- Richard Simmons made his first public statement to fans in five years.
- The statement appeared immediately after the release of TMZThe new What documentary It really happened to Richard Simmons.
- The fitness mogul disappeared from the spotlight in 2014.
Before there was Peloton and Youtube workouts at homethere was Richard Simmons and sweating the old—a series of best-selling VHS tapes that made exercise fun and accessible to the masses. After years of leading the fitness world, in 2014, the beloved leg warmer enthusiast closed his studio and apparently missing from the public eye. a new TMZ documentary film, What really happened to Richard Simmons, investigated his retirement, prompting the guru to make his first statement to fans in five years.
The documentary premiered August 22 on Hulu and FOX, and on August 24, Simmons gave a rare update to his audience. Facebook page. “Thank you all for your kindness and love!” the 74-year-old wrote, sharing an image of a smiley face holding a “Thank you” sign. With love, Richard. Simmons’ representative, Tom Estey, confirmed to the New York Post that the message was personally composed by the star and added that he is doing well.
“Richard is eternally grateful for the continued outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from all over the world,” Estey continued. “He is happy, healthy and living the life he has chosen to live.”
Fans were elated by Simmons’ broken silence. The publication accumulated 40,000 reactions and more than 6,000 comments. Many shared photos of their own meet and greets with him. “Thank you. I always felt like I had a friend who grew up because of you,” one person commented. “We’re so happy you’re okay! I miss you so much,” added another. “You’ve been such a wonderful human being, so compassionate.” and love for so many people. The world loves you, “wrote another person.
Simmons last publicly addressed fans in 2017 to let them know he was “under the weather” after being admitted to the hospital. for “severe indigestion”, his manager said at the time. He also refuted growing speculation that she had disappeared.
Hello to everyone who has shown concern for me and sent their well wishes. You’ll never know how much it means to me. Aren’t you sick of hearing and reading about me?! LOL,” he said in a statement, for People. “Well, by now you know I’m not ‘missing’, just a little unwell. I’m sure I’ll feel fine and come home in a couple of days.”
In Simmons’ nearly decade out of the spotlight, theories about his absence have swirled, even culminating in a popular podcast, Missing Richard Simmons. the TMZ The documentary, however, alleges that knee problems ultimately kept him from the gym.
“Doctors told him in 2014, when he disappeared, that he needed a left knee replacement,” says the doctor. by FOX. “And if he didn’t get one, he might never be able to exercise again. Now this is key to the disappearance of Richard Simmons. The prospect of surgery, of becoming sedentary, sent Richard into a deep depression.”
The documentary goes on to allege that Simmons wants to be remembered as the energetic fitness icon he was before the surgery, which is why he chose to remain private. Simmons himself, however, has not publicly confirmed or denied such claims.
Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer who reports on all things health and nutrition for Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Prevention. Her hobbies include perpetual sipping coffee and pretending to be a Chopped contestant while she cooks.
