Richard Simmons, the well-known 1980’s “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobics and workout guru, spoke publicly to fans after a 5-year hiatus.
Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons, born Milton Teagle Simons, made his name in the 80s with his aerobic workout videos and for his upbeat, positive, and flamboyant personality. He has been out of the public spotlight since February 15, 2014, over eight years ago.
The 74-fitness king mysteriously disappeared in 2014 when he suddenly stopped teaching at his workout studio and retreated from public life altogether. His disappearance sparked controversy among fangs that he went missing.
Simmons last spoke to fans in 2017 to let him know he wasn’t missing, as most thought, and to let them know he was “under the weather” after being admitted to the hospital for “severe indigestion,” said his manager.
People reported his statement:
“Hello to everyone who has shown concern for me and sent their good wishes. You will never know how much it means to me. Aren’t you sick of hearing and reading about me?! LOL. Well by now you know that I’m not ‘missing,’ just a little under the weather. I’m sure I will be feeling good and back home in a couple of days.”
Most recently, Simmons posted a statement on Facebook, after TMZ’s documentary “What Really Happened to Richard Simmons.” After the documentary was released, he thanked his fans in a well-received social medial post, below:
Simmons has over 407,000 Facebook followers, and his gratitude post was liked more than 40,000 times!
In 2017, Richard Simmons sued two tabloid publications that said he was transitioning into a woman. Simmons attorney’s said he supports transgender rights, but the allegations have defamed him.
Fox News reports Simmons’ doctor told him he needed a left knee replacement. According to the doctor, the fitness star still has not had surgery on his left knee, walks with a cane, and “isn’t the same guy anymore.”
Where Is Richard?
There have been a lot of theories about why Simmons vanished. Speculations range from his housekeeper holding him hostage or that he was kidnapped.
“My brother is fine,” Lenny, who is Richard’s older brother, told a news outlet when questioned about his brother’s whereabouts. “He’s not sick. There’s nothing medically wrong with him at all. These things about him transitioning to a woman are ridiculous. My wife Cathy and I were out there for Christmas and spent five days with him and I can assure you, he’s not transitioning into anything but himself.”
Lenny continued: “After 40-some odd years, he just decided that he wants to rest. He’s 68 years old now and he’s in good health, but he just wants time for himself.”
According to reports, Simmons is safely and quietly, at his home on Belfast Drive in Beverly Hills, California. In an article by Nicki Swift, Simmons runs a newsletter and released a calendar in 2019.
TMZ’s Documentary
TMZ, a tabloid website, filmed a documentary that explored Simmons’ rise to stardom and where Richard Simmons is today.
Harvey Levin, TMZ, reports that Simmons was not the outgoing personality that the public eye remembers him to be, but said “it was an act,” saying “he is a very different person than who you think you know.”
Interviews include Denise Austin and Suzanne Somers. Longtime friend Bruce Vilanch and Simmons’ longtime costume designer, Leslie Wilshire, also were interviewed for the special.
Check out TMZ’s special, now streaming on Hulu, to learn more about what’s happening to Richard Simmons.
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