She appeared in 18 episodes of NBC's Western historical drama television series Little House on the Prairie as Alicia Sanderson Edwards.

Through the 1970s, Richards appeared on several television series, such as Flying High, Vega$, Fantasy Island, Time Express and Carter Country.

[8][9] She portrayed Ellie Curtis in the supernatural horror film The Watcher in the Woods (1980) alongside Bette Davis.

Subsequent roles included nurse Dori Kerns in 21 episodes of NBC's medical drama series ER (1998–2006) and Lisa, a supporting character in the comedy film National Lampoon's Pledge This!

[10] She had guest roles in several television shows, including C.S.I., 7th Heaven, City Guys, Beverly Hills, 90210, Love Boat: The Next Wave, and CHiPs.

Since 2010, she has appeared as a main cast member on Bravo's reality television show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

In 2012, she graced the magazine cover of The Hollywood Reporter along with other Real Housewives franchise's cast members Vicki Gunvalson, Ramona Singer, Caroline Manzo and NeNe Leakes.

[14][15] In 2017, Richards appeared as a contestant on The New Celebrity Apprentice and earned $25,000 for her charity of choice, Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

[16][17] She was the 5th contestant fired, finishing in 12th place.Richards co-executive produced Paramount Network's comedy television series American Woman (2018), which was inspired by her childhood in the 1970s.

[21][22] Following a year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween Kills had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 8, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on October 15, 2021, by Universal Pictures.

[35] On December 7, 2021, People magazine announced that Richards was returning for the upcoming sequel Halloween Ends to reprise her role as Lindsey Wallace.

[36][37] On April 3, 2023, Variety reported that Richards landed the role of involved mother Lola in the LGBTQ romance film The Holiday Exchange alongside Rick Cosnett and Taylor Frey.

"[41] She played Vivian Hayes in the romantic comedy film Beautiful Wedding (2024), released in limited theaters on January 24, 2024.

[59] In 1988, at the age of 19, Richards married Guraish Aldjufrie, an Indonesian, while she was pregnant with their daughter Farrah Brittany (born October 31, 1988).

[70] Star Reveals Secret Health Struggle/Dangers of Prescription Drugs" Ellie Kemper/ Kenan Thompson/Kyle Richards" and Kevin Nealon vs. Drew Carey"