Richard Simmons is an actor, television host, best known for his numerous weight loss books and programs. With his eccentric and highly energetic approach to exercise, he has motivated thousands of people to lose weight. He is a frequent guest on various television programs and the hero of many parodies.
Early years
Richard Simmons was born July 12, 1948 in New Orleans, USA. The boy was overweight, and he struggled with obesity for several years: he often became addicted to various diet pills, choosing unhe althy weight loss programs. He lived in Italy for a while before moving to Los Angeles in 1973, where he later established his own overweight fitness studio.
Commercial success as a fitness guru
In 1979, Richard Simmons briefly appears on the daytime soap opera General Hospital, but soon decides to focus solely on building a fitness empire. The following year, he launched his own television program, The Richard Simmons Show, which ran for four years. He successfully sells his brand, writing books on weight loss, creating his own diet programs and a series of exercise videos.
In a few years, Simmons becomes the mosta frequent guest on late night television, bringing his boundless energy and humor to The Jay Leno and David Letterman Shows. He constantly promoted a he althy lifestyle to millions of followers, his tour schedule included about 250 performances a year. Simmons wrote both cookbooks and various motivational books to help keep exercise and diet going. He also developed a special exercise program for people with physical disabilities.
Recent years
Richard Simmons disappeared from the limelight around 2014. He began to lead a reclusive life. Friends began to worry about Simmons, which led to quick press reports about his possible he alth problems. In 2016, there were rumors that a housekeeper was holding him hostage in her own house. Simmons denied the claim in a phone interview: "I just wanted to be alone for a while." He also added that he suffers from knee problems: "I've done thousands of classes and now I want someone to take care of me." In June 2016, Simmons was hospitalized due to dehydration.
In 2017, Dan Tabersky's weekly podcast brought back public interest in the fitness guru's life. Again, talk surfaced that he was allegedly kept away from society against his will. The Los Angeles Police Department conducted an investigation into this topic and again denied all allegations against Simmons' housekeeper. Later, Simmons' agent also said that "everything is fine."
