Richard Simmons Vanished after Being Told He Might Never Be Able to Exercise Again — Inside His Secluded Life

• Richard Simmons has been missing from the public arena for over eight years.
• The fitness guru's mysterious disappearance raised many questions, worrying his fans worldwide.
• Amid his friends and followers' concerns, the star reportedly refuted claims of leading a reclusive life.

Richard Simmons is a renowned and beloved fitness personality known for his motivating and energetic approach to exercise. With over 40 years of experience as an instructor and motivator, he has profoundly impacted the health and well-being of millions of people.

Growing up overweight in New Orleans, U.S., Simmons took control of his weight through balanced eating and exercise, eventually shedding 268 pounds.

In 1974, Simmons established Slimmons, a groundbreaking fitness studio in Beverly Hills, California, welcoming people of all shapes and sizes. He became a national fitness advocate through television appearances and his own syndicated series, "The Richard Simmons Show," which earned him several Emmy Awards.

Despite this, he has remained elusive for nearly a decade, leaving fans and friends concerned about his well-being.

Simmons' success extended to creating best-selling products like Deal-A-Meal and the FoodMover, which helped people track calories and portions while incorporating exercise.

Additionally, he released over 65 fitness videos, including the famous "Sweatin' to the Oldies" line of aerobics videos accompanied by lively music and his trademark humorous encouragement.

Simmons is also an accomplished author, with nine books to his name, including the New York Times Best Seller, "Never Say Diet," and his autobiography, "Still Hungry After All These Years." His dedication to promoting fitness and healthy living has made him an iconic and influential figure in the fitness world.

Inside Richard Simmons' Reportedly Mysterious Disappearance from the Public Arena & His Current Whereabouts

Simmons, the iconic fitness expert known for his eccentric personality, has become increasingly reclusive in recent years, making few public appearances. While he reportedly leaves his house occasionally, no paparazzi have managed to capture any images of him in public for over eight years.

The "Sweatin' to the Oldies" star moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he developed an interest in healthy living and founded "The Anatomy Asylum," a fitness studio promoting positivity and healthy eating. In 2016, Simmons seemingly withdrew from the public eye and held his final exercise class at the asylum, now called Slimmons.

Speculations about his whereabouts and well-being arose, with some rumors suggesting he was being held hostage by his long-time housekeeper, Teresa Reveles. However, Simmons' brother, Lenny Simmons, refuted these claims, stating that Simmons simply chose to take a break and enjoy some private time after decades of being in the spotlight.

This prospect led him into a deep depression, contributing to his seclusion.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he briefly resurfaced by re-releasing archival workout footage on his YouTube channel. Despite this, he has remained elusive for nearly a decade, leaving fans and friends concerned about his well-being.

The mystery surrounding Simmons' disappearance became the subject of the popular podcast "Missing Richard Simmons." Dan Taberski launched the podcast as one of the numerous former friends of Simmons who became concerned about his disappearance.

In the podcast, Simmons' friend, Mauro Oliveira, reiterated the allegations of Simmons being held against his will by his housekeeper, Reveles. However, Simmons' spokesperson, Tom Estey, firmly denied these claims, emphasizing that he chose to live a more private life and that the allegations were baseless.

In 2016, amidst mounting concerns, Simmons granted interviews to two renowned media outlets, where he dismissed the rumors about being held hostage and labeled them as "very silly."

The "Sweatin' to the Oldies 3" founder explained that he needed some rest after years of promoting his fitness regimen worldwide. Simmons asserted that he was not being controlled by anyone and had been spending his time quietly, focusing on his health and well-being.

Despite these explanations, the speculation surrounding Simmons' absence persisted, leading to increased public interest and curiosity. Law enforcement authorities conducted welfare checks to ensure his well-being, but Simmons reportedly maintained that he was okay and desired time alone.

Ultimately, Simmons remains an enigmatic figure, with the documentary "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons?" delving into his mysterious disappearance.

Simmons vanished from the public eye in 2014, leaving fans wondering why he withdrew suddenly. Amidst the speculations, his older brother, Lenny, dismissed rumors of any medical issues or gender transitioning, stating that Simmons had simply decided to focus on himself.

However, a documentary later shed light on some underlying factors contributing to his retreat. Doctors had reportedly advised Simmons to undergo a left knee replacement in 2014, warning that failure to do so could leave him unable to exercise.

This prospect led him into a deep depression, contributing to his seclusion. Due to his busted knee, Simmons now reportedly walks with a cane, a visible sign of his challenges.

Moreover, in 2017, Simmons was hospitalized for "severe indigestion," necessitating medical attention. This incident further fueled concern and curiosity about his well-being.

Amid his absence from the public eye, Simmons has endured personal losses, including the passing of his beloved eight Dalmatians over the years.

As the years passed without any public appearances, a woman who claimed to have known Simmons for 35 years described him as a "master of disguise."

It is alleged that Simmons' loyal housekeeper has remained by his side, rendering support and friendship during his time away from the limelight.

The mystery surrounding Simmons' withdrawal from public life has continued, with his reclusive lifestyle and the various challenges he has faced creating intrigue and speculation among fans and the media alike.