In addition, Killer Cheer Mom is different than your usual cheer movie, where the mom gets involved in her daughter’s cheer career because of her own obsession with the sport. Amanda has much darker reasons. Newly married to James (Thomas Calabro), Amanda is stepmom to his daughter, high school junior Riley (Courtney Fulk), who decides to try out for cheer as a way to make friends at her new school despite the fact that there are only a few spots on the squad open and the competition is stiff. When Amanda overhears James tell Riley that if she isn’t happy in a few months, they will move back to Chicago, Amanda, who has a few secrets up her sleeve, does everything she can to assist in making Riley’s dream of getting on the squad come true. The last thing Amanda wants is for James to move the family back to Chicago. But when some cheerleaders are expelled and others are injured under suspicious circumstances and Riley’s chances of making the squad get better and better, she can’t help but wonder if Amanda is behind her “good” fortune. In this interview, Richards talks about the fascination with cheer movies, her own experiences with the sport, and if she might ever make a return to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
What was it about Amanda that made you say yes to taking on the role? What was the challenge?
Amanda is a different role for me than I’ve played lately. I was hesitant to play the role at first. It takes a dark turn, but I thought it’s a great challenge too.
You were also in the Secret Life of Cheerleaders, where the mom gets involved in her daughter’s life. How do the two moms differ?
My character in Secret Life of Cheerleaders was a very loving mom, navigating the challenges with her teenage daughter. I enjoy shooting these movies that parents and kids can watch together.
You were on the cheer squad in high school. How competitive was it? Anything like we see in these films?
I was a cheerleader, and it definitely wasn’t as competitive as this.
You have three daughters. If any of them are interested, will you let them try out?
My two oldest daughters [Sam, 17, and Lola, 16, with ex Charlie Sheen] have been cheerleaders and I’m incredibly supportive. There’s a wonderful camaraderie with the team. Why do you think cheerleading is of such interest that we like to watch these movies? I think cheerleading movies are the movies where kids are starting to come of age, where there is still an innocence. They can be fun and also the whole family can watch. Your The Bold and the Beautiful story in regards to the Shauna/Quinn [Rena Sofer] friendship is great. Do you think Shauna goes too above and beyond in the name of friendship? Can you relate to that? Shauna is incredibly loyal to her best friend Quinn almost to a fault. But isn’t that what you do for a best friend? Do you have a friend like that in your own life who you would protect at any cost? Absolutely. And I cherish the friendship. Shauna also has a great mother-daughter relationship with Katrina Bowden, who plays Flo. Do you aspire to have that same kind of open/honest relationship with your daughters as they get older? I love the relationship between Shauna and Flo. When my girls get older, I will still have a close relationship but I also think Shauna doesn’t have the filter that I do. You left RHOBH to spend more time with your family. Any chance you might be interested in returning at a later date? Never say never is what I always say. Killer Cheer Mom premieres August 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime. Next,Here Is All the Scoop on Lifetime’s Fear the Cheer Event Returning With Six New Films
