Rarely-Seen Richard Simmons Is ‘Happy’ at 75 Away from Spotlight - Secret Birth Defect Made Him a Superstar

• Richard Simmons turned 75 years old on July 12.
• Despite entertaining people with his weight loss tips for years, he has reportedly distanced himself from the public eye.
• Many don't know that the fitness expert had a birth defect, which fueled his rise to stardom.

Richard Simmons, born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, is an American fitness personality and public figure. Known for his eccentric, flamboyant, and energetic personality, he has captured the hearts of many with his enthusiastic approach to health and wellness.

Simmons gained widespread recognition by promoting weight-loss programs, most notably with his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" line of aerobics videos, which became a cultural phenomenon.

The iconic fitness instructor recently celebrated his 75th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his life. On his birthday, Simmons received warm wishes and expressions of love from his supporters.

The "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3" star closed his Beverly Hills exercise studio, which had been operating for over 40 years, with a heartfelt message to his fans.

His former representative, Tom Estey, shared an update on Simmons, stating that he is doing well and is happy on this special occasion. Estey emphasized the importance of seeing Simmons' content and highlighted the significance of reaching this milestone in his life.

Simmons last interacted with his fans in August 2022, expressing his gratitude for the love and support he received after the premiere of a documentary that explored his public disappearance.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the fitness guru thanked everyone for their kindness and love, reflecting his appreciation for the outpouring of affection from his dedicated fan base. His manager, Michael Catalano, confirmed the authenticity of the post, affirming that Simmons was moved by the positive response to the documentary and the well wishes he received.

A Brief Look at Richard Simmons' Past & Current Life

Simmons disappeared from the public eye in 2014 after he abruptly ceased teaching at his workout studio. Since then, he has not made any public appearances, leading to various speculations about his whereabouts and well-being.

In 2017, allegations arose that his Mexican housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, was exerting control over him using black magic.

The podcast "Missing Richard Simmons" fueled rumors about his situation. Still, Simmons himself addressed the concerns, attributing his retreat to a knee injury and expressing gratitude for the love and concern from his fans.

The "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3" star closed his Beverly Hills exercise studio, which had been operating for over 40 years, with a heartfelt message to his fans. He emphasized the importance of celebrating their shared journey and expressed his desire to embark on a new chapter in his life, prioritizing self-care and personal fulfillment.

Despite his absence, Simmons remained engaged with his fans through social media, reassuring them of his well-being after being hospitalized for severe indigestion and expressing appreciation for their love and support. His manager and friends confirmed that Simmons was content and living life on his own terms, enjoying his time at home and focusing on his health.

While documentaries and podcasts explored the mystery surrounding Simmons' disappearance, he and his representatives have chosen not to comment on the matter. His decision to withdraw from public life remains a personal choice, and speculation continues regarding his motivations.

Richard Simmons' Health Issues & the Story about His Housekeeper

Following Simmons' disappearance from the scene and his reported inclination to lead a reclusive life, numerous theories surfaced to explain it. Some theories marked his success as a pop culture icon and his subsequent downfall, as he spiraled into the realms of isolation and profound melancholy.

A documentary titled "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons" shed light on the reasons behind Simmons' retreat. According to the documentary, Simmons was reported to have stayed at his Hollywood Hills home due to a painful defect he had battled with since birth.

According to sources, Simmons was born without a full set of bones in his foot, which caused both physical and emotional problems. This early but enduring damage was believed to have fueled his eventual rise to pop culture fame and stardom, as well as his later withdrawal from public life.

Additionally, the documentary highlighted the fitness personality's struggles with weight and knee issues. He reportedly found comfort in food during his childhood, which led to significant weight gain and added stress on his knees. Despite his challenges, Simmons eventually used his personal journey to motivate himself and others to become fit and healthy.

Besides facing a period of seclusion following his withdrawal from public life, Simmons' personal life became entangled with controversy. In 2017, allegations arose that his Mexican housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, was exerting control over him using black magic.

Friends expressed concern over Simmons' well-being and suggested that his decline began after a trip to Europe in 2014, coupled with losing one of his cherished Dalmatians.

Mauro Oliveira, a former assistant and friend of Simmons, accused Reveles of being a negative influence, claiming she manipulated him with evil notes placed in his luggage. Oliveira further asserted that Simmons lived as a virtual prisoner in his own home, with limited contact with the outside world.

However, the Los Angeles Police Department conducted a welfare check and refuted the claims of Simmons being held hostage. Detective Kevin Becker confirmed that Simmons was "perfectly fine" and doing what he wanted to do.

Estey emphasized that Simmons had taken a break from public life and urged people to respect his decision. The detective's statement aligned with Estey's assertion that Simmons simply prioritized self-care after dedicating years to caring for others.

The investigation into Simmons' whereabouts was fueled by a podcast called "Missing Richard Simmons," but the LAPD's visit provided reassurance that there was no cause for concern regarding Simmons' safety.