Simmons is a well-known personality and has been the subject of several documentaries, including the 2006 film The Compleat Richard Simmons. He has been openly gay throughout his career. All of this has sparked some major internet theories, most of which suggest he's being held against his will (specifically by his maid Teresa Reveles). However, in 2014, Simmons stopped performing in public, citing problems with his knee. See photos of him through the years, ahead. Earlier this week, Simmons was hospitalized after . . Garcia said: He was born without a full set of bones in his foot and it causes physical and emotional problems.. I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do, and that is to teach classes around the world. He basically went MIA until June 2016, when Simmons turned . Though my website has been through many changes over the years, it has always been an incredible website filled with incredible people! Suzanne Somers recalled her last encounter with him in the new TMZ Investigates documentary What Really Happened to Richard Simmons and how she observed heartache in the mysterious Sweatin to the Oldies star. This 5 Minute clip is taken from my Tone and Swe. There has always been an interesting relationship between David Letterman and Richard Simmons. As the years went on and the vivacious TV personality continued to stay hidden from the world, people began to suspect something more was going on. Shutterstock. Simmons posted to Facebook for the first time in years on Wednesday to say thank you to fans concerned for his health. It's just that people only saw one aspect of him, and now that they aren't seeing that, they think that something has happened, that something is wrong.". Simmons sort of emerged back into the spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, when he re-released workout videos on his YouTube channel to help others stay fit while in lockdown. Free shipping. What really happened to Richard Simmons? However, there is no definitive answer to this question, and Simmons has not released any statement about his whereabouts or current condition. The iconic aerobics guru made a major comeback amid . Yet the 71-year-old exercise mogul who is so reclusive that his absence sparked the popular podcast Missing Richard Simmons in 2017 has "still not decided when or if he'll make a return to the spotlight," TMZ reports. "It's really all about the peopleI've never considered myself a star," he said through teary eyes. 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What happened to Simmons the exercise guy? That's what I've done all my life. "Thank you, everyone, for your kindness . Birthplace New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. 41 Smoked Salmon Recipes (Easy) These easy smoked salmon recipes use simple ingredients and will be the highlight of your special occasions, breakfasts, brunches and healthy dinner ideas. We've received your submission. He also posted this photograph - but it was from 2014, the same year he was last seen. 'I reached out and I hope you will too. He was seen walking in a parking lot, and he appeared to be thin and frail. According to Distractify, Richard claimed that In . "I have this Forrest Gump-ian way of touching something and it becomes a hit!" The 74-year-old former fitness icon has remained in hiding for over eight years and the last time he spoke out . A lot of buzzes has been going on regarding whether Richard Simmons is dead or still alive. ", Simmons immediately began sobbing,"I say, 'Try to help more people because there are more obese [people] in the world right now, more than ever in the history of the United States.' In the meantime, people will continue to speculate about his whereabouts and what may have happened to him. Richard Simmons speaks out amid shocking doc explaining his absence from the spotlight Suzanne Somers spoke out about her last interaction with the fitness guru in 'TMZ Investigates: What Really . It's safe to say everyone misses Richard Simmons. ", "He needed a break from being in the public eye," said Lenny (with his wife Cathy and Richard in December 2013). Once again, it was an emotional conversation. Feb. 13, 2014: Simmons shared his final workout video, which appropriately marked his final "public" appearance. It's me, Richard! He hasnt revealed himself but has made his presence felt with his YouTube channel by continuing to post fitness class videos after a near-eight-year hiatus. On the surface, it seems like they dont have a lot in common. According to Distractify, Richard claimed that In Touch Weekly had hired the investigator to track him down. He told Dr. Oz that the first step in beginning a weight loss journey is loving yourself first. ", This did not settle well with Simmons who stormed out of the studio and left. However, he suddenly disappeared from the public eye a few years ago, and no one knows what happened to him. Theres nothing medically wrong with him at all. In May 2016, Simmons was spotted out and about in Los Angeles. On Late Night with David Letterman, where he was a favorite guest, in 2006. "There has not been a single paparazzi agencythat has gotten anything of Richard Simmons out in public in more than eight years. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of John Richard Simmons Jr. to pay them a last tribute. "He embraces both sexes," Stern said pointing to Simmons. Levin added: "We found out he likes going to the beach, hell go shopping. Yes, Richard is very much alive in 2022, although he has chosen to remain elusive for the last few years. Here, Simmons on a January 1996 Cruise to Lose trip. I was always so surprised when he thought Id make fun of him. The announcement was made to media outlets via a statement from a representativethe fitness guru did not promote the videos in any sort of public appearance that confirmed proof of life. Richard Simmon's last physical appearance was in 2017 when he was photographed beside his live-in caretaker/drive, Theresa Reveles, with a blanket over his head. Richard Simmons' Final Year in the Public Eye, Why This "New" Richard Simmons Photo and Message Make His Disappearance Even More Confusing. Simmons was an exercise enthusiast who was well-known for his workout videos and healthy lifestyle. Welcome to my OFFICIAL facebook page! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Some people believe that he may have passed away, while others think that he may have retired from the fitness industry. Simmons' fun approach to fitness earned him millions of fans and millions in fortune. 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Morton, Georgia pastor with ties to Detroit, Aretha Franklin, dies. I can't imagine what it was like for him," Lenny told PEOPLE of his brother's endless stamina. Lenny (left) with Richard and Lennys wifeCathy in December 2013. Canon Osmostyle Camera With Interchangeable Lenses. We may never know the truth about Richard Simmons decision to steer clear of the spotlight after years of being in front of the camera. Somers went on: I said, Why? and he said, Shell make fun of me. And thats not my style, I never make fun of anybody. Some theories also suggest that Simmons has spent the last few years transitioning into a woman. It's not known why they were there, Once a familiar face on TV, Simmons has been holed up inside his Los Angeles mansion for the last 38 months. Others say that hes had surgery to remove excess skin. He was born on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Simmons was born in 1946 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Instead, beginning about three weeks ago, Simmons' YouTube and Twitter accounts started sharing vintage workout routines, marking their first activity since February 2014. March 15, 2013: During an interview on CNBC's The Big Idea, Simmons admitted he still didn't feel totally accepted. by the end of high school, then later lost 112 lbs. TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons. The special, streaming on Fox and Hulu, claims that problems with the stars knees were behind his sudden shunning of the spotlight. "Step 1: You must know your self-worth," he said on The Dr. Oz Show in 2010. Birth Date Apr 12, 1948. Richard Simmons. He told People he hadkick-started his careerafter receiving an anonymous note on his car which read: "Fat people die young; please dont die.". More recently, the two have been seen together a few times. This new deal gives Prominent the rights to represent Richard Simmons for licensing, merchandising and endorsement opportunities around the globe. 2023 E! Simmons, 74, was last seen on Feb. 15, 2014, when he closed his fitness studio and ceased all teaching. You have given me so much joy for years, it is your time now, you deserve peace and happiness.