New info about Richard Simmons' passing & final decade in hiding is finally uncovered - Queerty

"Though questions about his private life always swirled around his career, Simmons mostly kept that to himself, focusing instead on spreading joy and his inclusive outlook on healthy living. He was inescapable, and seeing someone be so fabulously himself was like a beacon to queer kids at the time, even if he wouldn't acknowledge it himself."

"But then, after 30-plus years in the public eye, he all but disappeared, not making a single public appearance since 2014. That led to even more rumors-including the belief that he was being held hostage by his longtime house manager-all of which was investigated in the 2017 podcast Missing Richard Simmons."

"The podcast only brought him unwanted attention, not to mention legal troubles as he attempted to sue those who were wrongfully prying into his life. Then, in early '24, it was announced comic actor Pauly Shore would be playing Simmons in an unauthorized biopic about him. Distraught, he took to Facebook to condemn the movie."

"Then, something amazing happened: Comments on his post were flooded with messages of support. It's been implied that positive feedback gave him the confidence to stage his public comeback. He was reportedly working with Madonna collaborator Patrick Leonard on a Broadway musical inspired by his life, and he'd even reached out to legendary broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer for an interview to tell his story."

Richard Simmons became a prominent fitness figure in the 1980s and 1990s, promoting joy and inclusive healthy living while keeping his private life largely private. After more than 30 years in public view, he stopped appearing publicly after 2014, which fueled rumors, including claims of being held hostage by his house manager. A 2017 podcast investigated those rumors and led to further unwanted attention and legal trouble when Simmons attempted to sue people who were prying into his life. In early 2024, Pauly Shore was announced to play him in an unauthorized biopic, and Simmons condemned it on Facebook. Supportive comments reportedly helped him regain confidence, and he was reportedly working on a Broadway musical and seeking an interview with Diane Sawyer. He died on July 13, 2024, from complications of a fall suffered the day before.

Read at Queerty