There’s A Documentary About Richard Simmons’ Disappearance From The Spotlight

Almost seven years ago, a rep for hyperactive jewel Richard Simmons announced that he has retired from the spotlight after helping people sweat to the oldies. Since then, Richard’s lived a pretty quiet life away from the cameras. Well, here comes TMZ with a new documentary titled What Really Happened To Richard Simmons?. But apparently, Richard hasn’t totally been hiding.

Shortly after Richard Simmons took a bow and exited stage left, there were many rumors like the one that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper. Richard’s rep denied that. And now that his public profile has been reduced over the years people are wondering if he’s Ok. The Sun reports that sources close to Richard say he’s fine, but no longer feels the need for the spotlight anymore. His spokesperson Tommy Estey, admits Richard needed a damn break from decades of being the original Energizer Bunny. If anything, Tommy revealed Richard just wants some rest and some much-needed Me Time by stating “He’s helped millions of people lose millions of pounds. And for 40 years, he took care of everyone but himself.” And you know what? That’s understandable. But Harvey Levin wants everyone to know that Richard isn’t as reclusive as we all might think. And his new documentary plans to shed light on sides of Richard we never get to see.

 “We found out he likes going to the beach, he’ll go shopping,” said Levin.

“There has not been a single paparazzi that has gotten anything of Richard Simmons out in public in more than eight years.”

Harvey admitted that it wasn’t as difficult to make the documentary as he thought it would be, especially after interviewing people who know him. And one of those folks, Suzanne Somers, also revealed a sad tale from the last time she heard from Richard almost a decade ago. People reports;

“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,” Somers said in a clip from the doc shared with PEOPLE.

“I said, ‘Why?’ and he said, ‘She’ll make fun of me.’ And that’s not my style, I never make fun of anybody. But that’s when I realized a little insecurity has gotten in there,” she added. “I liked him. I was always so surprised when he thought I’d make fun of him. But doesn’t that show you he’s got a heartache? Something’s broken inside because he did it. He had it and then let it go.”

So I guess the answer to the question What Really Happened To Richard Simmons? is: doing whatever the hell he wants and avoiding Suzanne Somers’ calls (probably). And he’s also been making other Hollywood stars faint with shock by NOT calling the paps every time he leaves his house.

Pic: INSTARImages