Editing Richard Simmons

{{short description|American fitness personality (1948–2024)}}
{{redirect|Sweatin' to the Oldies|The Vandals album|Sweatin' to the Oldies: The Vandals Live{{!}}''Sweatin' to the Oldies: The Vandals Live''}}
{{other people|Richard Simmons}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{use American English|date=July 2024}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Richard Simmons
| image              = Richard Simmons 1998.jpg
| caption            = Simmons in 1998
| birth_name         = Milton Teagle Simmons
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1948|7|12}}
| birth_place        = [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, U.S.
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2024|7|13|1948|7|12}}
| death_place        = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| resting_place      = [[Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary]], Los Angeles
| occupation         = {{hlist|Fitness instructor|actor|video producer}}
| years_active       = 1968–2014
| alma_mater         = [[University of Louisiana at Lafayette]]<br />[[Florida State University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
| website            = {{URL|richardsimmons.com}}
}}

'''Milton Teagle''' "'''Richard'''" '''Simmons''' (July 12, 1948 – July 13, 2024) was an American fitness instructor and television personality. He was a promoter of weight-loss programs, most prominently through his television show, ''The Richard Simmons Show'' and later the ''Sweatin' to the Oldies'' line of [[aerobics]] videos.

Simmons began his weight-loss career by opening his gym Slimmons in [[Beverly Hills, California]], catering to the overweight in a supportive atmosphere, and he became widely known through exposure on television and through the popularity of his consumer products. He was often parodied and was a frequent guest on late-night television and radio talk shows, such as the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' and ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]''.

He continued to promote health and exercise through a decades-long career, and later broadened his activities to include political activism, such as in 2008 in support of a bill mandating non-competitive physical education in public schools as a part of the [[No Child Left Behind Act]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Ibanga|first=Imaeyen|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=6038493|title=Richard Simmons Obesity Crusade|publisher=ABC News|date=October 15, 2008|access-date=May 2, 2013|archive-date=December 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214122319/http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=6038493|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Claus von Zastrow on |url=http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/kids-arent-well-rounded-theyre-justrounded|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907065230/http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/kids-arent-well-rounded-theyre-justrounded|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2012|title=Kids Aren't Well-Rounded; They're Just...Rounded|publisher=Public School Insights|date=March 27, 2008|access-date=May 2, 2013}}</ref>

==Early life==
Milton Teagle Simmons was born in [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]], on July 12, 1948, to Leonard Douglas Simmons Sr. and Shirley May ({{nee}} Satin). He was born to "show-business parents" and raised in the [[French Quarter]] of New Orleans.<ref>Simmons (1999) pp. 21–32</ref> Simmons had an older brother.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Richard Simmons Biography|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/richard-simmons/bio/3000403133/|magazine=TV Guide|access-date=August 23, 2022|archive-date=August 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823210556/https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/richard-simmons/bio/3000403133/|url-status=live}}</ref> Their father was raised [[Methodist]] and worked as a [[master of ceremonies]] and later in [[Charity shop|thrift stores]] while their mother was [[Russian Jewish]] and was a traveling [[fan dance]]r and later a store cosmetics saleswoman.<ref name="Still Hungry"/>

Simmons became a practicing [[Catholic]] in adolescence and attended [[Cor Jesu High School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19840212&id=eTJSAAAAIBAJ&pg=1636,1983164|title=Simmons: America has to shape up|first1=Lisa|last1=Anderson|publisher=[[The Day (New London)|The Day]]|via=[[Google News]]|date=February 12, 1984|access-date=May 16, 2015|archive-date=July 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705113805/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19840212&id=eTJSAAAAIBAJ&pg=1636%2C1983164|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=The Denver Postdenverpost.com|url=http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_9595970|title=Richard Simmons' many secrets|newspaper=The Denver Post|access-date=May 2, 2013|archive-date=October 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203606/http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_9595970|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.nola.com/chrisbynum/2008/10/fitness_jester_and_hometown_bo.html|title=New Orleans native Richard Simmons moves 'em at Harrah's|last=Bynum|first=Chris|newspaper=[[The Times-Picayune]]|date=October 3, 2008|access-date=June 11, 2012|archive-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024005431/http://blog.nola.com/chrisbynum/2008/10/fitness_jester_and_hometown_bo.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He attended the [[University of Louisiana at Lafayette]] before graduating from [[Florida State University]] with a Bachelor of Arts in art.<ref name="GR20181128">{{cite web |last1=Briscoe |first1=Jake |title=What Happened to Richard Simmons – 2018 Update – Gazette Review |url=https://gazettereview.com/2017/03/happened-richard-simmons-news-updates/ |website=Gazette Review |access-date=November 28, 2018 |date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128122943/https://gazettereview.com/2017/03/happened-richard-simmons-news-updates/ |url-status=live }} (updated January 3, 2018)</ref>

He became [[obese]] during his early childhood and adolescence.<ref name=PeopleSvelte/> He began to overeat and became overweight as early as the age of 4 and by the age of 5, he knew it was perceived negatively.<ref name=PeopleSvelte/> At the age of 15, he weighed {{convert|182|lb|kg}}. As a young man, he considered being a priest.<ref name="Chandler">{{cite news|url=http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20070119/ENTERTAINMENT/101190089|title=Church of Richard Simmons: Fitness advocate leads workout at Stateline|last=Chandler|first=Rick|date=January 19, 2007|work=[[Swift Communications|Tahoe Daily Tribune]]|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-date=July 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722004210/http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20070119/ENTERTAINMENT/101190089|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tbt"/> As a young art student, he appeared among the "freak show" characters in the [[Fellini]] films ''[[Fellini Satyricon|Satyricon]]'' (1968) and ''[[I clowns|The Clowns]]'' (1970) and he eventually reached a peak of {{convert|268|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/15/books/behind-the-bestsellers.html|title=Behind the Bestsellers|last=Klemesrud|first=Judy|date=February 15, 1981|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=June 11, 2012|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113115415/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/15/books/behind-the-bestsellers.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=PeopleSvelte>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20080593,00.html|title=The Sultan of Svelte|first=Kathy|last=Mackay|date=November 2, 1981|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|access-date=June 11, 2011|archive-date=March 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310195124/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20080593,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | first=Kathy | last=Mackay | title=Former Fatty Richard Simmons Is the Grand Duke of Diet and the Clown Prince of Fitness | url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20079026,00.html | magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] | date=April 13, 1981 | access-date=March 21, 2017 | archive-date=August 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816185425/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20079026,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

In an interview with the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'', Simmons explained he adopted the name Richard after an uncle who paid for his college tuition.<ref name="tbt">{{cite news|url=http://www.tampabay.com/features/popculture/article902169.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031083916/http://www.tampabay.com/features/popculture/article902169.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 31, 2012|title=My conversation with Richard Simmons|last=Breen|first=Shannon|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=November 14, 2008|access-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref> His first job in New Orleans was as a child, selling [[pralin]]es at Leah's Pralines.<ref name="Chandler" />

==Career==
===Fitness career===
[[File:Richard Simmons (1982 Elektra Press photo).jpg|thumb|Simmons in 1982]]
Upon moving to [[Los Angeles]] in the 1970s, Simmons worked as the ''[[maître d'hôtel]]'' at Derek's, a restaurant in [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]].<ref name="Still Hungry"/>{{rp|157}} He developed an interest in fitness. Exercise studios of the day favored the already fit customer, so little help was available for those who needed to gain fitness from an otherwise unhealthy state. He established gyms and his interest in fitness helped him lose {{convert|123|lb|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="hollywoodreporter24">{{cite web |last1=Barnes |first1=Mike |title=Richard Simmons, Celebrity Fitness Guru, Dies at 76 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/richard-simmons-dead-fitness-guru-1235948038/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713231440/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/richard-simmons-dead-fitness-guru-1235948038/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Rebecca |title='Missing Richard Simmons' explores how the fitness guru hasn't been seen in public for more than 1,000 days |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/missing-richard-simmons-explores-how-the-fitness-guru-hasnt-been-seen-in-public-for-more-than-1000-days |publisher=Fox News |date=March 3, 2017 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713231440/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/missing-richard-simmons-explores-how-the-fitness-guru-hasnt-been-seen-in-public-for-more-than-1000-days |url-status=live }}</ref>

He opened his own exercise studio, originally called The Anatomy Asylum, where emphasis was placed on healthy eating in proper portions and enjoyable exercise in a supportive atmosphere. The business originally included a [[salad bar]] restaurant called Ruffage, a pun on the word ''[[Dietary fiber|roughage]]'' (dietary fiber); though it was eventually removed as the focus of The Anatomy Asylum shifted solely to exercise.<ref>Simmons, R. (1999) pp. 177–184</ref> Later renamed Slimmons, the establishment continued operations in Beverly Hills and Simmons taught motivational classes and [[aerobics]] throughout the week.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/fashion/24fitness.html|work=The New York Times|title=A Celebrity Sweats: It's Richard!|first=Tricia|last=Romano|date=December 23, 2009|access-date=May 22, 2010|archive-date=March 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331043650/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/fashion/24fitness.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His success led to a recurring role in ''[[General Hospital]]'' portraying himself over a four-year period and then to his own television series ''The Richard Simmons Show'', which aired from 1980 to 1984 and earned him multiple [[Emmy]] awards.<ref name="nbc2024">{{cite news |title=Richard Simmons, legendary fitness personality, dies at 76 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/richard-simmons-obituary-rcna161728 |publisher=NBC News |date=July 13, 2024 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713225337/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/richard-simmons-obituary-rcna161728 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rising interest in aerobics during the 1980s led to the popularization of Simmons' line of fitness videos, particularly his ''Sweatin' to the Oldies'' series, which became one of the most popular videos during the decade.<ref name="ABC24">{{cite news |last1=Osborne |first1=Mark |last2=Stone |first2=David |title=Fitness guru Richard Simmons dead at 76 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/fitness-guru-richard-simmons-dead-76/story?id=111912398 |work=ABC News |date=July 13, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Richard talking with a fan April 2009.jpg|thumb|Simmons in 2009]]
In 2010, Simmons stated he had maintained his own 100+ pound (45&nbsp;kg) weight loss for 42 years, had been helping others lose weight for 35 years, and that in the course of his fitness career, had helped humanity lose approximately 12 million pounds (5.5 million kg).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/richard-simmons-personal-story-pt-2 |title=Richard Simmons' Story, Pt. 2 &#124; The Dr. Oz Show |publisher=Doctoroz.com |date=February 15, 2010 |access-date=May 2, 2013 |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213035454/http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/richard-simmons-personal-story-pt-2 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===In media===
Simmons began to receive media attention due to the success of his health club that started with him on ''[[Real People (TV program)|Real People]]'' (where he was shown at work).<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=William |date=July 13, 2024 |title=R.I.P. Richard Simmons, fitness guru |url=https://www.avclub.com/r-i-p-richard-simmons-fitness-guru-1851591559 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=[[AV Club]] |language=en-US}}</ref> He introduced customers whom he had helped to lose weight. He later had guest roles on ''[[Battlestars (game show)|Battlestars]]'', ''[[Super Password]]'', ''[[Win, Lose or Draw]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Danhauer |first=Whitney |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Richard Simmons Dead at Age 76: Fitness Guru Dies 1 Day After Birthday |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/richard-simmons-dead-age-76-165608075.html |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |publisher=In Touch |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Body Language (game show)|Body Language]]'',<ref>{{cite web |date=September 11, 1985 |title=Body Language - Sept 11, 1985 (Phyllis Diller / Richard Simmons) |url=https://archive.org/details/buzzr-bl-091185-012823-01 |website=archive.org}}</ref> ''[[Match Game]]'' ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]), ''[[Hollywood Squares]]'' ([[Broadcast syndication|syndicated]]),<ref>{{cite web |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Richard Simmons, iconic fitness guru, dead at 76 |url=https://wtmx.com/richard-simmons-iconic-fitness-guru-dead-at-76/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718034212/https://wtmx.com/richard-simmons-iconic-fitness-guru-dead-at-76/ |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=WTMX.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[Nickelodeon]]'s ''[[Figure It Out]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Karla |date=July 13, 2024 |title=A look back at Richard Simmons' energetic and impactful career after fitness guru died age 76 |url=https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/inside-richard-simmons-career-death-590320 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=themirror.com}}</ref> Positive viewer reactions landed Simmons a recurring role as himself in ''General Hospital'' over a four-year period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richardsimmons.com/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=80 |title=Richard Simmons Official Site and Clubhouse: Weight Loss and Fitness Tools and Motivation |access-date=May 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914083209/http://www.richardsimmons.com/j/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=80 |archive-date=September 14, 2008 }}</ref> This, as well as being in shopping malls (where he taught exercise classes), led to further media attention. In the early 1980s, Simmons hosted two shows — ''Slim Cookin'' and the Emmy Award-winning talk show ''The Richard Simmons Show'',<ref name="nbc2024"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/richard-simmons-what-happened-to-the-reclusive-fitness-star-explainer/35e0acc8-14f2-4794-be83-8e45ec1c1915 | title=What happened to '80s fitness star Richard Simmons? | date=January 26, 2024 | first1=Chloe-Lee | last1=Longhetti | website=[[Nine Network]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127041851/https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/richard-simmons-what-happened-to-the-reclusive-fitness-star-explainer/35e0acc8-14f2-4794-be83-8e45ec1c1915 | archive-date=January 27, 2024 | url-status=live}}</ref> in which he focused on personal health, fitness, exercise, and healthy cooking. [[File:RichardSimmonsSept2011.jpg|thumb|left|Simmons in 2011]] Simmons portrayed himself in the ''[[Amazing Stories (1985 TV series)|Amazing Stories]]'' episode "Remote Control Man".<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.nbc.com/amazing-stories/video/remote-control-man/2909101 |title=Watch Amazing Stories Episode: Remote Control Man |language=en-US |access-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720043650/https://www.nbc.com/amazing-stories/video/remote-control-man/2909101 |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |via=nbc.com}}</ref> Simmons was a guest on ''[[The Rosie O'Donnell Show]]'' on November 18, 1997, together with [[Celine Dion]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hogan |first1=Kate |title=Richard Simmons Is Back! After Years of Silence, He's Chatty Again&nbsp;— and Revealing Which Star Asked Him to 'Shut Up' |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/richard-simmons-back-years-silence-193234460.html |work=People |publisher=Yahoo! |date=May 9, 2024}}</ref> He was a frequent guest on ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'', his last appearance coming in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Simmons Breaks His Silence |url=https://www.howardstern.com/show/2016/03/14/richard-simmons-breaks-his-silence/ |website=howardstern.com |date=March 14, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713230554/https://www.howardstern.com/show/2016/03/14/richard-simmons-breaks-his-silence/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Simmons was also a guest on ''[[Late Night with David Letterman]]'' (NBC)<ref name=":0" /> and the ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' (CBS), but on November 22, 2000, they had a falling-out after an incident on that night's show. Simmons (while dressed as a turkey) grabbed Letterman as if to hug or kiss him, to which Letterman responded by spraying Simmons with a fire extinguisher, which made Simmons have a severe [[asthma attack]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael Z. |last=McIntee |title=Show #1515 |publisher=CBS Late Show with David Letterman |date=December 26, 2006 |url=http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/wahoo/index/php/20061226.phtml |access-date=February 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514141704/http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/wahoo/index/php/20061226.phtml |archive-date=May 14, 2007 }}</ref> Simmons did not appear on the Letterman show for six years, finally returning on November 29, 2006. During that time, Letterman once again set Simmons up for a prank; while Simmons was demonstrating a steamer branded with his name, Letterman insisted on placing a tray under the steamer which Simmons did not believe belonged there. When Simmons turned the steamer on, something in the tray exploded and caught fire, sending Simmons running for his life. Despite the scare, Simmons took the incident in fairly good nature, even joking that he "felt like [[Michael Jackson]]" (referring to a mishap where Jackson's hair was accidentally set on fire by pyrotechnics while filming a [[Pepsi]] commercial).<ref>{{YouTube|b6xTBWjFnZs|Richard Simmons Steamer}}</ref>

In 1998, Simmons provided the voice of Boone in ''[[Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie]]''.<ref>{{citation |last=GoodTimes Entertainment |title=Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Movie (DVD) |year=1998 |url=http://archive.org/details/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-the-movie-dvd-1998 |access-date=July 20, 2024}}</ref> He featured as himself on numerous television series, including ''[[Whose Line Is It Anyway? (U.S. TV series)|Whose Line Is It Anyway?]]'', ''[[CHiPs]]'', ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'', ''[[The Larry Sanders Show]]'', and in the ''[[Arrested Development]]'' episode "[[Bringing Up Buster]]". In 1999, he hosted the short-lived television series ''DreamMaker''.<ref>{{citation |last=Television Academy Foundation |title=TALKING ABOUT Richard Simmons |year=2015 |url=http://interviews.televisionacademy.com/people/richard-simmons |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref> On January 14, 2000, Simmons and [[Tribune Entertainment]] parted ways, following low ratings.<ref>{{citation |last=Variety |title=For Simmons, 'Dream' will be over soon |year=1999 |url=http://variety.com/1999/tv/news/for-simmons-dream-will-be-over-soon-1117758311/ |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref> In 2007, he filmed the [[PBS]] pledge-drive special ''Love Yourself and Win''.<ref>{{citation |last=Total Fitness DVD's |title=Richard Simmons Love Yourself and Win DVD |year=2007 |url=http://www.totalfitnessdvds.com/Richard-Simmons-Love-Yourself-and-Win-DVD-p/2060.htm |access-date=November 1, 2024}}</ref>

He also featured in television advertisements for [[Sprint Nextel|Sprint]], [[Yoplait]], and [[Herbal Essence]] shampoos. In late 2007, he was in a ''[[This is SportsCenter]]'' commercial on [[ESPN]] as the show's "conditioning coach".<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Gonzalez |first=Ale |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Remembering Richard Simmons with iconic ESPN SportsCenter commercial |url=https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/news/remembering-richard-simmons-with-iconic-espn-sportscenter-commercial |access-date=July 20, 2024 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |language=en-US}}</ref> In the ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]'' episode "No Pain, No Gain", Simmons voiced an exercise trainer bearing his animated likeness, leading a class filled with large, [[anthropomorphic]] animals.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gates |first=Marya E. |date=July 15, 2024 |title=A Force For Good: Richard Simmons (1948-2024) |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/tributes/richard-simmons-tribute |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=rogerebert.com |language=en}}</ref>

Simmons appeared multiple times on ''[[The Glenn Beck Program]]'' on [[HLN (TV channel)|HLN]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/22/gb.01.html|publisher=CNN|access-date=May 22, 2010|title=CNN.com|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629122650/http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/22/gb.01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2006 to 2008, he hosted a radio show on Sirius Stars ([[Sirius Satellite Radio]] channel 102) titled ''Lighten Up with Richard Simmons''.<ref name="CGN2006">{{cite web|title=California Governors Conference 2006|url=http://www.californiagovernorsconference.org/|website=californiagovernorsconference.org|access-date=November 28, 2018|date=September 26, 2006|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128143747/http://www.californiagovernorsconference.org/|url-status=live}} (date per google; included to cite earliest mention of the show)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fearlessfatloss.com/weight-loss-news/a-sad-day-on-sirius-satellite-radio-no-more-richard-simmons/|title=A Sad Day on Sirius Satellite Radio – No More Richard Simmons|publisher=fearlessfatloss.com|last=Braley|first=JoLynn|date=October 27, 2008|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307212834/http://www.fearlessfatloss.com/weight-loss-news/a-sad-day-on-sirius-satellite-radio-no-more-richard-simmons/|url-status=live}}</ref> He provided the voice of Coach Salmons, a recurring character modeled after his own likeness, for ''[[Fish Hooks]]''.<ref name="hollywoodreporter24" /> In 2011, Simmons starred in "Fit to Fly with Richard Simmons", an [[Air New Zealand]] inflight safety briefing video modeled after his aerobic workouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iaTEgoezNQ|title=Mile-high madness with Richard Simmons!|via=YouTube|date=March 27, 2011|access-date=May 2, 2013|archive-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518155710/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iaTEgoezNQ|url-status=live}}</ref> He is featured heavily in the film clip of "Hawker Boat" by [[Tobacco (musician)|Tobacco]], taken from the album ''[[Fucked Up Friends]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSwN4_1NIoU|title=Tobacco – Hawker Boat|via=YouTube|date=November 13, 2008|access-date=May 2, 2013|archive-date=June 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609081948/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSwN4_1NIoU|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] in 2020, Simmons' YouTube channel was updated with archival exercise videos (recorded before his decision to withdraw from public life) to help people stay fit at home. A spokesperson said the move was motivated by an "overwhelming request for Richard to return in some way as a comfort" and added that Simmons was "very touched by the outreach".<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/richard-simmons-is-posting-sweatin-to-the-oldies-videos-as-a-comfort-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-230611211.html|title = Richard Simmons of 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' is posting fitness videos 'as a comfort' during the coronavirus pandemic|publisher = [[Yahoo!]]|date = April 3, 2020|accessdate = April 15, 2023|last = Solé|first = Elise|archive-date = April 15, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230415134235/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/richard-simmons-is-posting-sweatin-to-the-oldies-videos-as-a-comfort-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-230611211.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

In January 2024, an as-yet untitled biopic about Simmons, starring [[Pauly Shore]], was announced, titled ''The Court Jester''. Simmons stated on Facebook, "I have never given my permission for this movie."<ref name="guard-17jan2024">{{cite news |last1=Cain |first1=Sian |title=Richard Simmons disavows biopic: 'I have never given my permission for this movie' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/18/richard-simmons-biopic-criticism-permission-fitness-instructor |access-date=January 17, 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=January 17, 2024}}</ref> In April, he said he was discussing giving his approval for a different biopic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wong |first=Curtis M. |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Pauly Shore Shares Devastation Over Richard Simmons' Negative Biopic Reaction |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pauly-shore-richard-simmons-biopic-tears_n_662fb01de4b09dcb78308a15 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=HuffPost |language=en |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430112445/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pauly-shore-richard-simmons-biopic-tears_n_662fb01de4b09dcb78308a15 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
===Religion===
Simmons became [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] as a teenager, having first asked his parents if he could convert as a younger child. He attended church with his brother Lenny for years until being baptized and [[Confirmation in the Catholic Church|confirmed]] on the same day.<ref>{{cite web |last=Simmons |first=Richard |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Post |url=https://x.com/TheWeightSaint/status/1765422562148864066?t=KafsR4cK2a2aEfLSpGbt5Q&s=19 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=X}}</ref> He considered the priesthood for a time, but decided against it.

He lapsed as an older adult, but returned to the faith in his later years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Remembering Richard Simmons and His 'Extreme Catholic' Faith {{!}} National Catholic Register |url=https://www.ncregister.com/blog/richard-simmons-catholic-faith?amp |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=National Catholic Register}}</ref>

===Personality===
[[File:Richard Simmons 2007-08-15.jpg|thumb|right|Simmons in 2007]]
Simmons used his energetic, loud, and motivational demeanor to encourage people to lose weight. His high energy level was always featured in his workout videos. His trademark attire was tank tops decorated with [[Swarovski]] crystals and candy-striped [[Dolphin shorts]].<ref name="tbt"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=6940049#.T-qkY9mkBpQ|title=The Real Richard Simmons: 'Still Doin' It' at 60|author=Chris Connelly, Steven Baker|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=February 23, 2009|access-date=June 27, 2012|archive-date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204030653/http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=6940049#.T-qkY9mkBpQ|url-status=live}}</ref>

Simmons interacted at a personal level with fans and people using his products. This began by personally answering fan mail he received as a cast member of ''[[General Hospital]]''. As late as 2008, he personally answered emails and letters and made hundreds of phone calls each week to those who would seek his help.<ref name="pang">{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-simmons--0604jun04,0,1865034.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606235114/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-simmons--0604jun04%2C0%2C1865034.story |archive-date=June 6, 2008 |author=Pang, Kevin |title=The many secrets of Richard Simmons |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=June 4, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

He claimed to have few friends, saying, "I don't have a lot to offer to one person. I have a lot to offer to a lot of people." Aside from his six [[Dalmatian (dog)|Dalmatian]]s and two [[maid]]s, Simmons lived alone in [[Beverly Hills, California]].<ref name="pang"/> Although his persona inspired speculation about his [[sexual orientation]], he never publicly addressed the subject.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/magazine/the-way-we-live-now-12-12-99-counter-culture-not-a-straight-story.html?pagewanted=4|title=The Way We Live Now: Counter Culture; Not a Straight Story|last=Sullivan|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Sullivan|date=December 12, 1999|work=[[The New York Times]]|page=§6 p.4|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=September 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929025310/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/12/12/magazine/the-way-we-live-now-12-12-99-counter-culture-not-a-straight-story.html?pagewanted=4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Garelick|first=Rhonda|date=September 1995|url=http://www.iath.virginia.edu/pmc/text-only/issue.995/pop-cult.995|title=Outrageous Dieting: The Camp Performance of Richard Simmons|journal=Postmodern Culture|publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University Press]]|volume=6|issue=1|doi=10.1353/pmc.1995.0038|s2cid=143735265|issn=1053-1920|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=July 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704151101/http://www.iath.virginia.edu/pmc/text-only/issue.995/pop-cult.995|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Kendall|first=Lori|date=March 22, 2008|title=James Bond, Peter Pan, and A Sticky Night of Love: irony and masculinities in amateur animated videos|journal=The Journal of Men's Studies|volume=16|issue=2|page=124|issn=1060-8265|quote=The montage of Gay Peter Pan's phone contacts includes out celebrities like Richard Simmons and Rosie O'Donnell|doi=10.3149/jms.1602.124|hdl=2142/18806|s2cid=144617297|hdl-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Heroes are hard to find when the're hiding|last=Rinaldi|first=Ray Mark|date=April 23, 2000|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|page=F3|quote=We've always allowed gay men on the tube – did anyone besides my grandmother really think [[Liberace]] was heterosexual? What about [[Paul Lynde]]? Richard Simmons? — but the rules are clear. It's all right to be a flamer as long as you agree to keep it secret.}}</ref><ref>
{{cite journal|last=Wieder|first=Judy|date=January 21, 2003|title=The real Rosie: 365 days of amazing challenges and feisty decisions turned America's sweetheart into the fighter she's always been—and The Advocate's leading lady for 2002. (Person of the Year)|journal=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]|issue=15|page=52|issn=0001-8996|quote=When Kathy Kinney came on my show and outed Richard Simmons, I didn't try to "in" Richard Simmons. The gay community accused me of in-ing Richard Simmons, like I was trying to make people think that he was straight. I will tell you this: If Richard Simmons ever wants to discuss his private life with me on national TV, he's welcome to do so. It is not anyone else's right to do that before he decides it's time. That's the reason I said to Kathy Kinney, "We'll be right back with a commercial." I'm simply saying that that right belongs to him. [Loudly] And no matter what community you feel he's a part of or what he represents to you, it is not as relevant as his own truth.}}</ref> After his death in 2024, [[Jane Fonda]] stated she had last seen him for lunch at the [[Polo Lounge]], when he was accompanied by his new boyfriend.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sloop|first=Hope|title=Jane Fonda Pays Tribute to Richard Simmons After His Death: 'I Hope He Felt the Love So Many Were Sending Him'|work=Entertainment Tonight|date=July 14, 2024|url=https://www.etonline.com/jane-fonda-pays-tribute-to-richard-simmons-after-his-death-i-hope-he-felt-the-love-so-many-were|access-date=July 17, 2024}}</ref>

In a 2012 interview with ''[[Men's Health]]'', he was quoted:
{{blockquote | When the king gets depressed, he doesn't call for his wife or the cook. He turns to the little man with the pointed hat and says to the court jester "make me laugh". And I am that court jester.| Richard Simmons | ''Men's Health''<ref>{{cite magazine | title=The MH Interview: Richard Simmons | author=Spitznagel, Eric | date=April 25, 2012 | magazine=Men's Health | url=https://www.menshealth.com/guy-wisdom/richard-simmons | access-date=December 15, 2017 | archive-date=December 11, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211162426/https://www.menshealth.com/guy-wisdom/richard-simmons | url-status=live }}</ref>}}

===Assault charge===
In March 2004, Simmons was cited for [[misdemeanor assault]] after he slapped Christopher Farney in the face at the [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]]. The slap was in response to Farney making a remark poking fun at Simmons’ exercise videos. In May 2004, a judge dismissed the assault charge after Simmons reached a private settlement with Farney.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/assault-case-against-richard-simmons-dropped-wbna5069752|title=Assault case against Richard Simmons dropped|date=May 26, 2004|website=today.com}}</ref>

===Hurricane Katrina response===
In September 2005, Simmons appeared on ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Simmons' History of Helping Others: From Weight Loss to Hurricane Katrina |url=https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/richard_simmons_history_of_helping_others_from_weight_loss_to_hurricane_katrina-184482 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]] |language=en-US |type=Television production}}</ref> to discuss the effects of [[Hurricane Katrina]] on his family in his hometown of New Orleans, and his involvement in aiding those affected by the hurricane. On August 29, 2006, Simmons was on ''[[Your World with Neil Cavuto]]'' while making a return visit to New Orleans one year after the flooding, a visit he repeated on March 2, 2007, now talking about his recent trip to Washington, D.C., to promote and raise awareness about the Strengthening Physical Education Act of 2007 (H.R. 1224).<ref>{{cite news |date=October 25, 2007 |title=Richard Simmons Keeps P.E. Campaign Going |url=https://www.edweek.org/education/richard-simmons-keeps-p-e-campaign-going/2007/10 |access-date=July 20, 2024 |work=[[Education Week]] |language=en |issn=0277-4232}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Simmons |first=Richard |title=We received some sobering news from WASHINGTON late Monday |url=http://www.richardsimmons.com/pages/HR1224.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012083825/http://www.richardsimmons.com/pages/HR1224.php |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |website=richardsimmons.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 28, 2007 |title=H.R.1224 - Strengthening Physical Education Act of 2007 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/1224/all-actions |archive-url= |access-date=July 19, 2024 |website=Congress.gov}}</ref>

===Retirement===
After 2014, Simmons did not make any major public appearances. He stopped appearing in public altogether on February 15 of that year. In March 2016, speculation began that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper.<ref name="Yahoo20160313">{{cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/richard-simmons-missing-two-years-191101708.html|title=Richard Simmons Has Been Missing for Two Years, Friends Concerned He's Being Held Hostage|publisher=Yahoo News|date=March 13, 2016|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=October 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005094818/https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/richard-simmons-missing-two-years-191101708.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NYDN20160312">{{cite news|url=http://interactive.nydailynews.com/2016/03/richard-simmons-disappeared-twisted-mystery|title=Where's Richard Simmons? Twisted mystery has friends concerned|author=Andy Martino|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York|date=March 12, 2016|access-date=March 13, 2016|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715043215/http://interactive.nydailynews.com/2016/03/richard-simmons-disappeared-twisted-mystery/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In response, on March 14, Simmons gave an audio interview on ''[[The Today Show]]'', denying the rumors and assuring the public that he is fine.<ref name="CNN20160313">{{cite web|title=Richard Simmons speaks out on his absence|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/13/entertainment/richard-simmons-mystery-feat/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=March 13, 2016|access-date=March 14, 2016|archive-date=March 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313205153/http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/13/entertainment/richard-simmons-mystery-feat/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2016, the Simmons fitness gym closed without any public announcement from Simmons.<ref name="close">{{cite news|url=https://www.tmz.com/2016/11/19/richard-simmons-slimmons-studio-closed/|title=Richard Simmons 'Slimmons' Closes ...No Sign of Richard|date=November 19, 2016|work=TMZ|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111182936/https://www.tmz.com/2016/11/19/richard-simmons-slimmons-studio-closed/|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2017, the podcast ''[[Missing Richard Simmons]]'' launched, investigating why Simmons left public life so suddenly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.missingrichardsimmons.com/|title=Missing Richard Simmons|website=Missing Richard Simmons|access-date=February 27, 2017|archive-date=February 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227232108/https://www.missingrichardsimmons.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March the same year, [[Los Angeles Police Department]] detectives visited Simmons' home to conduct a [[Wellness check|welfare check]], issuing a statement that Simmons is "perfectly fine" and that "right now he is doing what he wants to do and it is his business".<ref name="HP20170310">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/richard-simmons-is-perfectly-fine-lapd-says-after-visit_us_58c28013e4b054a0ea69c484|title=Richard Simmons Is 'Perfectly Fine', LAPD Says After Visit|author=Ron Dicker|work=HuffPost|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2020|archive-date=November 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102060740/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/richard-simmons-is-perfectly-fine-lapd-says-after-visit_us_58c28013e4b054a0ea69c484|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 19, following a hospitalization for severe [[indigestion]], Simmons made his first public comment in over a year, posting on Facebook a photo of himself and the message "I'm not 'missing', just a little under the weather".<ref name="guardian-19apr2017">{{cite news|last1=Holpuch|first1=Amanda|title=Richard Simmons makes statement for first time in a year: 'I'm not missing'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/apr/19/richard-simmons-speaks-missing-rumor-statement|access-date=April 19, 2017|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=April 19, 2017}}</ref> However, the picture that was included in the post was from as far back as 2013, leading to speculation that the person who posted the message might not actually have been Simmons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/richard-simmons-speaks-directly-to-fans-for-first-time-in-three-years/ar-BBA2WPd?OCID=ansmsnnews11|title=Richard Simmons Speaks Directly to Fans for First Time in Three Years|website=[[People (magazine)|People]] via [[MSN]]|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420144228/http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/richard-simmons-speaks-directly-to-fans-for-first-time-in-three-years/ar-BBA2WPd?OCID=ansmsnnews11|archive-date=April 20, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Corinne|last=Heller|title=Why This 'New' Richard Simmons Photo and Message Make His Disappearance Even More Confusing|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/844557/why-this-new-richard-simmons-photo-and-message-make-his-disappearance-even-more-confusing|website=[[E! News]]|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420013438/http://www.eonline.com/news/844557/why-this-new-richard-simmons-photo-and-message-make-his-disappearance-even-more-confusing|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Dan|last=Clarendon|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/where-is-richard-simmons-facebook-post-1584582|title=Someone Updated Richard Simmons' Facebook, and We're Not Sure It Was Him|website=[[Wetpaint]]|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143414/http://www.wetpaint.com/where-is-richard-simmons-facebook-post-1584582/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2017, he sued the ''[[National Enquirer]]'', [[Radar Online]], and [[American Media, Inc.]] for libel and false claims that he was undergoing [[gender reassignment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/05/richard-simmons-sues-national-enquirer-over-transition-story.html|title=Richard Simmons sues media companies for libel and false accusations of being transgender.|last=Kiefer|first=Halle|date=May 8, 2017|website=Vulture.com|access-date=May 6, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511084557/http://www.vulture.com/2017/05/richard-simmons-sues-national-enquirer-over-transition-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2017, Simmons lost the lawsuit and was ordered to pay the defendants' attorney's fees. The judge ruled, "because courts have long held that a misidentification of certain immutable characteristics do not naturally tend to injure one's reputation, even if there is sizeable portion of the population who hold prejudices against those characteristics, misidentification of a person as transgender is not actionable defamation absent special damages".<ref name="sfgate-21sep2017">{{cite news|last1=Kenneally|first1=Tim|title=Richard Simmons Ordered to Pay National Enquirer's Legal Fees in Transgender Story Lawsuit|url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/the-wrap/article/Richard-Simmons-Ordered-to-Pay-National-12219069.php|access-date=September 21, 2017|newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922024459/http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/the-wrap/article/Richard-Simmons-Ordered-to-Pay-National-12219069.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2018, he sued a Los Angeles private investigator, claiming that more than a year earlier, the investigator had placed a tracking device on the only vehicle Simmons used for transportation, noting that such tracking is in violation of California law.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/richard-simmons-sues-pi-tracking-device-1117220 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Jonathan |last=Handel |date=June 5, 2018 |title=Richard Simmons Sues PI Over Tracking Device |access-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721103104/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/richard-simmons-sues-pi-tracking-device-1117220 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2018, Simmons amended the suit, alleging the investigator had been hired by ''[[In Touch Weekly]]'' and prosecutors filed a criminal complaint.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/prosecutors-charge-private-eye-spying-richard-simmons-1128873 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Eriq |last=Gardner |date=July 20, 2018 |title=Prosecutors Charge Private Eye With Illegal Spying on Richard Simmons |access-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-date=July 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721021836/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/prosecutors-charge-private-eye-spying-richard-simmons-1128873 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2020, a California appellate court upheld a trial judge's decision allowing Simmons' lawsuit to move forward.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/tracking-richard-simmons-car-not-212106843.html|title=Tracking Richard Simmons' Car is Not Free Speech, Court Rules|date=May 21, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126102856/https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/tracking-richard-simmons-car-not-212106843.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2022, in response to continued rumors and a [[TMZ]] documentary ''What Really Happened to Richard Simmons'' claiming that knee problems forced Simmons out of public life, Simmons issued a statement to the ''[[New York Post]]'' that he is "happy, healthy, and living the life he has chosen to live".<ref>{{cite web |date=August 26, 2022 |title=Richard Simmons breaks silence, tells The Post he's 'living the life he has chosen' |url=https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/richard-simmons-breaks-6-year-silence-after-bombshell-doc/ |access-date=August 27, 2022 |website=New York Post |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826233649/https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/richard-simmons-breaks-6-year-silence-after-bombshell-doc/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Teresa Reveles, who worked as Simmons' house manager and was often erroneously referred to as his housekeeper in news reports, said that Simmons retired due to failing knees which required surgery and made him unable to have the flexibility necessary to teach his fitness classes. He did not want to continue working if he was not able to fully perform up to expectations. Simmons was also nervous about aging, claiming to her that he did not "look that beautiful anymore". Even after he retreated from the public spotlight, he still frequently traveled outside of his house locally in disguises and continued to motivate fans by calling and emailing them as much as he could.<ref name=breakssilence/> He also would donate money to charities he supported, including the [[Kiwanis]] Children's Fund.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 16, 2024 |title=Richard Simmons was a Kiwanis Children's Fund donor |url=https://www.kiwanis.org/richard-simmons-was-a-kiwanis-childrens-fund-donor/ |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=Kiwanis |language=en-US }}</ref>

Two days before his death, Simmons had conducted his first interview in a significant amount of time with ''[[People (magazine)|People]]''. On his birthday, Simmons stated that he is grateful to be alive for another day and would spend his birthday helping people. Instead of cake, he stated he would have a candle on a zucchini, stating he is a vegetarian. He added, "Okay, fine. Maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie. But just one. Sure, once in a while, have dessert."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sheeler |first1=Jason |last2=Lynn Shultz |first2=Cara |title=Richard Simmons Says He Is Celebrating His 76th Birthday with 'Candle on a Zucchini' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/richard-simmons-celebrating-76th-birthday-candle-on-zucchini-exclusive-8677078 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=October 17, 2024}}</ref> He was also calling and motivating people again and writing a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] musical about his life in collaboration with composer Patrick Leonard, as well as planning for a longer comeback interview with [[Diane Sawyer]].<ref name=breakssilence/>

== Illness and death ==

===Health===
In March 2024, Simmons issued a statement clarifying that he was not dying after a Facebook post he wrote encouraging people to "embrace every day" drew public concern. He also stated that he no longer had a manager or publicist, and that he had not given permission for a biopic of him.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bernabe | first=Angeline Jane | title=Richard Simmons apologizes for cryptic Facebook message: 'I am not dying' | website=ABC News | date=March 19, 2024 | url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/richard-simmons-apologizes-cryptic-facebook-message-dying/story?id=108260630 | access-date=March 19, 2024 | archive-date=March 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319124002/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/richard-simmons-apologizes-cryptic-facebook-message-dying/story?id=108260630 | url-status=live }}</ref> That same month, Simmons revealed that he had been diagnosed with [[skin cancer]], located underneath his right eye. Simmons later stated on his Twitter account that the cancer diagnosis occurred "so many years ago" and he decided to speak out about it to encourage people to go to the doctor if they see anything unusual on their body.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://people.com/richard-simmons-reveals-moment-he-was-told-you-have-cancer-8611516|title=Richard Simmons, 75, Reveals He Has Skin Cancer Days After Posting About Dying|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=March 20, 2024|archive-date=March 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320152943/https://people.com/richard-simmons-reveals-moment-he-was-told-you-have-cancer-8611516|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Simmons, Richard (March 20, 2024). [https://twitter.com/theweightsaint/status/1770529752790479220?s=46 Post]. [[Twitter]].</ref>

===Death===
On July 13, 2024, Simmons died at his home in [[Los Angeles]] at the age of 76.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/13/arts/television/richard-simmons-dead.html|title=Richard Simmons, 'the Clown Prince of Fitness,' Dies at 76|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 13, 2024|accessdate=July 19, 2024}}</ref> He had suffered a fall at his home in his bathroom two days prior and refused to seek medical attention until the following morning out of a desire to spend his 76th birthday at home.<ref name="breakssilence">{{cite magazine |last1=Sheeler |first1=Jason |title=Richard Simmons' Housekeeper of 35 Years Breaks Her Silence: 'He Died Happy' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/richard-simmons-housekeeper-of-35-years-breaks-her-silence-he-died-happy-8684764 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |access-date=August 19, 2024}}</ref> He went to bed and the next day, he posted on social media that he never got so many birthday wishes. He was found by his long-time house manager Teresa Reveles the next day.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/richard-simmons-death-no-foul-played-involved-bathroom-fall-8680569|title=Richard Simmons' Death Involved No Foul Play: Source|magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]]|accessdate=July 19, 2024|date=July 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/why-did-fitness-guru-richard-201527144.html|title=Why Did Fitness Guru Richard Simmons Turn Down Medical Attention After Bathroom Fall?|publisher=Yahoo|accessdate=July 19, 2024|date=July 15, 2024}}</ref> Police said that his death appeared to be from [[Manner of death|natural causes]], though the investigation is ongoing;<ref>{{cite web |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Richard Simmons, legendary fitness guru, dies at 76, representative confirms |url=https://abc7.com/post/richard-simmons-legendary-fitness-guru-dies-76-representative/15056821/ |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=ABC7 Los Angeles |language=en |archive-date=July 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713210315/https://abc7.com/post/richard-simmons-legendary-fitness-guru-dies-76-representative/15056821/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Osborne |first=Mark |date=July 13, 2024 |title=Fitness guru Richard Simmons dead at 76 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/fitness-guru-richard-simmons-dead-76/story?id=111912398 |access-date=July 13, 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> Reveles suspected that Simmons had suffered a heart attack in his sleep.<ref name="breakssilence" /> He was buried at [[Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary]], dressed in his trademark fitness outfit.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://people.com/richard-simmons-brother-reveals-fitness-guru-was-buried-in-workout-outfit-under-clothes-celebration-of-life-speech-8723914|title=Richard Simmons' Brother Reveals Fitness Guru Was Buried in Workout Outfit Beneath Clothes During Celebration of Life Speech|magazine=People.com|date=October 5, 2024}}</ref> On August 21, in a report given to Simmons' brother, the Los Angeles County Coroner's office confirmed that Simmons had died of complications of the previous day's fall, among others, and that heart disease was a contributing factor; no unprescribed drugs had been in his system when he died.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/richard-simmons-cause-of-death-accidental-brother-lenny-simmons-confirms-people-exclusive-8699276|title=Richard Simmons' Cause of Death at 76 Revealed by Fitness Guru's Brother Lenny|website=People.com|date=August 21, 2024}}</ref>

On July 20, one week after his death, Simmons' team shared what would be his final social media post, a paraphrase of lyrics from the song "[[Fly Me to the Moon]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/richard-simmons-team-shares-final-prepared-social-media-post-1236016764/|title=Richard Simmons' Team Shares His Final Prepared Social Media Post 1 Week After Death|first=Glenn|last=Garner|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 21, 2024|accessdate=July 22, 2024}}</ref> On October 5, a memorial mass for Simmons was held at [[St. Louis Cathedral (New Orleans)|St. Louis Cathedral]] in [[New Orleans]], [[Louisiana]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brasted |first1=Chelsea |last2=Wells |first2=Carlie |title=Richard Simmons memorial |url=https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/26/richard-simmons-memorial |website=axios.com/local/new-orleans |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=Axios New Orleans |access-date=4 October 2024}}</ref>

==Print and other media==
{{more citations needed section|date=July 2024}}

===Books===
<!-- ISSN/ISBNs needed -->
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''Never Say Diet''<ref>{{cite book|title=Never Say Diet|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|publisher=[[Warner Books]]|location=New York City|year=1980|isbn=978-0446512091}}</ref>
* ''Never Say Diet Cookbook''<ref>{{cite book|title=Never Say Diet Cookbook|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|publisher=[[Warner Books]]|location=New York City|year=1982|isbn=978-0446512435|url=https://archive.org/details/richardsimmonsne198200simm}}</ref>
* ''The Better Body Book''<ref>{{cite book|title=The Better Body Book|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=1st|publisher=[[Warner Books]]|location=New York City|year=1985|isbn=978-0446512633|url=https://archive.org/details/richardsimmonsbe00simm}}</ref>
* ''Deal-A-Meal Cookbook''<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Deal-Meal-Cookbook/dp/B000OU9CIM|title=Deal-A-Meal Cookbook|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=[[Coil binding|Spiral-bound]]|publisher=Deal-a-meal, Inc|location=[[Beverly Hills, California]]|year=1987|asin=B00071E0XA|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307205114/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Deal-Meal-Cookbook/dp/B000OU9CIM|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged''<ref>{{cite book|title=Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=1st|publisher=[[Warner Books]]|location=New York City|year=1986|isbn=978-0446513029|url=https://archive.org/details/reachforfitnesss00simm}}</ref>
* ''Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope''<ref>{{cite book|title=Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=1st|publisher=[[Warner Books]]|location=New York City|year=1993|isbn=978-0446517034|url=https://archive.org/details/richardsimmonsne00simm_0}}</ref>
* ''Farewell to Fat''<ref>{{cite book|title=Farewell to Fat|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=1st|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=1996|isbn=978-1577191025|url=https://archive.org/details/richardsimmonsfasim00simm}}</ref>
* ''Sweetie Pie: The Richard Simmons Private Collection of Dazzling Desserts''<ref>{{cite book|title=Sweetie Pie: The Richard Simmons Private Collection of Dazzling Desserts|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=1st|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=1997|isbn=978-1577192763|url=https://archive.org/details/sweetiepierichar00simm}}</ref>
* ''Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story''<ref name="Still Hungry">{{cite book|title=Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story|url=https://archive.org/details/stillhungryafter00simm|url-access=registration|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=1st|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=1999|isbn=978-1577193562}}</ref>
* ''The Food Mover Cookbook''<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/richardsimmonsfo00simm|title=The Food Mover Cookbook|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=[[Coil binding|Spiral-bound]]|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=1999|isbn=978-1577197591}}</ref>
* ''Cookin' on Broadway''<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/Cookin-Broadway-Richard-Simmons/dp/B001TNS414|title=Cookin' on Broadway|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|edition=[[Coil binding|Spiral-bound]]|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=2000|asin=B001TNS414|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307204350/https://www.amazon.com/Cookin-Broadway-Richard-Simmons/dp/B001TNS414|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Steam Away the Pounds''<ref>{{cite book|title=Steam Away the Pounds|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|publisher=Pascoe Publishing, Inc|location=[[Rocklin, California]]|year=2006|isbn=978-1929862610}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

===Audio===
====Analog compact cassette====
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''Project Me'' (six-tape set)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Project-Motivational-Tapes-Richard-Simmons/dp/B000GE9Y5W|title=Project Me|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=Deal-a-meal, Inc|location=Beverly Hills, California|year=1991|asin=B000GE9Y5W|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308133800/https://www.amazon.com/Project-Motivational-Tapes-Richard-Simmons/dp/B000GE9Y5W|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Take a Walk''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Fitness-Walking-Program/dp/B000KMHGCI|title=Take a Walk|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=Deal-a-meal, Inc|location=Beverly Hills, California|year=1991|asin=B000KMHGCI|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308134047/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Fitness-Walking-Program/dp/B000KMHGCI|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Take a Hike''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Take-Walk-Hike-Richard-Simmons/dp/B000YQLSN8|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|title=Take a Hike|publisher=Deal-a-meal, Inc|location=Beverly Hills, California|year=1991|asin=B000YQLSN8|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044532/https://www.amazon.com/Take-Walk-Hike-Richard-Simmons/dp/B000YQLSN8|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Sweatin' and Sharin With Richard Simmons & Friends''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Sharin-Richard-Simmons-Friends/dp/B000GYZC8K|title=Sweatin' and Sharin' With Richard Simmons & Friends|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=1994|asin=B000GYZC8K|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044816/https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Sharin-Richard-Simmons-Friends/dp/B000GYZC8K|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Walk Across America''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Across-America-AUDIOBOOK/dp/B000P527CE|title=Walk Across America|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|year=1995|asin=B000P527CE|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308134039/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Across-America-AUDIOBOOK/dp/B000P527CE|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Colors of Your Life'' (single tape)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Your-Life-RICHARD-SIMMONS/dp/B000F3R72G|title=Colors of Your Life|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=The Richard Simmons Living Trust|location=Beverly Hills, California|year=1998|asin=B000F3R72G|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308134042/https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Your-Life-RICHARD-SIMMONS/dp/B000F3R72G|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Colors of Your Life'' (six tape set)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Colors-Audio-Collection/dp/B0009WPKQ8|title=Colors of Your Life|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=The Richard Simmons Living Trust|location=Beverly Hills, California|year=1998|asin=B0009WPKQ8|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044721/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Colors-Audio-Collection/dp/B0009WPKQ8|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Secrets of the Winners'' (single tape)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Secrets-Winners/dp/B0002JL96I|title=Secrets of the Winners|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=The Richard Simmons Living Trust|location=Beverly Hills, California|year=1998|asin=B0002JL96I}}</ref>
* ''Take a Classical Walk''
* ''Walkin' on Broadway''
* ''Walk Around the World''
* ''Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope'' (book on tape, read by Simmons)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Never-Give-Inspirations/dp/1559272198|title=Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope|edition=Abridged|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact Cassette]]|publisher=[[Holtzbrinck Publishing Group#Subsidiaries and imprints|Audio Renaissance]]|location=Southfield, Michigan|year=1993|isbn=978-1559272193|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308223422/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Never-Give-Inspirations/dp/1559272198|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

====Compact disc====
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* ''Richard Picks the Hits, Volume 1''
* ''Richard Picks the Hits, Volume 2''
* ''Country Cardio''
* ''Oh Happy Day''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Happy-Day-Simmons/dp/B000DGY0C0|title=Oh Happy Day|first=Richard|last=Simmons|author-link=Richard Simmons|medium=[[Compact disc|Audio CD]]|work=[[Mood Media#Acquisitions|Somerset Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Mood Media]]|location=Austin, Texas|date=January 3, 2006|access-date=March 7, 2017|asin=B000DGY0C0|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044250/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Happy-Day-Simmons/dp/B000DGY0C0|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Fitness Fiesta''
* ''Wicked Workout''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Wicked-Workout-Simmons/dp/B000DGY0CK|title=Wicked Workout|medium=[[Compact disc|Audio CD]]|date=January 3, 2006|work=[[Mood Media#Acquisitions|Somerset Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Mood Media]]|location=Austin, Texas|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B000DGY0CK|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308220959/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Wicked-Workout-Simmons/dp/B000DGY0CK|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Big Screen Burn''
* ''Shimmy into Shape''
* ''In the Mood to Lose''
* ''Classical Chillout''
{{Div col end}}

====Vinyl record====
* ''Reach'' ([[Elektra Records]], 1982) – AUS No. 12<ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6|page=274}}</ref>

====Singles====
* ''This Time'' (Elektra Records, 45 rpm 1983)

====Digital compact cassette====
* ''Colors of Your Life (single tape)'' (Goodtimes Entertainment, BASF 90 Min. 1998)

===Visual media===
====DVD====
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ''Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Silver-Foxes/dp/B0004Z32ME|title=Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes|medium=DVD|work=[[Warner Home Video]]|publisher=[[Warner Bros.]]|location=Burbank, California|date=December 14, 2004|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B0004Z32ME|archive-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309060401/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Silver-Foxes/dp/B0004Z32ME|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Latin Blast Off''
* ''Mega Mix Blast Off''
* ''Mega Mix 2 Blast Off''
* ''Disco Blast Off''
* '' '60s Blast Off''
* '' '80s Blast Off''
* ''Blast and Tone''
* ''Disco Sweat''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Disco-Sweat/dp/B0000541WK|title=Disco Sweat|medium=DVD|work=[[Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Gaiam]]|location=Universal City, California|date=April 9, 2002|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B0000541WK|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308221456/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Disco-Sweat/dp/B0000541WK|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''SuperSweatin': Party Off the Pounds''
* ''SuperTonin': Totally Tonin''
* ''SuperTonin': Totally Tonin' with Toning Rings''
* ''Sit Tight''
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Oldies-Vol-Richard-Simmons/dp/B001U2QEP2|title=Sweatin' to the Oldies|medium=DVD|work=[[Time Life#Entertainment|Time Life Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Time Life]]|location=New York City|date=March 14, 2008|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B001U2QEP2|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308220808/https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Oldies-Vol-Richard-Simmons/dp/B001U2QEP2|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 2''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Sweatin-Oldies-Vol/dp/B0017HEYGG|title=Sweatin' to the Oldies 2|medium=DVD|work=[[Time Life#Entertainment|Time Life Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Time Life]]|location=New York City|date=June 3, 2008|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B0017HEYGG|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308223731/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Sweatin-Oldies-Vol/dp/B0017HEYGG|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 3''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Sweatin-Oldies-3/dp/B003RLNW3G|title=Sweatin' to the Oldies 3|medium=DVD|work=[[Time Life#Entertainment|Time Life Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Time Life]]|location=New York City|date=January 1, 2007|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B003RLNW3G|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308220022/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Sweatin-Oldies-3/dp/B003RLNW3G|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 4''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Oldies-Vol-20-Years/dp/B000Z8H1ZE|title=Sweatin' to the Oldies 4|medium=DVD|work=[[Time Life#Entertainment|Time Life Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Time Life]]|location=New York City|date=April 9, 2013|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B000Z8H1ZE|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308223602/https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Oldies-Vol-20-Years/dp/B000Z8H1ZE|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 5''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Oldies-5-Richard-Simmons/dp/B003KIAWOS|title=Sweatin' to the Oldies 5|medium=DVD|work=[[Time Life#Entertainment|Time Life Entertainment]]|publisher=[[Time Life]]|location=New York City|date=December 14, 2010|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B003KIAWOS|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308222646/https://www.amazon.com/Sweatin-Oldies-5-Richard-Simmons/dp/B003KIAWOS|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Love Yourself and Win''
* ''Boogie Down the Pounds''
* ''Tonin' to the Oldies''
* "Richard Simmons Project H.O.P.E. – Health, Optimism, Passion, Energy"
{{Div col end}}

====Video cassette====
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ''Everyday with Richard Simmons''
* ''The Stomach Formula''
* ''Get Started''
* ''Reach for Fitness – A Special Video of Exercises for the Physically Challenged''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Fitness-Exercises-Physically-Challenged/dp/B00000680E|title=Reach for Fitness – A Special Video of Exercises for the Physically Challenged|date=November 15, 1994|medium=[[VHS]]|asin=B00000680E|work=Gt Media, Inc.|publisher=GT Publishing Corporation|location=New York City|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307205552/https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Fitness-Exercises-Physically-Challenged/dp/B00000680E|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Deal Your Way to Health''
* ''Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes''
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies''
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 2''
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 3''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Sweatin-Oldies-Vol/dp/B00005T33C|title=Sweatin' to the Oldies 3|medium=[[VHS]]|work=[[GoodTimes Home Video]]|publisher=[[GoodTimes Entertainment]]|location=New York City|date=December 11, 2001|access-date=March 8, 2017|asin=B00005T33C|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308222019/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Sweatin-Oldies-Vol/dp/B00005T33C|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Sweatin' to the Oldies 4''
* ''Day By Day'' (Volumes 1–12)
* ''Pump and Sweat''
* ''Step and Sweat''
* ''Tone and Sweat''
* ''Stretchin' to the Classics''
* ''Dance Your Pants Off!''
* ''Tonin' Uptown''
* ''Tonin' Downtown''
* ''Groovin' In The House''
* ''The Ab Formula''
* ''No Ifs Ands or Butts''
* ''Love to Stretch''
* ''Blast Off''
* ''Broadway Sweat''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Broadway-Aerobic-Musical/dp/B0001LWYDE|title=Broadway Sweat|medium=[[VHS]]|work=[[GoodTimes Home Video]]|publisher=[[GoodTimes Entertainment]]|location=New York City|date=January 1, 2000|access-date=March 7, 2017|asin=B0001LWYDE|archive-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044246/https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Simmons-Broadway-Aerobic-Musical/dp/B0001LWYDE|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Tone Up On Broadway''
* ''Broadway Blast Off''
* ''Platinum Sweat''
* ''Sit Tight''
* ''Latin Blast Off''
* ''Mega Mix Blast Off''
* ''Mega Mix 2 Blast Off''
* ''Disco Blast Off''
* ''60's Blast Off''
* ''80's Blast Off''
* ''Blast and Tone''
* ''Farewell to Fat''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Fitness-Exercises-Physically-Challenged/dp/B00000680E|title=Farewell to Fat|date=December 1, 1998|medium=[[VHS]]|asin=B00000G3CA|work=[[Warner Home Video]]|publisher=[[Warner Bros.]]|location=Burbank, California|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307205552/https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Fitness-Exercises-Physically-Challenged/dp/B00000680E|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Disco Sweat''
* ''Sudar Mucho''
{{Div col end}}

====YouTube====
* ''Fit to Fly''
* ''Hair Do'' (Official Music Video)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XEbVq8pb3QE|title=YouTube video – Hair Do (Official Music Video)|date=August 22, 2013|access-date=February 23, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415142017/https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XEbVq8pb3QE|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Television/movies====
{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* ''The Richard Simmons Show''
* ''[[Family Feud]]''
* ''[[Fish Hooks]]''
* ''[[Johnny Bravo]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0616712/|title=Get Shovelized/T Is for Trouble|date=July 9, 2004|publisher=IMDb|access-date=July 13, 2024|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405083206/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0616712/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Fame (1982 TV series)]]''
* ''[[General Hospital]]''
* ''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]''
* ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]''
* ''[[Pictionary (1997 game show)|Pictionary]]''
* ''[[Win, Lose or Draw]]''
* ''[[Super Password]]''
* ''[[The Roseanne Show]]''
* ''[[Larry King Live]]''
* ''[[Match Game]]''
* ''[[Live with Regis and Kathie Lee]]''
* ''[[Honey, I Blew Up the Kid]]''
* ''[[Rocko's Modern Life]]''
* ''[[Body Language (game show)|Body Language]]''
* ''Richard Simmons Dream Maker''
* ''[[Hollywood Squares]]''
* ''[[Wheel of Fortune (American game show)|Wheel of Fortune]]''
* ''[[The Wendy Williams Show]]''
* ''[[Figure it Out]]''
* ''[[The Ellen DeGeneres Show]]''
* ''[[Whose Line Is It Anyway? (American TV series)|Whose Line Is It Anyway?]]''
* ''[[The Doctors (talk show)|The Doctors]]''
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite web | last=Bregel | first=Sarah | title=Richard Simmons has been trying to live a private life since 2014, but the entertainment industry won't let him | work=BBC Home | date=January 19, 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240119-richard-simmons-has-been-trying-to-live-a-private-life-since-2014-but-the-entertainment-industry-wont-let-him | access-date=January 20, 2024 | archive-date=January 19, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119235157/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240119-richard-simmons-has-been-trying-to-live-a-private-life-since-2014-but-the-entertainment-industry-wont-let-him | url-status=live }}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.quickanded.com/2007/11/were-leaving-our-childrens-behinds.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111120734/http://www.quickanded.com/2007/11/were-leaving-our-childrens-behinds.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |title='We're Leaving Our Children's Behinds Behind'—An Interview with Richard Simmons |last1=Carey |first1=Kevin |date=November 7, 2007 |website=The Quick and the Ed |publisher=[[American Institutes for Research]] }}
* {{cite news |last=Davis |first=David |date=November 27, 2012 |title=Still Richard: Richard Simmons keeps grooving at 64 |url=https://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/11/27/3692806/richard-simmons-still-grooving-at-64 |website=[[SB Nation]] |access-date=December 11, 2017 |archive-date=October 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024224923/http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/11/27/3692806/richard-simmons-still-grooving-at-64 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last=Hellmich |first=Nanci |date=July 22, 2008 |title=7/22/2008 |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2008-07-22-richard-simmons-hearing_N.htm |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |access-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203143538/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2008-07-22-richard-simmons-hearing_N.htm |url-status=live }}
* {{Cite episode|title=Fitness Guru Takes Message to Congress|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92730429|series=Tell Me More|series-link=Tell Me More|first=Martin|last=Michel|network=[[NPR]]|date=July 21, 2008|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=October 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024221631/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92730429|url-status=live}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/dietandfitness/story.html?id=36d29682-39e5-4c64-96ac-cd636b6b3446&k=10013|title=Love yourself, lose weight|author=Staff|date=March 13, 2006|publisher=Canada.com|access-date=February 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025609/http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/dietandfitness/story.html?id=36d29682-39e5-4c64-96ac-cd636b6b3446&k=10013|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}
* {{cite news|url=http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/NCLB-ActII/2007/08/_in_my_11_years.html|title=Richard Simmons: Fit Kids Are Smart Kids|author=Staff|date=August 24, 2007|website=[[Education Week]]|publisher=Editorial Projects in Education|access-date=November 29, 2013|archive-date=October 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022223712/http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/NCLB-ActII/2007/08/_in_my_11_years.html|url-status=live}}
* {{cite interview|url=http://sidewalkstv.com/webclips/s/richardsimmons.html|interviewer=Cindy Rhodes|title=Staying fit with the one and only fitness guru, Richard Simmons!|date=June 2006|publisher=[[Sidewalks Entertainment]]|access-date=February 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024224039/http://sidewalkstv.com/webclips/s/richardsimmons.html|archive-date=October 24, 2016}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Richard Simmons}}

* {{official website|https://richardsimmons.com/}}
* {{IMDb name|0799873|Richard Simmons}}
* {{discogs artist|Richard Simmons}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Simmons, Richard}}
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