Richard Simmons was a ubiquitous figure throughout the 1980s, captivating the public with his fitness empire. However, in 2014, he mysteriously vanished, prompting rumors that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper. Richard vehemently denied these claims, clarifying that he simply desired some solitude and personal time. Nevertheless, as time passed without any public appearances, concern for his well-being grew among his fans.

On his 75th birthday, there was a rare update about Richard’s current situation, relieving the worries of his admirers. Tom Estey, the fitness guru’s representative, shared that Richard was happy, which brought much comfort to everyone. This echoed a sentiment expressed by a friend on his 70th birthday in 2018, stating that Richard was in good spirits, spending most of his time at home and enjoying his yard. He engaged in reading and followed his own desires, cherishing the time he had to himself.

Back in 2014, Richard ceased teaching at his workout studio, leading to his abrupt disappearance from public life. Two years later, he called into Today to refute the claims of being held hostage, emphasizing that he was free to do as he pleased, asserting, “I’m Richard Simmons!”