Diane Sawyer is exploring the extraordinary life of fitness guru Richard Simmons in an upcoming documentary.
The documentary, titled ‘The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special’, will delve into the behind-the-scenes details of Simmons’ life, including exclusive interviews with his inner circle.
Documentary Will Feature Last Person To See Simmons Alive
GettySimmons passed away in 2024. PEOPLE reported the cause of death as a fall at home and underlying heart disease. He had been the subject of media scrutiny after his sudden disappearance from the public eye in 2014.
‘The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Dianne Sawyer Special’ will examine the life of the eccentric fitness guru, including interviews with his inner circle.
“We’re all waiting for support from others,” Simmons says in archival footage featured in the trailer. “But sometimes we don’t get it. That’s why God made me.”
A voiceover for the trailer describes Simmons’ “record-breaking fitness empire” as “a joyful revolution.”
“I think he loved people back to health,” Rosie O’Donnell says in an interview with Sawyer.
The trailer then acknowledges the abrupt turn Simmons’ life took, reporting that “one day, he disappeared for a decade.”
“He felt the love… until he didn’t,” says his longtime manager Michael Catalano. “And then it just got real quiet.”
The trailer reveals Simmons had previously sought out an interview with Sawyer, who has now tracked down his closest friends and families to include in the documentary.
“This is the first time I’ve spoken about it,” says Teresa Reveles, his house manager of 35 years.
Reveles was the last person to see Simmons alive, and the one who discovered him after his death.
“When I came here, then I saw him on the floor,” she reveals in the documentary.
The Celebrated Life And Mysterious End Of Richard Simmons
GettyDuring the heyday of Simmons’ career, he was an inspiration to many.
“I think Iâm just a good example of a chubby, fat, unhappy kid who lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, and dreamed, and now all my dreams are coming true,” he told TV host Huell Howser, as reported by the New York Times in his obituary.
He was dubbed the “clown prince of fitness” by PEOPLE in 1981, and the New York Times had previously described him as “the most loquacious, flamboyant, visible and rambunctious exercise evangelist this world has ever seen.”
Simmons became well-known for his product line, including his infamous ‘Sweatin’ to the Oldies’ workouts.
His sudden disappearance led to a podcast, ‘Missing Richard Simmons.’ Simmons failed to turn up to teach a fitness class on February 15, 2014, sparking concern.
“The concern is that he is not just taking time off. Heâs not just retired. Heâs not just stepping away from the spotlight,” Dan Taberski, friend of Simmons and host of ‘Missing Richard Simmons,’ told the New York Times.
“The concern is that heâs cut off every person he knows. Itâs impossible not to be concerned about that. And every person Iâve talked to, every friend whoâs known him for years, everybody is concerned.”
LAPD, however, reported that during a “welfare check,” Simmons was alive and well, reported The Guardian.
Simmons is survived by his brother Lenny Simmons, who will also feature in the documentary.
‘The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special’ will air May 12 on ABC, and be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu from May 13.
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