I have come to believe that something else is happening,a friend told the publication. See the fitness icon's heartfelt Facebook post!Full Stor. The defendants had filed a motion in January seeking $220,000, which Simmons' lawyers criticized as a "billing fiesta. He said in 2017 that Simmons just wants time for himself". The new TV special produced by TMZ, the staff at which have spent years chronicling the stars disappearance states that the sassy, self-assured version of himself that he presented to the public was merely a front, and that Simmons was a profoundly shy and sensitive soul who struggled with being made fun of. Documentary producer Charles Latibeaudiere claimed that Simmons found comfort in food during his childhood. Were glad hes able to put himself first, and we hope hes enjoying the quiet life. Interest in the effervescent exercise guru has been reignited this week, following the release of the new doc TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons.. He recounts that growing up in French Quarter, fat was a food category, and dessert was mandated. 0. Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images, Credit: ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images, Credit: Margaret Norton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, Credit: Margaret C. Norton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, Credit: Paul Drinkwater/Network/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, Credit: Brian Forde/The Holland Sentinel/AP, Credit: Tannis Toohey/Toronto Star via Getty Images, Credit: Peter Kramer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, Credit: David Aguilera/Buzzfoto/Getty Images. Good for youThank you for blessing and inspiring me so richly, said another. Oh yeah, we're gonna shake it up! When TMZ began promoting "What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," many assumed it was because he had died. Richard Simmons is a Los Angeles-based fitness instructor, philanthropist, and television personality. Simmons was one of Hollywoods biggest stars for more than three decades before he suddenly disappeared from the public eye in 2014. At the age of 15, I was 200 pounds. You know, I had hurt my knee, and I had some problems with it, and then the other knee started giving me trouble because Ive taught like thousands and thousands of classes, and you know right now I just want to sort of take care of me., During the call, Simmons, whose reclusiveness inspired the popular podcast Missing Richard Simmons, assured fans that his health was "good.". But, while viewers loved the campy persona that Simmons presented to the public, he became a punchline for comedians across the country and it took a private toll on him. Heres a look at the life of Richard Simmons today. His sessions combined upbeat music with rocking workouts heightened with his witty commentary and encouragement. Richard Simmons - Wikipedia Related: Watch: Trump Says Some Men Feel Insulted Biden Will Pick a Female VP Democrat Governor Newsom Failed To Disclose Ties To Silicon Valley Bank While Pushing Bailout Troy Smith 00:00 / 00:00 Previous article What do you think? Richard Simmons pal recalls time before disappearance: We had so much fun, Richard Simmons breaks silence, tells The Post hes living the life he has chosen, Suzanne Somers: My last meeting with broken Richard Simmons before disappearance, Us Weekly transition off to a rocky start. "I don't care," Teresa reportedly told Mauro when he suggested that Richard seek treatment.