Richard Simmons is a familiar face in American fitness and pop culture, known for wearing tank tops with beadwork and candy-striped bicycle shorts. The 74-year-old fitness expert and businessman has appeared in cookbooks, and television programs and, of course, is the face of the renowned L.A. training facility Slimmons.
Simmons, however, appeared to vanish completely in 2014. This man saved thousands of people with his endless energy, inclusivity, and positive attitude, but who was there to help him when he was in need?
Richard Simmons Receives A Message From A Friend Via A Podcast.
The “Missing Richard Simmons” podcast was published in February 2017 by filmmaker Dan Taberski. Simmons abruptly stopped attending the fitness class he had been teaching for more than 40 years one day, and Taberski only wanted to see his old friend.
Simmons disappeared from public view, ceased doing any training programs, and even cut off contact with his closest friends. The podcast talks to friends and family of the fitness expert as it investigates the theories behind Simmons’ disappearance.
Simmons took advantage of the opportunity to engage his fan base by using his spokesman to speak to People magazine as he was fast to react to the buzz surrounding the podcast. Simmons claims in his statement that:
Hello to all of you who have expressed worry for me and offered well wishes. The importance to me is indescribable to you. Don’t you get tired of reading and hearing about me? LOL, You already know that I’m not actually “missing,” just a little sick. In a few days, I’m confident I’ll feel great and return home.
Richard Simmons Returns To The Public Eye
Richard Simmons’ disappearance was the subject of TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons, which was published in August 2022.
The exact reason for the incident was eventually made clear, despite the documentary’s exploration of some bizarre possibilities (one of which stated that Simmons’ housekeeper was holding him hostage in his Hollywood Hills residence). A knee injury was all that Simmons had.
In the documentary, a doctor stated that the subject required a left knee replacement around the time of his disappearance and warned that if he didn’t receive one, he might never be able to exercise again. Simmons reportedly fell into profound despair as a result of the possibility of surgery and leading a boring life.
Richard Simmons used the chance to debunk any irrational rumors that may have been inspired by the documentary. Richard is profoundly appreciative of the worldwide outpouring of love and thanks, according to a statement from his representative, Tom Estey. He’s content, healthy, and leading the life he wants to lead.
What Went Wrong With Richard Simmons’ Knee?
Simmons apparently needed replacements for both his right and left knees in 2014, but the painful right knee surgery caused him to delay getting his left knee replaced. According to insiders, Simmons still needs a cane to walk and hasn’t had corrective surgery for his left knee as of yet. Since then, Simmons has undergone a radical change.
The future and his reputation have always been important to Simmons. According to the documentary, Simmons prefers to be regarded as a “vibrant, healthy man” as opposed to “an old man with health issues.”
A Fitness And Inclusivity Legacy
The flamboyant, unruly-haired fitness expert did not have a smooth beginning. He was raised in New Orleans and was born there. He started overeating at a young age, which led to his eventual weight gain.
Simmons’ weight had a detrimental effect on his sense of value. I went through a lot of suffering as a child, Simmons confesses in an emotional 1980s interview. I was the largest student in my school. I weighed 200 pounds when I was fifteen. I dressed as a couch and attended my first Halloween celebration. I was the target of jokes. I had a terrible self-image.
When Simmons moved to Los Angeles in his early 20s, he discovered that the majority of fitness centers targeted people who were already physically fit. At that point, he made the decision to make it his personal goal to develop a fitness atmosphere that is welcoming to individuals of all shapes and sizes.
Simmons quickly started selling exercise records when news spread about his unorthodox and unusual fitness programs. Around 65 million recordings, DVDs, and cassettes have been sold by Simmons as of this writing. “Sweatin’ To The Oldies,” his best-selling exercise tape, brought in more than $200 million.
Richard Simmons has undoubtedly served as a source of inspiration for health and fitness lovers around the world. He paved the way for people of all sizes and shapes to pursue their dreams and improve their lives, leaving behind a legacy that few people will ever be able to match.