The entertainment news of the week had to do with Richard Simmons. The legendary trainer to the stars returned home under tight security this week after being hospitalized. The reason for the hospital stay? “Indigestion.” As reported by etonline.com the 68-year old Simmons is resting comfortably.
The Daily Mail reports that their reporters spotted Simmons being escorted to his Beverly Hills home “under blankets.” He was accompanied by housekeeper Teresa Reveles. Apparently, Simmons waited for his manager and a police escort in his garage for 40 minutes. Only then did he enter his home hidden under the thick blanket, guided by Reveles and guarded by police.
The curiosity and concern about Simmons date from well before the recent hospitalization. He has stayed completely away from the public eye over the past several years. Michael Catalano’s management company, Prominent Brand + Talent, has taken over Simmons’ merchandising rights, as announced earlier this month. Simmons himself has lived a virtual hermit-like existence since 2014 when he vanished from the public.
Simmons absence from public life inspired a podcast titled “Missing Richard Simmons.” Podcast host Dan Taberski says the ‘cast is an effort to reach out to the once-loquacious fitness guru. Simmons’ representatives have been less than cooperative with the podcast.
Born Milton Teagle Simmons July 12, 1948, Simmons came to prominence in the early 8-s when he appeared as himself on General Hospital. His upbeat supportive weight-loss routines were a hit with daytime audiences. He also hosted The Richard Simmons Show, which ran 1982 and 1983. It was Emmy-nominated twice for Outstanding Talk/Service series, winning the award in 1983.
Much later, Simmons hosted a show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Titled “Lighten Up With Richard Simmons” it focused on the emotional and societal challenges that overweight people face. After garnering large audiences the first two years, the show waned in popularity and was canceled in 2008.
Before going into his current reclusive state, Simmons was a frequent guest ton a number of television and radio shows. He appeared regularly on “Late Night With David Letterman,” and occasionally on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” He appeared on “The Howard Stern Show” until the two had a falling-out over the teasing Stern subjected Simmons to on the show.
