Richard Simmons biography, net worth, workout, married, divorce, costume

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<p>Born on July 12, 1948, Richard Simmons—whose full name is <a href="/biography/richard-simmons">Milton Teagle "Richard" Simmons</a>—struggled with obesity throughout his early life. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents Leonard Douglas Simmons, Sr., and Shirley May, both of whom had backgrounds in show business. His father was of Methodist descent, while his mother was of Russian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jews">Jewish</a> heritage. Simmons attended Brother Martin High School, formerly known as Cor Jesu High School. During his childhood and teenage years, he battled health issues related to his weight, which peaked at approximately 122 kilograms (270 pounds). He also suffered from asthma, in part exacerbated by his obesity.</p>

<h2>Early Career and Move to Los Angeles</h2>
<p>After completing high school, Simmons moved to Los Angeles, California, where he took a job at a restaurant in Beverly Hills. It was there that his interest in personal fitness began. Dissatisfied with the existing fitness programs of the time, he decided to establish a gym that would emphasize joy and accessibility in exercise and nutrition.</p>

<h2>Founding of Slimmons Fitness Studio</h2>
<p>Simmons opened his first fitness studio with the help of his friend and business partner Edwin Colon Jr. Initially called the Anatomy Asylum, the studio featured a salad bar named Ruffage and focused equally on healthy eating and enjoyable workouts. Eventually, the salad bar was phased out, and the facility was rebranded as Slimmons, placing greater focus on physical fitness and group exercise programs.</p>

<p>Slimmons became a welcoming space for individuals seeking a more engaging and less intimidating approach to health and wellness. According to Simmons, his programs have helped people collectively lose approximately 5.5 million kilograms (over 12 million pounds) over the past 35 years.</p>

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<h2>Media Presence and Television Career</h2>
<p>Richard Simmons became widely recognized through his work in the entertainment industry. He gained popularity from his appearances on the television show Real People, where he worked with individuals struggling with obesity. His approachable and empathetic demeanor resonated with audiences, leading to further opportunities in the media.</p>

<p>Simmons made guest appearances on numerous television game shows, including <em>Win, Lose or Draw</em>, <em>Super Password</em>, and <em>Body Language</em>. His rising popularity earned him a recurring role on the long-running soap opera <em>General Hospital</em>, where he appeared regularly for four years. In addition to his television presence, he hosted a fitness-themed show on Sirius Satellite Radio for three years.</p>

<h2>Public Persona and Personal Life</h2>
<p>Known for his flamboyant and energetic personality, Simmons once famously appeared on <em>The Late Show with David Letterman</em> dressed in a turkey costume, during which he reportedly experienced an asthma attack. He returned to the show six years later in better health.</p>

<p>Richard Simmons is notably private about his personal life. He has never married, and little is publicly known about his romantic relationships. He currently resides in Beverly Hills, California, where he lives with his three dogs and household staff. Despite his fame, Simmons maintains direct communication with fans, often responding to them via phone or mail.</p>

<p>He continues to promote physical fitness through occasional public appearances and seminars. As of current estimates, his net worth is approximately $15 million. More information about his life and career can be found through reputable biographies and on Wikipedia.</p>

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