Fitness icon Richard Simmons recently celebrated his 75th birthday, prompting a rare update from his representative. Tom Estey shared with "Entertainment Tonight" that Simmons is happy and that this birthday represents a significant milestone.
Simmons, known for his energetic personality and "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout series, has remained out of the public eye since 2014. This absence has fueled speculation and concern among his devoted fans. Over the years, Simmons has addressed several rumors, including allegations of being held hostage by his housekeeper and claims about his gender identity. He firmly denied these allegations in various interviews and legal filings.
A 2022 documentary, "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," suggested that knee surgery and subsequent depression contributed to his withdrawal from public life. The documentary posited that Simmons was reluctant to be perceived as frail. While Simmons' spokesperson declined to comment on the documentary's claims at the time, Simmons himself posted a message of gratitude to his fans on Facebook.
Simmons' career began in the 1970s when he opened a gym in Los Angeles. He achieved widespread fame in the '80s and '90s through his workout videos and frequent television appearances. He became a prominent advocate for health and fitness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older workout routines were re-released on Simmons' YouTube channel to encourage people to stay active while facing lockdown restrictions. A representative explained that this decision was made in response to overwhelming requests from fans seeking comfort during a challenging time.
