He is happy, healthy and living the life he has chosen to live., Simmons also posted his own brief Facebook statement on Aug. 24, 2022, thanking supporters for Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love!. Im so proud of you for taking time for yourself. During the 70s, Fritz migrated with his family from Charleston, S.C. to Harlem, eventually settling at 109 112th street. Most of the inhabitants of Harlem benefited from Fritz in one way or another. Richard wanted to retreat before his image was recast as an old man. Your login session has expired. Understanding the adversity of obesity, he opened his own gym and began conducting classes that focused on a rarity in the era of increasingly popular hookup gym culture: He appealed to and supported attendees of all shapes and sizes. When TMZ began promoting "What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," many assumed it was because he had died. Paid in Full fell short in these areas., It isnt known what, if any, role Jay-Z played in Paid in Full but, Hov ironically rapped on Streets is Talking. I seen niggas before me with a chance to write their own story/ Slip up and change the script.. He also never moved out of his old apartment building and drove an old Nissan Maxima. A doctor in the TMZ Investigates documentary said, Around the time he disappeared, he needed a left knee replacement. Fritz's sister Evelyn Simmons claimed that her brother Fritz was "poisoned" in 1991. Simmons, who is the subject of TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons, chimed in on Facebook to react to the outpouring of support after the special premiered on FOX and Hulu . The statement surfaced on the heels of the release of TMZ's new documentary, What Really Happened to Richard Simmons. Simmons put up a fence around his property shortly after his disappearing act. The Miramax film, Paid In Full, produced by Roc-A-Fella (Jay-Z and Damon Dash) and Rat Entertainment (Brett Ratner), was based on events that led up to a December 5, 1989, high-profile Harlem kidnapping case of 12-year old Donnell Porter investigated by the FBI. Ill come back, and Ill come back strong.. The Harlem Plug also reveals events leading up to Fritzs own mysterious, untimely death. Fritz was introduced into the drug trade by an associate . His representative, Tom Estey released a statement, Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the globe. He continued to be a ubiquitous public figure in the 1990s and 2000s, publishing best-selling cookbooks, fronting infomercials and appearing on late-night talk shows. (David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images). Now you do you, Mr. Simmons! One conspiracy theory suggests that Simmons was held hostage . TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons. And still needed a left one. He opened the door for people of all ages, shapes and sizes to achieve their goals and better their lives. Fritz owes his obscurity to his business acumen of achieving the impossible and doing something that hasnt been done. You are very much loved, please never doubt that. And having struggled with feelings about his body image his whole life, his insecurities paired with his position as a public figure motivating people to lose weight made him feel personally responsible for his fans feelings. He was in a lot of pain. How Did Jayo Sama Die? ", CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER. TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons: With Suzanne Somers, Bruce Vilanch, Phil McGraw, Leslie Wilshire. Good for youThank you for blessing and inspiring me so richly, said another. One person never transported Barnes drugs from the pick-up location to the drop-off location. Its almost like were a married couple," he said at the time. There are several ways to watch with a free live stream. On Wednesday, the 74-year-old fitness guru shared a brief message with fans on Facebook to express gratitude for their support. Reps for Simmons politely declined the The Posts request for comment on renewed interest in his retreat from public life. Moving solo, or with no more than two people kept Fritz safe, Holiday says. He had it and then let it go.". Thank you for all that you have done and are still doing. His 12-year . I was the one made fun of. How and why he joined the drug cartels is also captured in detail. At the time, it was announced that Fuse Sweat, a streaming channel, would include Simmons show in its line of programming. Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. Simmons had isolated himself in his home and cut off contact with his friends. The Daily Dose January 19, 2018. The flamboyant fitness guru was a ubiquitous force, fronting informercials, publishing cookbooks and selling tens of millions of workout videos that revolutionized the exercise industry forever. 1 in their release weeks on the iTunes podcast chart as Serial fans and lovers of true . Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the Globe. 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Simmons was one of Hollywoods biggest stars for more than three decades before he suddenly disappeared from the public eye in 2014. According to him, Simmons "doesnt want to be remembered as this frail, old guy. I went to my first Halloween party dressed as a couch. "Thank you, everyone, for your kindness . Mostly any drug dealer would have used drug peddlers to distribute the drugs, but not Fritz. Numerous conspiracy theories concerning Richard Simmons' whereabouts have been offered over the years. "One night I was on the Larry King Show, and he was either going to be a guest or supposed to be a guest, and I heard through the Larry King people that he didn't want to be on the show with me," the "Threes Company" star recalled. 1 season available (1 episode) What really happened to Richard Simmons? The first episode of TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons was released on FOX and Hulu on August 22, 2022. Simmons was quick to respond to the buzz surrounding the podcast. In the 1970s, Richard 'Fritz' Simmons is introduced to the drug trade, by an associate of the Lucchese crime family, one of the five families of La Cosa Nostra (the Mafia). Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the Globe, Estey told The Post. Market data provided by Factset. However, Simmons eventually used the birth defect in his foot as fuel to become fit and healthy. "And if he didnt get one, he might never be able to exercise again. But doesn't that show you he's got a heartache? ; The . Something's broken inside because he did it. Before he retreated from the public eye in 2014, Simmons would greet tour buses that stopped by his Hollywood Hills home and personally call fans to support their weight loss efforts. Fritz was ingenious in that he disregarded unwritten rules. (Harry Langdon/Getty Images). Fans commented on Simmons post to let him know they supported his decision to leave fame at least for now behind him. Richard Simmons thanks fans after long absence. Via: Instar. Ive had hair transplants, but you can only do so much, so I have 12 hairs left and I just spray them, toss them and make it look like a salad. Fritz left behind several children, millions of dollars in cash, and a brownstone, which he never lived in. Pals shared that his beloved eight Dalmatians have passed away over the years. Instead of assembling a crew to handle the drugs like most drug dealers do, Fritz gave the coke away on consignment. Estey confirmed the message was personally composed by Simmons, and was his first public correspondence with fans in six years. But he is being missed. In the special, Suzanne Somers spoke about her last interaction with Richard Simmons. According to the doc, theres a surprisingly simple reason why Simmons retreated from the spotlight. March 10, 2017: Police confirm that they've checked on Richard. The documentary alleges that Simmons knee problems stem from a birth defect, whereby he was born without a full set of bones in his foot. The condition purportedly caused physical and emotional problems.. You havent seen the last of me. Gina Vivinetto is a writer for TODAY.com. Richard Simmons has helped to change so many peoples lives, as they looked to him for health and fitness motivation. Well by now you know that Im not missing, just a little under the weather.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Famous for his workout videos like "Sweatin' to the Oldies," his colorfu. Richard Simmons, who is the subject of a new documentary about why he retreated from public view, addressed fans in a new Facebook post Wednesday. TVPGAward Shows & Events News News Magazine TV Series 2022. We've received your submission. Flamboyant fitness guru Richard Simmons has kept such a low profile in recent years that his lack of publicity has stirred up the press. "I wanted to write from the perspective of his family and close friends." Fritz' spirit juxtaposes mythical aura, but he's no myth. I just really dont want to do anything. We know still that to this day, Richard still hasnt gotten corrective surgery on his left knee, TMZs Harvey Levin reveals in the doc. Barnes, who is also from 112th street, never left Harlem, but he bought and lived in a luxurious condo in Washington Heights. The 74-year-old fitness guru shared a message with fans just days after the premiere of a new TMZ documentary about his disappearance from the spotlight. Richard Simmons has broken his six-year silence, with his spokesperson telling The Post that the beloved fitness icon is "living the life he has chosen.". Market data provided by Factset. Arent you sick of hearing and reading about me?! YouTube @AuthorHarlemHoliday You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! According to the special, Richard Simmons' beloved eight Dalmatians have passed away over the years. 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. The lucrative deal unlocks a lavish lifestyle with more money than . What Really Happened To This Rapper? (Ron Eisenberg/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images), Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines 8/23, Gisele Bndchen shares tips for when 'life gets challenging': 'Remember that the sun rises everyday', Amy Grant says she leaned on her faith after horrific bike accident: Its helped me not be afraid, Bette Midler confesses to plastic surgery: Time smooths 'everything out', Meghan Markle, Prince Harry 'stunned' by King Charles' 'cruel' Frogmore Cottage eviction, report says, Chris Pine addresses Harry Styles spitting incident in Venice, calls Twitter hype ridiculous, John Travolta's daughter Ella reveals 'biggest gift' from 'Saturday Night Fever' legend. Richard Porter walked down a cold Harlem street in December 1990 wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a loaded pistol. Still, his housekeeper is "a fiercely loyal employee and friend.". TMZ addresses the various theories and, in the end, has an answer - why Richard just disappeared. Get Your Answer Here. I felt like someone took my life, commercialized it, and stripped it of all the truth, and power it formerly contained, Faison wrote. Somers also shared the last interaction she had with her friend in the doc. The Harlem Plug is a biography that offers insight into Fritz, his family, his early childhood, his work ethic, his return to Harlem, and how and why he opted for the drug trade. 9/12 is a poignant, surprising, and surprisingly funny seven episode series about people who wake up on 9/12 having to navigate a new, radically altered world. The lucrative deal unlocks a lavish lifestyle with more money than . Simmons has always been concerned with his legacy and image. In 2021, Simmons revealed that he hoped a new generation of fans would be introduced to his classic exercise series, "Sweatin to the Oldies." Attorneys for Simmons have said he supports transgender rights, but the allegations have defamed him. There was always at least three layers (people) between Barnes and his drugs. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. When they didnt succeed (by their own and Simmons definitions), he felt like a failure. "I wanted to tell Fritz' story because the streets were talking, spreading lies," Holiday says during our interview. Richard Simmons is feeling the love, more than 8 years after he disappeared from the public eye, thanking fans for their support and well wishes on the heels of TMZ's documentary about his life. Your email address will not be published. The 74-year-old New Orleans native has certainly accomplished a lot and has . 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. The doc uses these clips to establish the distinguishable difference between his public persona and private life. You have done so much good in so many peoples lives. Hoda Kotbs Today Absence Due to Family Health Matter, Copyright 2023 NTVB Media, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence, The Flays in L.A., Bear Grylls Final Challenges, the Richard Simmons Mystery, Bye-Bye Kevin, TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons. (Ray Tamarra/Getty Images). He had it and then let it go., What really happened to Richard Simmons TMZ separates the truth from the B.S. This is the highly anticipated biography of Harlems own urban legend known as 112th Street Fritz.. The prospect of surgery, of becoming sedentary, caused Richard to sink into a deep depression We know still to this day Richard still hasnt gotten corrective surgery on his left knee. Harlem Westside Publishing In August 2022, TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons was released, and fueling more speculation about his disappearance. His last dog died at age 17. Simmons knee problems began in 2014, and required extensive surgery. Workout videos soon followed, with viewers falling for Simmons exuberant and eccentric personality. In PEOPLE's exclusive sneak peek at What Really Happened . As per Celebrity Net Worth, Richard has an estimated net worth of $20 million. "Hes given up public life entirely Richard is a master of disguise. Diana Dasrath is NBC News entertainment producer and a senior reporter. Through an associate of the Lucchese crime family, one of the five families of La Cosa Nostra (the Mafia), Fritz would expand his operations and become a supplier for many area dealers. You will never know how much it means to me. This kept him safe, alive and out of jail as less people knew about him and his movements. 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. 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