After New Doc, Richard Simmons Thanks Fans For 'kindness'

Home » What Happened To Richard Simmons » After New Doc, Richard Simmons Thanks Fans For 'kindness'

Maybe your like

  • News
    • Home Page
    • California
    • Election 2024
    • Housing & Homelessness
    • Politics
    • Science & Medicine
    • World & Nation
  • Business
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Autos
    • Jobs, Labor & Workplace
    • Real Estate
    • Technology and the Internet
  • California
    • California Politics
    • Earthquakes
    • Education
    • Housing & Homelessness
    • L.A. Influential
    • L.A. Politics
    • Mental Health
  • Climate & Environment
    • Climate Change
    • Water & Drought
  • Entertainment & Arts
    • Arts
    • Books
    • Stand-Up Comedy
    • Hollywood Inc.
    • The Envelope (Awards)
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Things to Do
  • De Los
  • En Español
  • Food
    • 101 Best Restaurants in L.A.
    • Recipes
  • Image
    • Art & Culture
    • Conversations
    • Drip Index: Event Guides
    • Fashion
    • Shopping Guides
    • Styling Myself
  • Lifestyle
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home Design
    • L.A. Affairs
    • Plants
    • Travel & Experiences
    • Weekend
    • Things to Do in L.A.
  • Obituaries
  • Voices
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Contributors
    • Short Docs
  • Sports
    • Angels
    • Angel City FC
    • Chargers
    • Clippers
    • Dodgers
    • Ducks
    • Galaxy
    • High School Sports
    • Kings
    • Lakers
    • Olympics
    • USC
    • UCLA
    • Rams
    • Sparks
  • World & Nation
    • Immigration & the Border
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Mexico & the Americas
    • Ukraine
  • Times Everywhere
    • 404 by L.A. Times
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LA Times Today
    • Newsletters
    • Photography
    • Podcasts
    • Short Docs
    • TikTok
    • Threads
    • Video
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • For Subscribers
  • eNewspaper
  • All Sections
  • _________________
  • LA Times Studios
    • Business
    • • AI & Tech
    • • Automotive
    • • Banking & Finance
    • • Commercial Real Estate
    • • Entertainment
    • • Goods & Retail
    • • Healthcare & Science
    • • Law
    • • Sports
    • Deals & Coupons
    • Decor & Design
    • Dentists
    • Doctors & Scientists
    • Fitness
    • Hot Property
    • Live & Well
    • Orange County
    • Pets
    • The Hub: Rebuilding LA
    • Travel
    • Veterinarians
    • Weddings & Celebrations
    • Newsletters
  • Live Stream
  • Events
    • Screening Series
  • Crossword
  • Games
  • L.A. Times Store
  • Subscriptions
    • Manage Subscription
    • EZPAY
    • Delivery Issue
    • eNewspaper
    • Students & Educators
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Terms
    • Gift Subscription Terms
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Archives
    • Company News
    • eNewspaper
    • For the Record
    • Got a Tip?
    • L.A. Times Careers
    • L.A. Times Store
    • LA Times Studios Capabilities
    • News App: Apple IOS
    • News App: Google Play
    • Newsroom Directory
    • Public Affairs
    • Rights, Clearance & Permissions
    • Short Docs
  • Advertising
    • Classifieds
    • Find/Post Jobs
    • Hot Property Sections
    • Local Ads Marketplace
    • L.A. Times Digital Agency
    • Media Kit: Why the L.A. Times?
    • People on the Move
    • Place an Ad
    • Place an Open House
    • Sotheby’s International Realty
  • Special Supplements
    • Healthy Living
    • Higher Education
    • Philanthropy
Copyright © 2026, Los Angeles Times | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | CA Notice of Collection | Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information Advertisement Entertainment & Arts Worried about Richard Simmons? Don’t be. But he’s grateful for fans’ ‘kindness’
A man with curly hair wearing a bright orange shirt poses for a picture. Fitness personality Richard Simmons, pictured at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, addressed fans on Facebook. (Evan Agostini / Invision/Associated Press)
Alexandra Del Rosario. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times) By Alexandra Del RosarioStaff Writer Contact Aug. 26, 2022 6:16 PM PT
  • Share via Close extra sharing options
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • X
    • LinkedIn
    • Threads
    • Reddit
    • WhatsApp
    • Copy Link URL Copied!
    • Print

After a new TMZ documentary reignited the conversation around Richard Simmons’ whereabouts, the reclusive fitness guru and pop culture icon addressed fans with an endearing message this week.

On his official Facebook page, Simmons, 74, shared a picture of a yellow smiley face holding up a red banner that says, “Thank you!”

“Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love!,” he captioned the Wednesday post.

While short, the rare update from Simmons came days after Fox aired “TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons” on Monday. The television documentary, which tracked Simmons’ rise to fame and retreat from the spotlight, offered a fairly straightforward explanation for Simmons’ disappearance from the public eye in 2014.

Advertisement In October 2013, Richard Simmons warmed up the crowd for the 29th annual AIDS Walk Los Angeles.

Entertainment & Arts

So where did he go? ‘Missing Richard Simmons’ refuses to accept the official story

Depending on your point of view, Richard Simmons has either been missing since February 2014 or is simply taking a break from the public eye.

March 7, 2017

According to the documentary, Simmons sank “into a deep depression” after doctors in 2014 urged him to undergo a major surgery for his left knee.

“And if he didn’t get one, he might never be able to exercise again. Now, this is key to the disappearance of Richard Simmons,” the documentary claims.

Also in the doc, actor and author Suzanne Somers said she and Simmons were once supposed to appear on Larry King’s talk show until Simmons declined.

Advertisement

“I heard through the ‘Larry King’ people that he didn’t want to be on the show with me,” she said, adding that she was told Simmons was scared of being ridiculed by her.

“That’s not my style, I never make fun of anybody,” she said. “But that’s when I realized a little insecurity has gotten in there.

“I liked him. I was always so surprised when he thought I’d make fun of him. But doesn’t that show you he’s got a heartache? Something’s broken inside because he did it. He had it and then let it go.”

Richard Simmons sings along with the music as he teaches a class in Beverly Hills in 2013.

Entertainment & Arts

Reclusive Richard Simmons says he’s ‘fine,’ not being held hostage in his own home

March 14, 2016

The TMZ doc isn’t the first attempt to uncover why Simmons retreated and then abruptly shuttered his L.A. fitness studio in 2016.

In 2017, Dan Taberski launched the “Missing Richard Simmons” podcast, which revisited the speculation and gossip behind Simmons’ disappearance and featured interviews with the exercise expert’s friends.

Rumors then swirled around his well-being. In 2016, the National Enquirer claimed Simmons had transitioned to become a woman, which he quickly shut down. “I feel compelled to set the record straight and refute these lies,” he wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

Advertisement

In an interview with the “Today” show that same year, Simmons refuted claims that he was being controlled by his housekeeper and reassured fans that he was safe.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 9, 2013: Fitness guru Richard Simmons sings alone with one the the 60s classic tunes playing during one of his classes at Slimmons Studio March 9 2013 in Beverly Hills. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Politics

Column: By tossing a Richard Simmons libel case, a judge strikes a blow against transgender discrimination

In June 2016, the National Enquirer turned its typically overexcited attention to Richard Simmons, the fitness guru.

Sept. 1, 2017

“No one is holding me in my house as a hostage; I do what I want to do as I’ve always done,” he said. “So people should just believe what I have to say, because, like, I’m Richard Simmons.”

After Simmons’ latest update, fans reciprocated his love, writing nearly 5,000 positive responses on his Facebook post as of Friday.

“You have done so much good in so many people’s lives,” one fan replied. “Thank you for all that you have done and are still doing. None of us will ever forget you!”

“Thank YOU, for being such an excellent and kind human all these years,” another said. “You’ve been missed.”

More to Read

  • Justin Timberlake in a terracotta jacket on a stage in front of several musicians

    Justin Timberlake has ‘debilitating’ Lyme disease. No, it didn’t ruin his world tour

    July 31, 2025
  • A man posing in a pink suit

    Jonah Hill knows fans mean well, but ‘I kindly ask that you not comment on my body’

    Oct. 14, 2021
  • A man leaning his chin on his hand.

    Alec Baldwin says ‘no one wants the truth more than I do’ about ‘Rust’ shooting

    Jan. 3, 2022
Entertainment & Arts

Get our big stories about Hollywood, film, television, music, arts, culture and more right in your inbox as soon as they publish.

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.

Enter email address Agree & Continue Alexandra Del Rosario

Follow Us

  • X
  • Email
  • LinkedIn

Alexandra Del Rosario is an entertainment reporter on the Los Angeles Times Fast Break Desk. Before The Times, she was a television reporter at Deadline Hollywood, where she first served as an associate editor. She has written about a wide range of topics including TV ratings, casting and development, video games and AAPI representation. Del Rosario is a UCLA graduate and also worked at the Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap.

More From the Los Angeles Times

  • Meghan Trainor in a blue dress shirt smiling and posing against a plain backdrop.

    Entertainment & Arts

    Meghan Trainor welcomes a baby girl, thanks to ‘incredible, superwoman surrogate’

    Jan. 21, 2026
  • a woman sitting in a director chair

    Television

    Angel Reese shoots her shot and lands a co-starring role on ‘Hunting Wives’

    Jan. 21, 2026
  • Rob Hirst of the band Midnight Oil performs in concert at The Tower Theater June 10, 1988 in Philadelphia, Penn.

    Music

    Rob Hirst, Midnight’s Oil’s ferocious drummer, dead at 70

    Jan. 21, 2026
  • THE VIEW - 1/7/26 - Marjorie Taylor Greene is a guest on "The View" airing on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. "The View" airs Monday - Friday, 11am - 12 noon ET on ABC. (ABC/Lou Rocco) MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE, SUNNY HOSTIN, ALYSSA FARAH GRIFFIN

    Hollywood Inc.

    FCC takes aim at ‘The View,’ ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ in fight over ‘equal time’ rules for politicians

Most Read in Entertainment & Arts

  • HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 12: Oscar statues, backstage at the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

    Awards

    Oscar Nominations 2026: How to watch and who will be nominated

  • Photo collage of stars

    Awards

    2026 Oscar nominations: Our expert’s predictions in 11 key categories

    Jan. 19, 2026
  • An Oscar statuette sits on display atop a red plush platform at a 2010 New York exhibit

    Movies

    How to watch the 2026 Oscar nominations

    Jan. 16, 2026
  • James Gorman, chairman and chief executive of Morgan Stanley, following a Bloomberg Television interview on day three of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. The annual Davos gathering of political leaders, top executives and celebrities runs from January 16 to 20. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images

    Hollywood Inc.

    Disney succession: Inside the search for a CEO to replace Bob Iger

    Jan. 20, 2026

Subscribers are Reading

  • For Subscribers

    California’s dead malls hit by blight, vandalism, crime. They deserve more respect, fans say

  • Voices

    Contributor: New food pyramid is a recipe for health disasters

  • Cheap Chinese EVs are suddenly everywhere in Mexico

  • How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Richard Marx

  • Historic Radford Studio Center in default amid Hollywood slowdown

Advertisement

Latest Entertainment & Arts

  • Kristen Bell will return to host SAG’s Actor Awards for third time

    Jan. 21, 2026

  • The 10 movies we’re most excited to see at the Sundance Film Festival

    Jan. 21, 2026

  • ‘Great British Baking Show’ judge Prue Leith departs competition after nine years

    Jan. 21, 2026

  • No sweat: Ashton Kutcher swears that he showers, despite past podcasts to the contrary

    Jan. 21, 2026
  • Review

    ‘The Beauty’ takes on beauty standards with lots of body horror

    Jan. 21, 2026
Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement

Tag » What Happened To Richard Simmons