Richard Simmons is ‘happy’ as he celebrated a ‘milestone’ birthday, according to rep
By Alli Rosenbloom, CNN
(CNN) — Richard Simmons is 75 years old and happy.
The fitness guru celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, and his representative Tom Estey told Entertainment Tonight that his 75th is a “big milestone.”
“I just want to see him happy, which he is,” Estey said, in the rare update on the health icon.
Simmons, who built a fitness empire in the 80s and a reputation as a gregarious health advocate, has remained out of the public eye in recent years. But the circumstances surrounding his whereabouts and well-being has provided a fair share of internet fodder.
In 2017, following a slew of reports speculating on Simmons’ health, his publicist told CNN that “everything is fine.”
Simmons has made a resurgence in recent years when his previously dormant YouTube page began posting videos of his vintage workout tapes, inspiring people to stay active during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
“Hope you enjoy and sweat your pants off!” the caption of a March 2020 video read.
In 2022, the release of a documentary about the icon’s lack of public visibility in recent years prompted Simmons to write an update on his verified Facebook page thanking his followers for the support.
The-CNN-Wire
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CNN’s Chloe Melas contributed to this report.