'Missing Richard Simmons' highlights fitness icon's mysterious whereabouts

Host of the viral podcast Dan Taberski chronicles his quest to find Simmons, who has not been seen in public for over 1,000 days.

[@brownmut5518]

he deserves to retire and live as privately or publicly as he pleases. He's one of the good people with a great love of all people.

[@GalekC]

Yus

[@icegypsy99]

The man is nearing 70yrs old. He's given his life to helping others. The man has retired. He's earned the right to do whatever he wants. Clearly he wants to be left alone.

[@twdahs4088]

icegypsy99 yeah but he's cut off EVERYONE. Friends he was close to for over 40 years. That is a worrying sign, and not just a normal retirement. They have a reason to be worried.

[@scottw6375]

He spent his whole life helping and worrying about everyone else and now people are paying him back for his good deeds by reaching out and making sure he is ok and trying to help him in return and showing love to him

[@franko6677]

Retired people don't become recluses, they just stop working. He went from being his usual self to a full-on, socially isolated recluse literally overnight. That's not just retired.

[@Daytonabeachgrl]

icegypsy99 yes and he had a knee replacement which I heard is really painful complicated messes up ur nerves...he had mentioned complications with this...I agree let the man alone...

[@personalcheeses8073]

franko6677 some do.

[@dreamrider7616]

As I get older (going on 32), I often think about people, celebrities or other, who have shaped my personality as an adult and Richard Simmons is someone who was a huge influence on me. He showed everyone that you can be and do whatever you want and spread selfless and altruistic love for everyone. It's sad to hear he's going through painful times but I hope he knows how loved he is and fuck all the haters and leeches.

[@juliagulia5823]

dreamrider Nicely said.

[@lulu5803]

dreamrider I'm 38 and he also holds a beautiful part of my childhood memories. He's a truly good soul.

[@dreamrider7616]

Laura G He really is and what I always thought was interesting is that he never married. I don't know much about his personal life, but it was kind of miraculous that someone who never had a spouse was willing to give so much love all the time. I like to believe his on camera personality was the same off camera and that he really cared about overweight people and everyone he tried to help. Then you have fucking scumbags like Milo Yiannopolous that thinks its disgusting when he works out to have to look at obese people in gyms who are trying to lose the weight and better themselves, then thinks the only way they're going to lose weight is be fat shamed.

[@davidbrunson4794]

dreamrider if you have to ask, then I'm not gonna reply

[@dreamrider7616]

I don't want to hear what you have to say because it sounds like it's gonna be negative

[@nocreativename]

I hope he’s ok. He is such a beautiful human. His love and empathy for the world will always be remembered. ❤️❤️

[@SaintHughMungus]

Depression can be debilitating and will rob someone of their passion resulting in weight gain, drug abuse and agoraphobia. I hope I'm wrong but shutting everyone out is something that goes hand in hand w/severe depression as are thoughts of suicide. I fight it everyday

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

I've been waiting for my life to get better for about 30 years It never has....

[@Charles-Anthony]

Be comforted knowing that depression is a very minor ailment compared to many physical ailments. For a decade I have been suffering from severe breathing issues which destroyed my life. I am going for my third surgery in a few weeks. The surgeries and medication I have received have greatly improved my comfort. Before my surgeries, I lived in constant state of physical torture. I envied people with ailments like depression.

[@stitchedwithlovebyloretta4684]

im living proof.....weight gain and agorophobic for 2 years

[@Pookieluvie]

@Charles What an ignorant statement to make. Have you ever personally suffered from a mental/behavioral handicap? It's not all roses, you know. I've unfortunately had to live with both an autoimmune disease and depression and can tell you that the physical pain I feel everyday does not even remotely compare to the anguish and total despair my psyche goes through; I am a prisoner in my own mind. Those who suffer from physical ailments are a tad bit more lucky than their counterparts - with the right medical attention and support of friends/family, the pain may look manageable. At the very least, you have your sanity and preserve some sense of self control. This is not the case with those who are emotionally unbalanced - there is no elective surgery I can schedule, no magic pill I can take that will lessen the pain or make me want to off myself any less. There is no comfort amongst the comapny of loved ones, their mere presence brings me shame. I envy people who can partake in the simple joys of life such as walking outside their house without the irrational fears my mind tortures me with. You would never want an existance like mine...

[@stitchedwithlovebyloretta4684]

pookieluvie amen. I suffer from severe depression, anxiety and have now been agorophobic for almost 2 years. no income, no insurance, no meds....its not fun

[@brittanybrown453]

he has so much love for people.and he tries to make the world better . a great guy

[@maldy4604]

I remember watching him growing up as a 90s baby and I’m like “this guy is funny” in a good way. People change. It’s sad but true. Our energy changes. Also, we need our own time sometimes to feel ourself again. He seems like an amazing person. God bless him

[@kimcarwell197]

Sometime i want to dissapear for awhile

[@kimcarwell197]

I'm not married at all actually

[@revdrtiffanyfoster]

I feel the same way sometimes.

[@AaronSaltzer]

I understand how you feel.

[@noize934]

Same here. God bless

[@ladyboywonder9139]

X and you are lucky when you can

[@scottw6375]

He spent his whole life helping and worrying about everyone and now its fantastic that people are paying that back and worried about him and are trying to help him now

[@Nannasrevival]

I think that Richard needed a rest but a lot of his fans miss him so much. Nothing anyone can say can diminish Richard in my eyes. He is and will always be a very special man.

[@mikemcbrine958]

I'm glad they had typewriter sound effects playing under the publicist quote or I would've been confused

[@LordHaveMurcielago]

Mike McBrine 😂😂😂

[@macrent2]

I almost died laughing.

[@Name-oz4lq]

Keyboard

[@missvee6479]

I love Richard Simmons! He has a big heart and loves everyone!! 💗

[@lexiev1250]

He was born the same year as singer Leo Sayer

[@sherrilynn33]

Richard, you do what you need to do. You have so much support, you are loved. I hope you're well. I hope you have HAVE peace AND happiness

[@munecadolly1891]

Maybe he cut his hair, moved to a different state very far from Hollywood, and lives happily ever after.

[@kmeyers85]

I hope Richard is healthy and well. He's a great person! More people should be like him. Selfless and caring.

[@ritachegar7761]

Richard always made people smile and feel good. He is a truly good person.

[@beepbeep9043]

So I understand people think he just retired but I think the difference is how he stopped responding to those friends close to him who knew him for decades. It’s possible he didn’t consider them true friends though idk.

[@kristyburton6507]

I wanna thank Richard Simmons for saving millions of lives. I will be working out to his video today 😀

[@carlagarrett3244]

Well, I miss him in person, he's one of a kind, with a heart so big!

[@ellena.walker8128]

I sooooo MISS Richard . Praying 🙏 he is doing OK.

[@CapitaineVerdun]

Great job guys! This podcast made me discover Richard Simmons and I'm glad you shared this story!

[@brianmcminn6173]

Is he not allowed to retire and enjoy his life just because he is a well known person??

[@BowieBrooks]

Brian McMinn apparently not

[@dagrandchamp25]

Michael D. Williams III TYPO!

[@hitchslap8802]

Ya gotta send a memo. Richard didn't send a memo.

[@christym6128]

Most people don't retire by not showing up for a scheduled work shift and disappearing. Even longtime friends have been cut off. This could be a sign of depression, severe anxiety, dementia, or the fact that others may be influencing him. It is concerning.

[@ctfcNIG]

Christy M if hes grown to hate it why wouldnt he?

[@sara-me3so]

Wait.... What kind of, "friend," goes on ABC news, Wendy WIlliams, and other media sources promoting a podcast that he invented titled, "Missing Richard Simmons?" If you're truly his friend, call HIM. Talk to HIM. Even if he doesn't return your calls and E-mails. Don't talk ABOUT him and to fucking TMZ every 5 minutes.

[@mrbig6856]

sara exactly I agree 100 percent I think its all about money he's cut certain people out of his life so they come up with all this BS

[@imaculentconcept]

sara He called him, emailed him, showed up at his house, called his Richard's brother, showed up at his brother's house, talked to Richard's publicist. Also, there's only six episodes of the podcast. The sixth episode he stated was the final episode because this is only about finding his friend.

[@sara-me3so]

Regardless how you paint and color it....I would never start a podcast about a celebrity and then tour with it alongside TMZ, Good Morning America, The Wendy Williams show, etc... That's just me, though. Everyone's moral compass is different....

[@lynnsouth5174]

sara so agree.

[@peteb9279]

Richard has a heart of gold

[@donnaviggiano5498]

He was a lovin person and compassionate person to other people

[@ulfricstormcloak4230]

This guy has been a blessing to humanity, he has saved and motivated countless of lives

[@maryannhippie5238]

We miss you Mr Simmons God Bless You Stay Well ✌

[@NoelHaven]

I agree with those of you saying he’s earned the right to retire and do as he pleases. But to just not show up one day to a class? That’s not retiring. That’s a breakdown. If he really just wanted to stop for all the right reasons then he would’ve told his followers that. Not just disappear. . My point is I genuinely hope he’s okay because while I never had issues with my weight I still remember him fondly growing up and seeing him on tv, and knew he did so much for other people.

[@Zannnnah]

Leave Mr Simmons alone!!!!!!! Let him know you care about him if you want but leave the guy alone . He has given himself to the public for a long time let him be.

[@ciel222]

Your fans MISSED YOU Richard , I hope you'll come back soon

[@elisaquilling682]

Richard is a example of how everyone in this world should be. Love one another, and accept one another! He is so, so very missed..

[@jrwheeler81]

It sounds like he may have had some sort of breakdown. It's one thing to want some space and privacy after several decades in the spotlight, but to completely cut off all of the people who are closest to you is extremely strange. I hope he is okay.

[@topazioazulazul]

Yes, you are very loved Richard, because you are an amazing human being.. I love you for who you are, kind and compassionate.

[@dustjunky2000]

I miss you, Richard. We all miss you.

[@colina8675]

howard had some great interviews with Simmons, always left the studio in tears haha

[@mattmammone2338]

Richard Simmons was in the top 3 best guests of all time.

[@belladonna131]

HE IS SUCH A POSITIVE PERSON TO EVERYONE. SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON. ❤

[@elusivefancy2392]

Nicest man ever! hope you're OK.🌹

[@hightidesmrforever2themoon449]

Richards Simmons is a born movie star! He is so glamorous and classy, and one of the funniest guys ever! He is soooo genuine, you feel like you've known him forever. Richard is the whole package - a pkg full of diamonds. gold and peals. We love you Richard!

[@richardf9112]

I hope he's doing okay. Wonderful person who's helped alot of people with his positivity.

[@drewzifer]

When Richard Simmons appeared on David Letterman, just classic. Look them up on You tube.

[@twdahs4088]

drewzifer no, no, no. Letterman stole that bit from Howard. Howard and Richard were the dynamic duo, not bit stealing Letterman.

[@marsoblivi0n945]

I grew up a punk kid into music.I’ve always found Richard to be a wonderful human being. I use to get mad when people would hate on the poor man. Depression is a bitch especially with half the world hating on you u for no reason. Let the man have his peace.

[@mmartinez6754]

Aww man, this saddened me. The world needs more like him.

[@SurvivingasMom]

It's so sad. I hope he's doing ok

[@donnafrank7323]

I like Richard Simmons

[@juliagulia5823]

Kris Ford no he's not.

[@Blackskye211]

Kris Ford no the hell he is not. Quit spreading your lies

[@LQOTW]

Kris Ford - WHY would you say this? When and where have you EVER seen him in the company of children? Don't be an a$$hat. If you have evidence, put it where your Textbox is; otherwise, shut your cakehole.

[@gameblouses139]

Kris Ford they let 7 year olds in clubs?

[@LQOTW]

Aaaaand you corroborate your claim how, Kris Ford? You'd better be able to back that up, kiddo, because those are the sorts of free speech claims that can land one in court answering to charges of Libel.

[@LQOTW]

I certainly agree that he is a national treasure, and that he has courted the spotlight since his mission began. The thing that concerns me - and, I think, everyone who cares about him - is that, had it simply been 'retirement' he would have announced his retirement. He would have kindly (as is his style) allowed his employees to know about it, long beforehand, so they could make arrangements for themselves. And he would have done the media blitz to make sure he retired in a huge fanfare. A well person who has made his passion his fortune doesn't just drop out of sight and allow his life's work to simply languish and die. But, that is exactly what happened. In his responses to very public queries he doesn't state, anywhere at any time, that he has retired and now just wants to rest. Everyone in the world can respect that. But, his words have always stopped just short of saying that. THAT is what concerns people - not what he has said, but what he has NOT said.

[@ellenquinonez9032]

I m praying richard is ok we all need a break i had the pleasure of spending time w him just he n I on his cruise to lose it is a memory I will never forget n it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life ♥ I have followed him for a long time he is like a best friend n may God protect n keep him in his heart Richard u r loved by many I treasure our talk n still have the picture of you n I from the cruise n the beautiful note u gave me love u my friend God bless u n keep u in his heart forever u helped so many n we all love u ❤

[@veronicahajdari8277]

You are very lucky and blessed to have met him he's a angel walking among us like Michael Jackson was for his humanitarian work ❤️

[@misterakt]

We need more people like him in the world, now more than ever. RIP Richard ❤️❤️

[@vallikencorvuskane4556]

If he is not missing, do not say so just to get hits on your channel. The general population have lost self boundaries and we have seen what comes from this mindset. Love to all

[@stylecollective-qt9um]

The point is that no one knows, and he has friends and employees who want to know what happened to the point that he virtually stopped all public, private, and electronic with everyone he knew (except for immediate staff) from one day to the next. I understand the concern and those who feel alarmed to the point that they would like to see proof of life, proof of safety, & proof of sound mind & body.

[@stylecollective-qt9um]

...and I forgot to add wanting to see such proof particularly because he is such a gentle, loving, vulnerable person who struggles with depression and loneliness. When you add those qualities to someone who has amassed wealth over a lifetime's work, in their older years it could prove dangerous with the level of scammers and opportunists out their willing to prey on them. Because Richard Simmons is such a treasured health and pop culture icon, is the reason why you have folks metaphorically saying, " Richard, all you have to do is blink twice...let everyone know that you're not in the same position as someone like the late Mickey Rooney, let us know you're really alright"

[@SINternetEntertainment]

If he retired why did he say anything to any one. Why would he cut out friends? He has to know what he is doing because I have been see his name on magazine more and more at the grocery store. So it is getting his name refreshed to a whole new audience.

[@lilmudo6852]

He was tired of giving so much and getting so much hate back

[@enolamsamoht]

That was very well stated " I'm not as much as in love with a person so much as I am in love with what I do" those for me are words of inspiration because we are already within our selves all we will want or need to be we only have yet to realize it. God bless you Mr. Simmons.

[@2taggs2]

I'm surprised the publicist would speak negative towards the podcast - the podcast shines the light on how important Simmons was to thousands of people, how inspirational and what a great person he was. Simmons brought this latest attention on himself -- everyone would stop asking and speculating, if he just gave a simple "goodbye"... people aren't mad he vanished - just confused. And all of that could have been avoided by simply answering, "Why?"

[@veronicazawodniak9412]

He has given so much to the world...enjoy your privacy...God Bless you wherever you are...

[@Bludaizee3]

I love Richard Simmons, I've loved him for 30 years. I pray he's ok.

[@mcgavin098]

Actor Steve McQueen was found unrecognizable wandering in Mexico after a diagnosis of lung cancer. Celebrities are people just like us and have the same vulnerabilities and frailties.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

I love Richard Simmons. He has helped and entertained people in equal measure. I hope he is happy whatever he is doing.

[@123xconnieb]

The world needs more people like Richard.

[@vjstv0101]

May he be happy and safe.

[@marimartolem1879]

I hope he is okay, he has done so much to help others.

[@stevarino1989]

I saw him at the 2013 Macys Day Parade. lol. We were laughing because of how crazy he looked on the float. I laughed so hard when he opened the lady's pizza box and went "OH MY GOD!" Yes it's understandable how he's pushing 70 and just wants to retire but it's the WAY he did it, just out of nowhere that he stopped showing up to classes and cut off contact from his closest friends and people who needed his help. That just seems odd. Everyone just wants more in depth answers instead of "I just want to be alone."

[@slambodianjones]

@Kaptain Kid some of the best moments of my life, I've had alone. Alone time is just as important as social time, if not more.

[@lostindiancamp]

At 70 there could be any number of things that could be wrong with Richard, both physically and mentally. I really think he is fighting something, whether it is dimentia or a physical ailment. Something is up. I pray he overcomes whatever it is and he comes out healthy and happy.

[@catolicaapostolicayromana7614]

I love Richard Simmons he is a sweetheart has a Great heart!

[@jasonlear2354]

I miss hearing you and Howard on the radio together...come back Richard, PLEASE!!!

[@lcrread]

We still love you Richard Simmons. Thank you for all your help with some fun exercise, lose weight, and most of all your humors. May God Bless you!

[@Her2896]

I used to watch this man since I was a very little girl❤️

[@Orpheusftw]

Everyone saying _"He deserves to retire, leave him alone! I hope he's living his best life, and ETC 💕"_ is kind of an idiot. Nobody would fault him if he said he wanted to step back, but it's an unnecessarily _weird_ situation. You don't think he _knows_ that people are worried about him? If he's okay, he could dispel the concerns easily, and if he's the caring guy people believe, of course he would.

[@peachyme1401]

We miss you! Stay well and happy.

[@brandondavenport6147]

I respect Richard Simmons

[@Tkondrat]

He's was a good guy! Either Richard or one of his team would call me every other week to give me encouragement. I really hope he's ok. I was always envious of his legs lol

[@TravelingCharlie]

What a gentle soul.

[@summerstevens2547]

poor Richard Simmons, he's an amazing wonderful lovely man and deserves every good thing. hope he's safe and happy.

[@NellieKAdaba]

I wish my favourite fitness guru Richard all the best.

[@annetteb2432]

I hope he's well and still with us. God Bless Him. 💖💋

[@jonnycat5083]

What's going on? This is crazy!

[@Suprachiasmatic]

Kris Ford you're the ugly one.

[@Liberaltrash447]

anyone else think he may have dementia or another all consuming health issue?

[@oregonmom24]

he's still loving and kind

[@mishell343]

I just hope he is not in the depressed state, and just taking time off for his private life. Always missing you and waiting to hear your Big Loud Hi once again Richard Simmons :)

[@walternavarro595]

Am amazed he is one of the celebrities who had no scandals whatsoever...

[@73dustpan]

God bless that man

[@mouseroad]

It wouldn't be the first time a celebrity has been manipulated and kept isolated by someone with a shady ulterior motive. He might have been made to feel dependant on that person so they can have total access to his resources. Sounds like the housekeeper is behind this.

[@bluedancelilly]

Simmons is great. Fun loving. Inspired many.

[@ladyred5150]

Look up Howard Stern & Richard Simmons. It might have been a skit but Richard was crying & walked out of the interview!

[@mygrammieis]

What A Awesomely cool guy 💗💗💗Hope he is okay 💗❄️☕️💁🏻‍♀️

[@AaronSaltzer]

What a precious individual.

[@ThePoundcake75]

Richard, you are loved and I for one miss you so much and wish you would return to public eye. I have just started a weight loss program and am going to my Richard Simmons video’s. I have a bunch. For the next month it will be My stretching to the classics and Tone and sweat!! I love and miss you Richard and I know I’m not alone 💔

[@donnadreyer4516]

I remember watching Him in the 1980's I've often wondered what happened to Him, I never heard or seen Him on Television, after so many Years in the spotlight, some people just leave and not say anything, they don't have to. I wish Him all the best and Happy that he's okay, when / if He's ready to come back, He'll come back.

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

I think Richard probably just needed a break. He gave so much of himself to everyone, all the time. He never turned anyone down He also had a knee replacement which I'm sure slowed him down and in one of his last interviews, he said his other knee is bad as well. I'm sure he is also depressed that he's not doing what he loved but The media has a tendency to sensationalize things and this case, its no different. His brother visits him and verified Richard is fine. He said that people need to accept that his brother needs a much needed rest.

[@kevinoleson7320]

Poor Guy is burned out!!! Leave him be... It's all about him... He needs to decide how to proceed... He has resources to reach out for help. I, personally hope that he finds what he needs... I LOVE his energy... I have not been a loyal Richard person, but he has always turned my head because of his honesty, pureness and frankly my personal identification with his using comedy and love to promote others and therein, getting a little burst off of it yourself. That burst that is your encouragement and proof that what you do makes a difference.

[@topazioazulazul]

I love Richard Simmons

[@sashafierce6707]

i want to loose weight, Richard come back and help me

[@420crazybear]

me too i wanna loose weight as well but I can't do it alone :(

[@tracysamra1047]

"Lose"

[@wavybone1945]

Tracy no your wrong

[@tracysamra1047]

Wavy Bone lol how do you figure I'm wrong about the spelling of the word "lose"????

[@wavybone1945]

Tracy Im making fun of you four caring about someone elses' spelling

[@melissagomez1780]

God bless, Richard Simmons!

[@amutinyinheaven]

making a podcast about his whereabouts will really make him want to stop being a recluse lol i think shit like this is exactly why he wants to stay out of the spotlight and live out his golden years privately. some people are just homebodies who like peace and quiet

[@Juliajett19]

Welcome to the world Miss Fiona Simmons!! You are so loved!!😉😉

[@tessarix]

I don't blame him for disappearing. Not everyone likes overwhelming "instant celebrity" status for very long. Imagine this for yourself: Every time you open your front door there are 30 screaming people who might grab and tear your clothes, follow you screaming to your car, never being able to just go shopping at the supermarket without getting mobbed. I think it would be exhausting and horrible to live like that. Wouldn't you want to never open your front door and put into place a way to drop out of sight for awhile? I think he really loves people and cares about them, but it just got out of control.

[@debrabolton9372]

I hope that Mr. Simmons is well. If he has decided to retire from the spotlight, then so be it. He has given most of his life to others. Now is the time to grant him some respect and privacy.

[@sunnydae8521]

we love you Richard wherever you are and wish you only good things

[@tamie7974]

I love ❤️ his personality!

[@jodieclayton364]

Just sad hope he is okay.

[@allancuseo7431]

He is wonderful and inspiring

[@mmccormack8764]

Love this man!

[@kevingonzales5149]

This man is a great humanitarian, gave everything he had and I think he's tired. That was a lot of energy that he expended and gave from his heart. I remember him acting in soap operas 40 years ago General Hospital, the Luke and Laura days. They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. The comic genius Eddie Murphy did a parody of Richard, Little Richard Simmons on Saturday night live. Three icons in one. I'm glad Richard is alright, because he was everywhere for decades.