Milton Teagle “Richard” Simmons (July 12, 1948 – July 13, 2024) was an American fitness instructor and television personality. He promoted weight-loss programs, most notably through his TV show, The Richard Simmons Show, and the Sweatin’ to the Oldies aerobics videos.
Simmons opened his Slimmons gym in Beverly Hills, offering a supportive atmosphere for the overweight. Known for his frequent appearances on late-night shows like the Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show, Simmons expanded into political activism, supporting the No Child Left Behind Act.
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Richard Simmons Net Worth
At the time of his death, Richard Simmons had a net worth of $20 million. In 1982, he purchased a Hollywood Hills home for $670,000. Built in 1937, the colonial-style house features Corinthian-style pillars at the front.
The 4,119-square-foot home sits on a 24,400-square-foot lot, with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a black-bottom pool in the backyard. Today, the property is valued between $6 million and $8 million.
Early life
Milton Teagle Simmons was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 12, 1948, to Leonard Douglas Simmons, Sr. and Shirley May (née Satin). Raised in the French Quarter, he had an older brother.
His father worked as a master of ceremonies and in thrift stores, while his mother was a Russian Jewish fan dancer and cosmetics saleswoman. Simmons became a practicing Catholic and attended Cor Jesu High School. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in art from Florida State University. He struggled with obesity, peaking at 268 lbs.
Career
Richard Simmons has largely disappeared from public life, with his last major appearance in early 2014. In 2016, rumors spread, including one that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper, which Simmons denied in a 2016 interview with the Today Show. His gym closed in November 2016, fueling further speculation.
The podcast Missing Richard Simmons launched in 2017 to explore his sudden exit. After a welfare check and hospitalization, Simmons clarified in April 2017 that he wasn’t missing, just “under the weather.” He and his publicist maintained he chose to remain less visible.
Personal life
Richard Simmons was known for his energetic and kind demeanor, which made people feel comfortable and motivated them to lose weight. His trademark clothing included brightly colored, striped Dolphin shorts and tank tops adorned with Swarovski crystals. Simmons became a beloved figure due to his unique style of encouragement and positivity.
In a 2008 interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Simmons revealed he adopted the name Richard in tribute to his uncle, who paid for his college tuition.
When was Richard Simmons’ Reappearance on Social Media?
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Simmons resurfaced on his YouTube channel with old videos to help people stay fit at home. However, new footage of Simmons was not included, leading to further speculation.
Conclusion
Richard Simmons’ journey from a fitness enthusiast to a multimillionaire wellness icon is inspiring. Despite recent years away from the spotlight, his impact on fitness and pop culture remains undeniable.
FAQs about Richard Simmons
- What is Richard Simmons’ net worth? Richard Simmons has a net worth of $20 million.
- What fitness series is Richard Simmons known for? Simmons is best known for his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” fitness series.
- What led to Richard Simmons’ withdrawal from public life? Post-knee surgery depression and the desire not to be seen as frail contributed to his withdrawal.
- How many workout tapes has Richard Simmons sold? He has sold over 65 million workout tapes, DVDs, and audio cassettes.
- Where did Richard Simmons’ career start? His career started in Los Angeles, where he opened an exercise studio in the 1970s.
