Is Richard Simmons Back After A Six-Year Hiatus?

Renowned public figure and fitness personality Richard Simmons had been missing from the public eye for more than six years. And now, the 74-year-old has broken his silence and responded to a documentary by TMZ on his life and sudden disappearance.

Richard Simmons Hasn’t Been Public Since 2016

The fitness instructor was dedicated to promoting health & exercise throughout his decade-long career. He later broadened his activities to video production and political activism as well. Simmons’ latest public appearances were in February 2014, followed by 2016. However, by 2016, the actor didn’t appear as frequently in public, causing speculations to arise that he wasn’t doing well in terms of health.

[Source: YouTube]

The rumors were later denied by both Simmons & his publicist. He confirmed that he simply wished to keep his life away from the public eye. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Simmons’ YouTube channel started uploading archived videos that were recorded before he stopped appearing in public. The videos were made public to help people stay fit while at home.

Richard Simmons Thanks Fans With A Facebook Post

After TMZ released a documentary video about Simmons’ life, the fitness instructor took to Facebook to thank his fans for their love and kindness.

He posted a picture of a big smiley holding a Thank You banner and captioned the post, “Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love! (heart emoji) Love, Richard.”

Simmons hadn’t posted anything on social media except his fitness videos for years. This post came just a few days after the premiere of TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons. The documentary premiered on Hulu and FOX.

[Source: YouTube]

TMZ also revealed that Richard watched the special & was elated by the reaction of all the fans that sent him well wishes. Although Simmons keeps in touch with his fans via his old workout videos, his direct note clearly had fans excited. In less than 48 hours, the post received more than 5000 comments.

Several comments by the fans included their pictures with the fitness maestro over the years with words of encouragement and love. Many even emphasized how important it is for him to take time for himself and that his decision to be away from the camera was right.

Richard Simmons’ Spokesperson Says He Is Eternally Grateful

A spokesperson for Richard Simmons, Tom Estey, also confirmed that the fan-favorite fitness icon is living the life he has chosen. Estey talked about Simmons’ feelings towards the documentary and the fans’ love for him. He said, “Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the globe.”

[Source: YouTube]

“He is happy, healthy, and living the life he has chosen to live,” he concluded. Estey also confirmed that the Facebook message was personally typed by Simmons. This makes it the fitness instructor’s first public correspondence with fans in six long years.

What do you think of Richard Simmons’ latest message to his fans? And have you had a chance to see the TMZ documentary? Share your thoughts in the comments!