dives deep into her complete filmography and television roles, highlighting the key entities and projects that define her unique legacy.

Born into a show business family, Kim Richards’ journey has been anything but ordinary, transitioning from the innocent charm of a 1970s Disney star to a central personality on one of the biggest reality TV franchises, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH). Her acting credits are extensive, offering a fascinating look at the evolution of an actress who has spent nearly her entire life in the public eye.

Kimberly Erica Richards: Complete Biography Profile

Kim Richards, born Kimberly Erica Richards, is an American actress, socialite, and television personality. Her career began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, establishing her as one of the most recognizable child stars of her era. She is also the sister of fellow actress Kyle Richards and socialite Kathy Hilton.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Kimberly Erica Richards
• Date of Birth: September 19, 1964
• Place of Birth: Mineola, New York, United States
• Parents: Kathleen Mary Richards (née Dugan) and Kenneth Edwin Richards
• Sisters: Kyle Richards (actress/TV personality) and Kathy Hilton (socialite/TV personality)
• Profession: Actress, Television Personality, Former Child Star
• Active Years: 1970–Present
• Notable Accolades: Multiple Young Artist Award nominations during her child acting career.

The Golden Age: Kim Richards’ Iconic Child Star Movies and TV Roles

Richards’ early career is defined by a string of successful television and film projects that cemented her status as a beloved child actress. Her natural charisma and on-screen talent made her a sought-after performer, particularly for family-friendly content.

The Disney Era: Witch Mountain and Beyond

The role that arguably brought Kim Richards the most enduring fame was as Tia Malone in the Disney fantasy films. These movies showcased her ability to handle complex, supernatural storylines while maintaining a relatable innocence.

• Escape to Witch Mountain (1975): Richards starred as Tia, an orphaned alien with telekinetic powers, alongside Ike Eisenmann as her brother, Tony. The film was a major success for Disney and became a foundational piece of her filmography.
• Return from Witch Mountain (1978): She reprised her role as Tia in the sequel, facing off against the villainous Dr. Victor Gannon, played by Christopher Lee, further solidifying the franchise's popularity.
• Race to Witch Mountain (2009): Decades later, Richards made a cameo appearance in the remake, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a nod to her original role that delighted fans and connected her past to the present.

Beyond Disney, Richards demonstrated her range in both comedy and drama, often appearing as a guest star on the most popular shows of the 1970s.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Nanny and the Professor (1970–1971): This was one of Richards' first major roles, where she played Prudence Everett, the youngest child in the family, for two seasons. The sitcom was a perfect vehicle for her youthful charm.
• The Car (1977): A cult horror film where Richards played Lynn Marie, one of the children terrorized by a mysterious, driverless black sedan. This role showed her capacity for dramatic, tense performances.
• Raid on Entebbe (1977): A television movie based on the true-life Israeli counter-terrorist mission, where Richards played Alice, demonstrating her involvement in serious, high-profile projects.
• Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell (1978): A chilling made-for-TV horror movie where Richards played Bonnie Barry, continuing her work in the thriller genre.
• Guest Roles: Throughout the 70s and 80s, Richards appeared in numerous popular series, including Project U.F.O., Little House on the Prairie, Alice, Hello, Larry, and Diff'rent Strokes, building a robust television resume.

The Transition: From Scripted Roles to Unscripted Reality Stardom

As Richards moved into adulthood, her acting career slowed, with notable appearances in films like the action-drama Tuff Turf (1985), where she played a role against her usual type as the girlfriend of a gang leader. However, the 21st century brought a dramatic and unexpected resurgence in her public profile through reality television.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) Era

Starting in 2010, Kim Richards became one of the original cast members of Bravo's hit reality series, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her participation was a significant shift, moving her from scripted acting to sharing her personal life, family dynamics, and struggles with sobriety on a global platform.

• Series Regular (Seasons 1–5): Richards was a core member of the cast, with much of her storyline centering on her complex relationship with her sister Kyle Richards, her journey to sobriety, and her life as a mother.
• Guest Appearances (Seasons 6–13): Even after stepping down as a full-time cast member, Richards has continued to make memorable guest appearances, often at pivotal moments in the show's narrative, including recent seasons up to 2023–2024. This consistent presence ensures she remains a relevant and highly discussed figure in pop culture.
• Topical Authority Entities: The show introduced a new set of entities to her career profile, including her sisters Kyle Richards and Kathy Hilton, fellow cast members Lisa Vanderpump and Brandi Glanville, and the broader Bravo reality universe.

The Lasting Legacy and Future Potential

Kim Richards’ filmography is a testament to her longevity in a notoriously difficult industry. She has successfully navigated the challenging transition from a hugely successful child star to an adult actress and, finally, a reality television icon. Her career trajectory provides a unique case study in Hollywood resilience and reinvention.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

While recent years, including 2024 and 2025, have seen her focus more on her family and personal well-being, the door for a return to scripted acting remains open. The fact that she made a rare public appearance in early 2025 and remains a topic of conversation on RHOBH and with her sisters, Kyle and Kathy, suggests that her time in the spotlight is far from over. Fans continue to hold out hope for a new movie or television role that would leverage her decades of experience and undeniable star power. Her work, spanning from the fantasy of Escape to Witch Mountain to the unscripted drama of Beverly Hills, ensures her place as a true Hollywood veteran.

The sheer volume of her work—from the gentle comedy of Nanny and the Professor to the intense drama of The Car—shows an actress with significant depth. Her enduring popularity is a combination of nostalgia for her early Disney roles and a continued fascination with her candid reality TV persona. Kim Richards is not just a former child star; she is a multifaceted entertainer whose career continues to evolve.