How Old Is Richard Simmons?... (and other Important Questions Answered)

By Sam Brand Posted Jan 6th 2010 08:31PM

He's young enough to run around like a lunatic fit freak on live TV. And old enough to be releasing his 59^th workout video. Richard Simmons (Queen Latifah, too) appeared on 'Ellen' on Wednesday to twist, shout, sweat, sell videos to the world, and prove that the fitness icon is very much alive and flamboyantly kicking. But who does this guy think he is, where on earth did he come from, and, really... how old is he?

61 years old. A simple Google query will tell you that. But it sure seems like he's been around a lot longer. Maybe that's because his workout videos surfaced in the early '80s, about the same time as Jane Fonda's vids, though Fonda is a decade older.

Or maybe it's because Simmons is so prolific. The New York Times says his latest videos "Sweating to the Oldies 5" and "Toning to the Oldies" are his 58^th and 59^th videos. He's released over a dozen books - his autobiography Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story is required reading for any true Simmons fan. He's got dozens of inspirational audio recordings, available in every obsolete format except 4-track. And after all these years, he's still pumping out material at a strenuous pace.

Or maybe Simmons seems old because, well, he's the only 61-year-old bounding across daytime TV in outdated short shorts and a sequined tank top.

If anyone has proved age ain't nothin' but a number, it's Simmons. Of all the workout gurus who found fame during the '80s fitness craze, Richard Simmons is the only one still leading aerobic classes for ordinary Joe's and Jane's. You can find him in front of the class at his Hollywood gym Slimmons several times a week.

The only Jane sweating for Fonda nowadays is the one in the mirror.

Since graduating high school tipping the scales at 268 pounds, Simmons has been a man on the move. He relocated from his native New Orleans to New York City and then to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he slimmed down to as few as 145 pounds.

123 pounds isn't much by today's 'The Biggest Loser' standards, but Simmons was intent on avoiding fad diets, living a well-rounded life, and keeping the weight off.

His simple regimen (lots of activity and eating well) has worked for himself and millions of his followers. They keep following him. And he's kept you guessing.

Just don't ask if Richard Simmons is gay. 'The Drew Carey Show's' Kathy Kinney "outted" Simmons on 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show' several years ago. Rosie famously cut straight to commercial.

Richard Simmons' age might be out in the open, but his sexual orientation is still very much a secret. Well, sorta.

Tags: drew carey, DrewCarey, ellen, ellen degeneres, EllenDegeneres, how old is richard simmons, HowOldIsRichardSimmons, jane fonda, JaneFonda, kathy kinney, KathyKinney, richard simmons, RichardSimmons

Comments

(55)

Saturday 09 January

By peppa

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PERSONALLY, HE'S NOT MY CUP OF TEA.... AND I DON'T QUESTION HIS LIFESTYLE.
HE SEEMS VERY SINCERE IN WANTING TO HELP PEOPLE GET HEALTHY, AND STAY HEALTHY..... SO WHO AM I TO JUDGE ???

By kathy

Telling my age, but you forgot to put Elvis Presley on that list of who picture did you have on your wall when you where young? Here it is his 75 birthday, and there are a lot of women out there that had his picture on their walls. Now if I was younger, I would have Johnny Depp. Even at my age, I think he is just gorgeous.

By Brenda

Nothing against Richard, but dude ... please put on some pants!!

By GiIIs821

Why's this considered a mystery? He has said how old he is on Letterman's show. Not a secret.

By CatLady

Hey, the guys been around forever and even though I have been known to "groan" when he pops on a TV show I have to give him credit. He has stayed true to what he does. He obviously takes what he does seriously and he has helped alot of people.
He seems to be one of the few people in the spot light that hasn't been caught doing anything bad or cheating his fans.
His sexual preference is obvious but who cares? I think his gayness is what endears him to people especially women.
As any woman will tell you there is nobody better to get an opinion on fashion or a hairstyle than a gay guy. I know it sounds like I'm stereotyping but it's true. It's a mix of good taste an honest "guy" opinion and safety.
You go Richard!!!

By Charles

anyone old enough to remember Jack LaLane (from the 1960's) should know he was active through his 90's ... and I have a feeling that Richard Simmons may very well be active in his old age. More power to him.

By Kaleign

So what if he's gay? So what if he's old or not? So what if he's rich? This man has spent the bulk of his years being not just a humanitarian but a genuine humanitarian. He actually gives a crap about the people he helps. He has always been a good driving force for the ones who follow his example.
How many of us can measure up to him?
Keep on movin' Richard! You the MAN!

By city girl

What a small minded little homophobic eunuch you are.

By Joan

I met him at a private club in Newport Beach in the 70's and he is closer to 70 years old not 61.

By David

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Is Richard Simmons gay? You gotta be kidding me! Is the Pope Catholic? Sometimes straight people amaze me. For starters it should not matter whether or not he is gay. He does a job and is very effective and caring about his job and yes he is so flamboyant that he makes gay men cringe. But that also should not matter. But what amazes me is that anybody would even ask if Richard Simmons is gay. If he is not gay then he has damn sure missed his calling.

By Praise the Lord

Who cares if he is gay? The man grew up in a brothel, was obviously teased for that, but then he grows up to help people! The very same people who hurt him? How cool is that? So many folks whine because they had a way less stressful life and grew up to do nothing but keep whining! He is a good man who, when is gone, will be remembered for helping people and sparking up a room with "feel good". Not many of us will be known for that! God Bless him.

By I did it.

So many here must be afraid of him. How many of you actually know him? You know what you think you know and that is the TV persona and not the real person. You have my pity and a tiny portion of understanding.

By Laughing Lady

Has anybody ever seen this guy in long pants? His whole wardrobe seems to be outdated exercise togs. Where does he find those things?

By Cindy

He is a RUDE MEAN little man! I was sooo excited to meet him on a local noon news show where I was picked out for a workout with him. The station didn't have the work out music he requested and he proceeded to call them all every nasty name a person can think of and in front or ALL of us waiting to work out with him. He makes me nauseous every time I've seen him since..

Wednesday 13 January

By MARY ANN

DOES IT REALLY MATTER IF HE IS GAY OR NOT? HE IS A GREAT PERSON AND IT IS NO ONES BUSSINESS WHAT GOES ON IN HIS BEDROOM. I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR HIM THAT HE SHARES HIS LIFE WITH US AND DOESN'T LOOK TO BE IN THE SPOT LIGHT FOR SOMETHING THAT IS NO ONES BUSSINESS. I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO WRITE TO MR. SIMMONS, IF ANYONE CAN SEND ME AN EMAIL FOR HIM OR AN ADDRESS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. RICHARD YOU STAY THE GREAT PERSON YOU ARE. THANKS SOR HELPING ALL THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE I YOUR LIFE TIME, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

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