Richard Simmons became world famous for revolutionizing diet, but he was also known for his outlandish lifestyle: big hair, tiny shorts, and sequined tank tops.
The iconic fitness guru was beloved by millions but suddenly disappeared from public view without explanation 10 years ago, sparking wild speculation that she was being held hostage in her own home.
Following his sad passing on July 13th at the age of 76, we look back at special moments in this wonderfully eccentric wellness hero’s life…
“I’m grateful to be here!”
Just two days before he was found dead of apparent natural causes in the Beverly Hills mansion he shared with his three Dalmatians and two maids, Richard Simmons made it clear he was grateful to be alive. “I’m feeling great!” Simmons said in a rare interview to mark his 76th birthday. “I’m just grateful to be here and to be alive another day.”
Build a Fitness Empire
While growing up in New Orleans, Richard struggled with his weight and graduated from high school weighing in at 121 kilos, but he lost the excess weight through sensible eating and exercise.
But in the 1970s and ’80s, when gyms attracted mostly already-healthy people, his message that exercise was for everyone revolutionized the fitness industry and made him a superstar.
He’s opened his own fitness studio called Slimmons, released 36 fitness videos, published 12 books, hosted an Emmy Award-winning talk show and filmed a quirky and colorful safety video for Air New Zealand in 2011.
Throughout his career, he has always been critical of fad diets and placed great emphasis on healthy eating and exercise.
“It’s always going to feel weird to eat four grapes before bed, or drink special tea, or buy these little beans from El Salvador,” he said in 2005. “But if you watch what you eat, have good posture and exercise every day, you’re going to live a long life.”
Did he predict his own death?
Four months ago, Richard posted a strange message on social media that led many fans to mistakenly believe he was about to die. “I have some news to share,” he tweeted. “Please don’t be sad. I am… dying. The truth is, we are all dying. Every day we live gets closer to death.”
“Why am I telling you this? It’s because I want you to live life to the fullest, every day. Wake up in the morning and look up at the sky… Count your blessings and enjoy them.”
He later apologized for any confusion, and his longtime publicist released a statement explaining that the post was meant to inspire people: “In fact, he is very healthy and happy.”
Was he being held hostage in his own home?
On February 15, 2014, Richard did not show up to his exercise class at the studio, severed all ties with everyone, including his closest friends, and disappeared from public view. He became reclusive, and the public began to speculate that someone was holding him captive in his home, or that he had begun a sex transition from male to female.
The mystery of what happened has even spawned a podcast. Richard Simmons is missingHe eventually released a statement admitting he was “not missing” and, when police checked on him, said he was simply living his private life.
“I know you all miss me and I miss you all,” he said, “but I can still reach you by phone or email. I do get out of the house every once in a while, but I’m in disguise.”