Back in 2017, Richard Simmons also made headlines when he was hospitalized for severe indigestion at an undisclosed location in California, his manager, Michael Catalano, revealed in a statement to ABC News. “After a few days of battling severe indigestion and discomfort while eating, we agreed it was best for him to seek treatment,” Catalano said. “He’s already feeling better and is expected to make a full recovery.”
The news came amid rampant speculation surrounding Simmons’ sudden disappearance from the public eye, including rumors that he underwent gender reassignment surgery and was held hostage by his housekeeper (both of which he denied). In his first statement since news of his hospitalization, Simmons assured everyone that he is okay. “I’m not ‘missing, just a little under the weather,” he stressed. “I’m sure I will be feeling good and back home in a couple of days.”
Speaking to ET in 2016, Simmons explained his decision to retreat from the spotlight after 40 years of tirelessly devoting himself to health and fitness. Citing a need for a break, Simmons said (via CBS), “It was time for me to take some time to be by myself.” He also revealed that he suffered a knee injury and had undergone a knee replacement, which he said had been very tough on him. “[So], I have really just been taking it easy, staying at home, working out in my gym and doing the things I haven’t done in a very long time,” he added.
